Construction of the Church

Following the plans of architect Don Domingo Escanrillas, the foundations of the church was laid down by Fr. Miguel del Burgo in December 1870. The construction was interrupted several times between 1870 and 1876 probably because of lack of funds. It was finally completed and solemnly blessed on October 25, 1886 by the vicar of the diocese. During such event, all the houses of the town were decorated with draperies, their windows illuminated with candles. The first solemn mass was celebrated on the following day by Fr. Mauricio Alvarez, prior of the Sto.Niņo.

Made of masonry, the church the style chosen by Fr. Diez was Gothic because he thought it as “the most serious and majestic for these kinds of buildings.”

Style of the Church

All the features of the church are Gothic. The main entrance has recessed pointed arches and abruptly sharp gables above it. A large and elaborately carved wheel window rests above the main doorway by the cornice line. Flat pillars mounted on high rectangular pedestals rise up to the pediment line and end up in pinnacles that divide the faįade into three vertical sections. The upper level is integrated with the gable, and crowned at the apex by a cross. A small carving at the center represents the Augustinian emblem.

The twin bell towers have flame-like windows and one wheel window on the lower level; they taper into spires crowned by pinnacles at the corners of the painted dome, a Gothic feature.