The foundations of the Holy Rosary Parish Church were first laid on October 18, 1877, by the founding families of old Angeles town led by Don Mariano V. Henson. It was laid out by town planners in the Spanish colonial era and is now one of the most distinctive landmarks of the city today. The church was constructed from 1877 to 1896 by the Polo y Servicio labor system, defined as the forced and unpaid labor of Filipino males for 40 days per year by the Spanish colonial government.
The first Mass was held when only half of the church was built on April 14, 1886. The second half of the church, which includes the building's distinctive dome, was finished on September 17, 1891. The twin bells were rung for the first time on February 12, 1896. The church was finally finished as it still stands today in October 1909. Its engineering and architectural skills were provided by Don Antonio de la Camara from Manila.[4]
Historical marker commemorating the Japanese bombing of the church during World War II
The backyard of the church became the execution grounds from 1896-1898 during tensions between Filipino rebels and the Spanish forces.[4] The church was also used by the U.S. Army as a military hospital from 1899 to 1900. During World War II, the church's belfry was destroyed; it was restored by the government with the help of American troops and was finished by early 1944.[5]
In 2023, the two busiest times of the year at the church are the Good Friday Procession, where bare-footed followers of the Apung Mamacalulu, or Lord of the Holy Sepulchre, join the procession in the city proper; and the Easter Sunday celebration of Salubong that ends with the traditional meeting of the Risen Christ and Virgin Mary amidst fireworks.[6]
On April 22, 2019, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake[7] 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.[8]
During the 2019 Luzon earthquake, the church sustained critical damage in two pillars and several windows' concrete frames, as well as cracks in several walls on the ceiling.[9]
Restoration and dedication
The church in 2023, showing ongoing restoration works
The 2019 Luzon earthquake exposed the church's deteriorating conditions that demanded repair, restoration and conservation work. Installation of shoring, and removal of debris and components were done to ensure the church's safety. Moreover, engineering works were performed to remove additions made to the structure over time and repair masonry defects on the west bell tower.[10]
The church's restoration work takes 5 years and requires 100 million pesos funding.[11]
In September 2024, Korean businessmen of Hann Foundation Inc., Widus Hotel, Hann Casino, Clark Marriot, and Swissôtel Clark, donated P 5 million for the restoration of the Chapel of Devotion, baptistery, confessional, and the Narthex Gallery of Saints, under architect Isiah Jerico B. Carreon assisted by Escuela Taller de Intramuros (Revellin de Recoletos).[12]
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