The most authoritative source, The Panublion, has construction staged over some 30 years starting under the guidance of Augustinian Friar Juan Aquado who apparently worked in Guimbal in 1742, and between 1744 and 1753.
It was, completed between 1769 and 1774 under the leadership of Friar Juan Campos and was further enlarged during 1893 under Friar José Oranguren.
Unfortunately, if was destroyed by fire during the Revolution of 1896 to 1898 and was rebuilt by a group led by Friar Augustine Llorente who also added the current tower.
As with all churches constructed in 18th and 19th century Philippines particularly under the guidance of the Augustinian Friars – all construction was carried out using forced labour or ‘folio’.
The church was seriously damaged during the Japanese Occupation of World War II and the Lady Caycay Earthquake of January 1948. Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the church has been an on again and off again situation since that time.
Upon entering the church you are impressed by its simple, bright airiness. This is unlike many of the churches we have visited.
The sanctuary is quite beautiful, as can be seen from this photograph. Made mostly of solid polished marble. The centre crucifix is flanked by statues of Saint Nicholas on the right and of the Blessed Virgin on the right.
The church is not as big as the previous ones we have seen which were quite majestic in size. This one is built in more of a Spanish Colonial Style, which was predominant in Mexico at the time.
It should be remembered that many of the Augustinians that settled in the region originally served the Augustinian missions in Mexico before being ‘transferred’ to thePhilippines.
That is why you see the fusion of construction styles here in Guimbal, a fusion of the Spanish colonial and Chinese styles. The church is much smaller and some say that it is more elegant than the others we have seen.
The exterior of the church is in bad shape and refurbishment work is planned to take place in the next few years. A close look at some of the stone work shows that the work may be needed sooner rather than later…
repairs needed?