ACLEAR insight into the widely dispersed notices on the organization and execution of building activities in the New World is difficult to gain. Yet such a knowledge is prerequisite for an understanding of Spanish architecture in the overseas colonies where Spain initiated the most extensive building program ever undertaken by a colonial power. In fact, this program transformed the architectural character of an entire continent to a much greater extent than did the similar process at the beginning of the Christian epoch in the Oriental-Mediterranean area. Were the early Spanish builders professionals? From what part of Spain did they come? Were they provided with instructions from Spain? Did the different orders take varying attitudes towards architecture? The answers to all of these questions would contribute to our understanding of the “style” of ecclesiastic and secular building in the colonies.2