Tigbauan Church, originally a visita of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Oton, was founded in 1575, making it the second church established by the Augustinian mission in Panay. It was initially under the patronage of Our Lady of Grace, but later, St. John of Sahagun—an Augustinian friar known for his preaching and efforts in promoting peace—was chosen as the patron.[1]
Although founded in 1575, the parish did not have a priest until 1580, when Fr. Luis de Montoya was assigned, followed by Fr. Alonso de Castro in 1581. A historical marker from the National Historical Institute states the parish was officially founded in 1580.[2]
The Augustinians left the parish years later due to a shortage of friars. In 1593, secular clergy took over the administration and remained in charge until 1617. The Jesuits later arrived in 1592 at the invitation of the encomendero Esteban Rodriguez de Figueroa, establishing the first school and dormitory that offered religious and academic instruction to local children.
The present colonial church in Tigbauan was built by Fr. Fernando Martin in 1867, possibly replacing an earlier church constructed by Fr. Fernando Camporedondo with yellow limestone, which reportedly survived the 1787 earthquake. However, the church sustained significant damage during the 1948 earthquake, which also destroyed Oton Church.[3]
Architecture
The church retains the façade and bell tower of the original colonial church, though mosaics depicting the Stations of the Cross and the retablo were added in 1994. The bell towers on the roof were also constructed in more recent times.
Built in the Churrigueresque style—an ornate Spanish architectural trend of the 18th century—the church features a plain front wall, with an explosion of intricate stone carvings along the middle section. The facade is bordered by a simple pediment and thick pillars on either side, with bell towers made of concrete that are crowned with cupolas and crosses.[4]
A stout church tower is positioned on the epistle side, topped with a red roof. The pediment displays an elaborate finial with loudspeakers and a cross, and it is adorned with an emblem decorated with tassels and foliage in high relief.
The main facade features two arched windows on either side of a high-relief image of Sto. Niño, with a niche dedicated to the church’s patron, St. John of Sahagun. The niche’s decorative borders include an intricate blend of scrollwork, foliage, volutes, and pilasters. Below the niche is the Augustinian seal, placed just above the entrance door. The church’s stone wall is rich in detailed carvings, including the bust of a putto, which serves as an ornamental capstone above the arched entryway.
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