In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and settlers arrived in Texas, aiming to spread their influence and convert Native American communities to Christianity. This led to the establishment of Spanish missions, which served as centers for religious, economic, and social activities. 

The missions were not just buildings; they were communities with a unique way of life. Picture sturdy adobe structures with thick walls, surrounded by protective barriers and featuring a central courtyard for communal activities.  In the missions, people lived in dormitories, which were like big shared bedrooms. Families and friends slept in the same room, and there were usually several rooms in one building. The walls were made of adobe, a kind of clay mixed with straw, which helped keep the rooms cool in the hot Texas weather.

Daily life in the missions revolved around agriculture, with fields cultivated for crops like corn, beans, and squash. The missions were self-sustaining communities, engaging in trade and barter between Spanish settlers and Native Americans. The Spaniards brought European goods, while the indigenous people provided resources such as animal hides and agricultural products.  One of the most important things in the missions was food. The main source of food was farming. People grew crops like corn, beans, and squash. They also raised animals like cattle and chickens. The mission residents worked hard in the fields to make sure there was enough food for everyone. The Spanish and Native Americans traded goods, and this helped everyone get what they needed.

Religion played a central role in mission life.  Spanish monks or priests were important people in the missions. They had several responsibilities, such as teaching the Native Americans about Christianity, helping them build houses, and taking care of the mission's day-to-day activities. Monks also taught the Spanish language and other skills, like farming and weaving, to the Native Americans.  Inside the mission church, there was a special area called the chancel. The chancel was located at the front of the church and was separated from the rest of the church by a screen. It was like a sacred space where the monks performed religious ceremonies and the community came together for worship. Beautiful decorations adorned the chancel, and it was an important part of mission life, serving as a place for prayer, music, and celebration.

Life in the Spanish missions in Texas was a blend of different cultures coming together to create a community. Dormitories provided shelter, Spanish monks guided the community, farming was crucial for survival, and the chancel in the mission church played a significant role in religious and cultural activities. These missions left a lasting impact on Texas history and the way people lived during that time.