The name Oslob refers to a strong undercurrent of fresh water near the sea which appears and disappears with the coming of low and high tide.

Oslob was founded as an independent parish on January 8, 1848 and placed under the advocation of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The town had the special privilege of hosting Governor-general Narciso Claveria, on his return from a mission against the Muslims in Balanguingui.

In 1851, a group of young people from Oslob volunteered for the anti-Muslim missions under Governor-General Urbiztondo. An Augustinian Recollect by the name of Fr. Pascual Ibaņez delivered a patriotic speech for them while they were stationed at Siquijor Island.

Construction of the Church

According to the Mapa of 1848, the thing that attracts attention in the town of Oslob is its well-finished magnificent church made of selected stones. The foundation of the church was laid on May 4, 1830 by Fr. Julian Bermejo, the same priest who set up defense fortresses against Muslim pirates in various parts of Cebu, while the plans were drawn by Bishop Santos Gomez de Maraņon. The church was finished 18 years later. In 1847, Bishop Romualdo Ximeno officiated the blessing ceremonies and was the main celebrant at the church’s first mass.

There were eleven bells installed in the fifth story of the bell tower but was later transferred to the fourth story when the fifth story was destroyed.

The church was totally burned in 1942 by Filipino guerillas which destroyed the vault and dome. In 1955, a fire of unknown origin ruined the whole complex, except for the masonry walls of both buildings. Fr. Benedicto Zapra restored the church with the cooperation of the townspeople. Finally, Fr. Constantino Batoctoy renovated the church convent in 1977 and completed the restoration of the church in 1980, in time for the sesquicentennial celebration of the original church (1830-1980).

Style of the Church

The windows of the faįade and the bell tower are rectangular, giving the church a simple appearance. This simplicity of the faįade’s design, the emphasized vertical movement and the straight lines make it attractive. The overcrowding of half-embedded pilasters accentuates the simple and sober appearance. The semi-circular arch of the main entrance contrasts with the rectangular movement. The pediment is triangular in shape. The octagonal bell tower has rectangular and semi-circular arched windows alternating with blind ones. The dome is typically Neo-classic.