It consists, like the others, of a large square, and numerous
Mexican families still reside there. To the left of the gateway is the
granary. The church stands apart from the building; it is within the
square, but unconnected. The west door is decorated with the most
elaborated carvings of flowers, images of angels, and figures of the
apostles; the interior is plain. To the right is a handsome tower and
belfry, and above the altar a large stone cupola. Behind the church is a
long range of rooms for the missionaries, with a corridor of nine arches
in front. The Texan troops were long quartered here, and, although
always intoxicated, strange to say, the stone carvings have not been
injured. The church has since been repaired, and divine service is
performed in it.
About half a mile further down is the mission of San Juan. The church
forms part of the sides of the square, and on the north-west corner of
the square are the remains of a small stone tower. This mission, as
well as that of La Espada, is inhabited. The church of La Espada,
however, is in ruins, and but two sides of the square, consisting of
mere walls, remain entire; the others have been wantonly destroyed.
The church at San Antonio de Bejar was built in the year 1717; and
although it has suffered much from the many sieges which the city has
undergone, it is still used as a place of public worship.
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