San Agustin Church (Lubao)

Last updated

Lubao Church
San Agustin Parish Church
Saint Augustine Parish Church
Iglesia Parroquial de San Agustín (Spanish)
Jf4308Saint Augustine Parish Church Exterior Lubaofvf 03.JPG
Church facade in 2015
Philippines location map (Luzon mainland).svg
Red pog.svg
Lubao Church
Location in Luzon
Philippines location map (square).svg
Red pog.svg
Lubao Church
Location in the Philippines
14°56′19″N120°36′06″E / 14.9386°N 120.6017°E / 14.9386; 120.6017
LocationSan Nicolas 1st, Lubao, Pampanga
Country Philippines
Denomination Roman Catholic
History
Status Parish church
Founded1572
Dedication St. Augustine of Hippo
Architecture
Heritage designationImportant Cultural Property
DesignatedAugust 2013
Architect(s) Fr. Antonio Herrera [1]
Architectural type Church building
Style Baroque; Neoclassical
Groundbreaking 1614
Completed1638
Specifications
Length82.45 metres (270.5 ft)
Width21.12 metres (69.3 ft)
Height10.50 metres (34.4 ft)
Materials Sand, gravel, cement, mortar, steel and bricks
Administration
Archdiocese San Fernando
Clergy
Archbishop Most. Rev. Florentino G. Lavarias
Priest(s) Rev. Fr. Emiliano M. Dizon

San Agustin Parish Church, commonly known as Lubao Church, is a 17th-century Neo-classic, Spanish stone and brick Roman Catholic church located at Brgy. San Nicolas 1st, Lubao, Pampanga, Philippines. It is under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of San Fernando. In 1952, a historical marker bearing a brief history of the structure was installed on the facade of the church by the Historical Committee of the Philippines, precursor of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. In 2013, the church has been declared by the National Museum of the Philippines as an Important Cultural Property. [1]

Contents

History

Lubao has been annexed to Tondo as a visita (mission) on May 3, 1572. Soon after, on March 5, 1575, Father Provincial Alfonso Alvarado was assigned to lead the convent of Lubao. The volume of baptisms signed on the baptismal book of Lubao attests to the importance of Lubao as a missionary center.

The history of the current edifice has several versions. One source tells of a Fr. Juan Gallegos, assigned as the first resident priest of Lubao, who organized the early settlement and made the church structures of light materials in a place called Sitio Sapang Pare, a landing place for missionaries coming in from Manila Bay and the tributaries of the Pampanga River. Eventually, the settlement was transferred to its present site. Other sources assert that it was Father Francisco Coronel who founded and established the town at its present site and started building the current edifice. Still other references refute this claim stating that Father Coronel had only stayed in Lubao in 1613 and never came back. Father Jeronimo de Venasque continued the construction in 1635 and it was completed by Father Francisco Figueroa in 1638. Father Antonio Bravo did some repair work in 1877, and in 1893 Father Antonio Moradillo commissioned Italian artists Dibella and Alberoni to paint the ceiling of the nave, along with other ornamentations. The cemetery chapel and stone gate have also been attributed to Father Moradilla. The church and convent were occupied by the Philippine revolutionaries in 1898. They were damaged in 1945 by Japanese bombing during World War II and in 1952 during a strong typhoon. The church was restored in 1954. [2] [3]

2019 Luzon earthquake

On April 22, 2019, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake [4] struck the island of Luzon in the Philippines, leaving at least 18 dead, three missing and injuring at least 256 others. Despite the epicenter being in Zambales, most of the damage to infrastructure occurred in the neighboring province of Pampanga, which suffered damage to 29 buildings and structures, including churches. [5]

During the 2019 Luzon earthquake, the church's belfry collapsed. Rebuilding the belfry and repairing the church's floor cost more than 10 million pesos. [6]

Architecture

Church interior in 2024 Lubao Church Interior, Pampanga, Jun 2024.jpg
Church interior in 2024

The church measures 82.45 metres (270.5 ft) long, 21.12 metres (69.3 ft) wide and 10.50 metres (34.4 ft) high with stone and brick walls 2.46 metres (8 ft 1 in) thick. The five-story bell tower attached to the left of the facade is 31 metres (102 ft) high. The flat surface of facade is bare of ornamentation save for the central retablo of niches, fluted pilasters and Ionic columns in Neoclassical style. The facade has one semicircular-arched main door and three rectangular windows on the second level. The facade is crowned by an imaginary triangular pediment topped by a cross. [2] [7] As of 2014, the rough brick surface of the facade had been replaced.

