Foundation

The town of Alcoy was one of the last foundations of the Augustinians in the island of Cebu. It was founded as a civil town in 1867 and as an independent parish in 1890 under the advocation of Santa Rosa de Lima. Fr. Bartolome Fernandez was its first parish priest.

Construction of the Church

The first temporary church building was made of bricks, constructed in 1889 by Fr. Bartolome Fernandez. Fathers Luciano Fernandez and Alicerio made restorations to the church in 1893 and 1976, respectively. Of the church’s original bells, only two are left.

Style of the Church

Some of the church’s features are Gothic, though in a superficial manner. Its simplicity makes it relevant to the style.

The recessed main entrance is crowned by a sharp alcove which takes the form of a mini-gable. Four half-emerging pillars divide the faįade into segments. A clover-shaped window decorates the center portion of the pediment while the side windows have flame-like arches. Four column-like structures, connected by decorative railings flank the gable.

Extracted from: Angels in Stone
By: Pedro G. Galende O.S.A