Inscriptions on the church structure

To recognize the cultural significance of the San Agustin Church, three significant inscriptions have been placed on the church: one from the National Historical Committee, (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines), the parish of Lubao, and the National Museum of the Philippines:

1952 National Historical Committee marker
Inscription – Church of LubaoMarker
Founded in 1572 in Barrio Santa Catalina. Moved to this site thirty years later due to yearly floods. Architect Fr. Antonio Herrera, Augustinian, constructed this church, 1614–1630, out of locally-made brick and sand mixed in egg albumen contributed by the people of Lubao. Occupied 1898 by the Revolutionists. Used as hospital 1899 by American Forces. Destroyed 1942 by Japanese shelling. Repaired 1949–1952, under the direction of Fr. Melencio Garcia and other priests. JC Lubao 19.jpg
1982 Lubao Parish Church commemorative marker for President Diosdado P. Macapagal
Inscription – Diosdado Pangan MacapagalMarker
Fifth President, Republic of the Philippines (1961–1965) and president, 1971 Constitutional Convention, also Lawyer Doctor of Laws Doctor of Economics Educator, Diplomat, Congressman and Vice-President of the Philippines. Born in Lubao, Pampanga September 28, 1910, was baptized in this church, October 12, 1910, by Fr. Francisco de la Banda, of parents Urbano and Romana (Midwife: Escolastica Romero). Sponsor: Angel Javier, Book 32, Page 98, Entry 4. Fr. Pedro Diez, parish priest. This marker placed by Rev. Fr. Gregorio P. Binuya II, parish priest on President Macapagal's 72nd baptismal year for perpetual memory of [his] baptism and birth. JC Lubao 20.jpg
2013 National Museum of the Philippines marker for Important Cultural Property

In accordance with the requirements of the National Museum in declaring Important Cultural Properties, the San Agustin church has been declared as such because of its significant architectural features and altarpiece. [1] According to the National Museum, the Important Cultural Property title is the second highest title granted by the institution to heritage structures (next to the National Cultural Treasure). Accordingly, the San Agustin church did not pass requirements to be declared a National Cultural Treasure because what remains of the original structure is less than 60 percent. [8]

Inscription – Important Cultural PropertyMarker
Approximate English Translation: To its outstanding significance to the Filipino cultural heritage, the parish church of Saint Augustine, Lubao, Pampanga is declared an Important Cultural Property. National Museum, August 28, 2013. JC Lubao 18.jpg

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lubao</span> Municipality in Pampanga, Philippines

Lubao, officially the Municipality of Lubao, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 173,502 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sasmuan</span> Municipality in Pampanga, Philippines

Sasmuan, officially the Municipality of Sasmuan, formerly known by its Spanish name Sexmoán, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 29,076 people, making it the least populated municipality in the province.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malate Church</span> Roman Catholic church in Manila, Philippines

The Our Lady of Remedies Parish, also known as Malate Church, is a Roman Catholic parish church in the district of Malate in the city of Manila, Philippines. This Mexican Baroque-style church is overlooking Plaza Rajah Sulayman and, ultimately, Manila Bay. The church is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, the patroness of childbirth. A revered statue of the Virgin Mary in her role as Our Lady of Remedies was brought from Spain in 1624 and stands at the altar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Betis Church</span> Roman Catholic church in Pampanga, Philippines

Santiago Apostol Parish Church, commonly known as Betis Church, is a Baroque-style church located in the Betis District of Guagua in Pampanga, Philippines under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando. The church was established in 1607 and dedicated to Saint James the Greater, the Apostle. It was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santa Monica Parish Church (Minalin)</span> Roman Catholic church in Pampanga, Philippines

Santa Monica Parish Church, commonly known as Minalin Church, is a Baroque Roman Catholic church, located in poblacion area of San Nicolas in Minalin, Pampanga, Philippines. The church, built during the Spanish era, was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Museum of the Philippines on August 27, 2011, one of 37 churches in the country bestowed that honor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Immaculate Conception Parish Church (Jasaan)</span> Roman Catholic church in Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Immaculate Conception Parish Church, commonly known as Jasaan Church, is a Baroque Roman Catholic church located in Poblacion, Upper Jasaan in Misamis Oriental, Philippines. It is under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. The church was declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure in Northern Mindanao due to its artistic design and cultural values.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bacarra Church</span> Roman Catholic church in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, commonly known as Bacarra Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in the municipality of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Laoag.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion</span> Roman Catholic church in Bulacan, Philippines

The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, commonly known as Bulakan Church, is a 19th-century Neo-Byzantine-Romanesque stone church located at Brgy. San Jose, in the Municipality of Bulakan, Bulacan province, Philippines. It is one of the parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malolos under the Vicariate of the Immaculate Conception. The church was declared Marked Historical Structure of the Philippines in 2007 by the National Historical Institute, the precursor of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. A historical marker bearing a brief history of the church was installed by the commission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guagua Church</span> Roman Catholic church in Pampanga, Philippines

Immaculate Conception Parish Church, commonly known as Guagua Church, is a 17th-century Baroque church located at Brgy. Plaza Burgos, Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines. Its is under the care of the Immaculate Conception parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando. In 1982, a historical marker bearing the brief history of the church was installed on the facade by the church by the National Historical Committee, precursor of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church (Porac)</span> Roman Catholic church in Pampanga, Philippines

Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church, commonly known as Porac Church, is a 19th-century Baroque Roman Catholic church located at Barangay Poblacion, Porac, Pampanga, Philippines. The parish church is currently under the ecclesiastical province of the Archdiocese of San Fernando.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Joseph the Worker Parish Church (Floridablanca)</span> Roman Catholic church in Pampanga, Philippines

Saint Joseph the Worker Parish Church, commonly known as Floridablanca Church, is a 19th-century Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church located at Barangay Poblacion, Floridablanca, Pampanga, Philippines. The parish church, under the aegis of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, is currently under the Archdiocese of San Fernando.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Nicolas de Tolentino Church (Macabebe)</span> Roman Catholic church in Pampanga, Philippines

San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church, commonly known as Macabebe Church, is a 17th-century, Baroque Roman Catholic church located at Barangay Santa Cruz, Macabebe, Pampanga, Philippines. The parish church, under the patronage of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, is under the Archdiocese of San Fernando.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Juan Bautista Church (Calumpit)</span> Roman Catholic church in Bulacan, Philippines

The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint John the Baptist, also known as the San Juan Bautista Parish Church and commonly known as Calumpit Church, is a 17th-century, Roman Catholic, baroque church located in Calumpit, Bulacan, Philippines. The parish church, under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist, belongs to the Diocese of Malolos under the Vicariate of Saint James the Apostle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Andres Apostol Church (Candaba)</span> Roman Catholic church in Pampanga, Philippines

San Andres Apostol Parish Church, commonly known as Candaba Church, is a 17th-century, Baroque church located at Barangay Pescadores, Candaba, Pampanga, Philippines. The parish church, dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, is under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Shrine of Saint Anne (Philippines)</span> Roman Catholic church in Bulacan, Philippines

The National Shrine and Parish of Saint Anne, commonly known as Santa Ana Shrine or Hagonoy Church, is an 18th-century, Baroque Roman Catholic church located in Brgy. Santo Niño, Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines. The parish church, dedicated to Saint Anne, is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Malolos. It was declared a National Shrine in 1991. In 1981, the National Historical Institute, a precursor to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, installed a marker with a brief history of the church.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Masinloc Church</span> Roman Catholic church in Zambales, Philippines

The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Andres, commonly known as Masinloc Church, is an 18th-century Baroque Roman Catholic church located at Brgy. South Poblacion, Masinloc, Zambales, Philippines. The parish church, dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Iba. The church structure, a standout among Spanish-era churches in the Central Luzon region for having been built with coral stone instead of adobe stone, was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines along with 25 other Spanish-era churches in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish Church (Malaueg)</span> Roman Catholic church in Cagayan, Philippines

Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish Church, commonly known as Malaueg Church or Rizal Church, is an early 17th-century Baroque Roman Catholic church located at Brgy. Poblacion, Rizal, Cagayan, Philippines. The parish church, with Saint Raymond of Peñafort as its titular patron, is under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. The church structure has been declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001. A marker, bearing a brief history of the church, was installed on the church's facade by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orion Church</span> Roman Catholic church in Bataan, Philippines

Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church, commonly known as Orion Church, is a 16th-century, Baroque Roman Catholic church located at Brgy. San Vicente, Orion, Bataan, Philippines. The parish church, dedicated to Saint Michael, the Archangel, is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Balanga. A marker bearing the brief history of the structure has been installed in its façade by the National Historical Committee, precursor of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The current priest of the parish church is Fr. Abraham SP. Pantig.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tarlac Cathedral</span> Roman Catholic church in Tarlac, Philippines

San Sebastian Cathedral Parish, commonly known as Tarlac Cathedral, is a post-war, Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church located in Brgy. Mabini, Tarlac City, Philippines. The cathedral, which was dedicated to Saint Sebastian in 1686, is the seat of the Diocese of Tarlac. A historical marker of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines was unveiled near the cathedral's entrance on July 15, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bacong Church</span> Roman Catholic church in Negros Oriental, Philippines

Saint Augustine of Hippo Parish Church, commonly known as Bacong Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Bacong, Negros Oriental, Philippines. It is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Dumaguete.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ramirez, Robertzon. "Lubao Church Declared Cultural Property". The Manila Times . Retrieved November 3, 2014.
  2. 1 2 Galende, OSA, Fr. Pedro (1996). Angels in Stone: Architecture of Augustinian Churches in the Philippines (2nd ed.). Manila, Philippines: San Agustin Museum. pp. 117–118. ISBN   9719157100.
  3. Castro, Alex. "Views from the Pampang - San Agustin Church". www.blogspot.com. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
  4. "Earthquake Information NO.: 3". Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Archived from the original on April 23, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  5. "18 dead, over 280 injured in Central Luzon due to quake — NDRRMC". GMA News Online . Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  6. Aurelio, Julie M. (April 26, 2019). "Funds sought to restore heritage churches". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  7. Galende, OSA, Fr. Pedro (2007). Philippine Church Facades (1sr ed.). Manila, Philippines: San Agustin Museum. ISBN   978-971-07-2433-8.
  8. "Lubao Church Declared an ICP". SunStar . Retrieved November 3, 2014.