The imposing edifice had its beginnings in 1760. In 1617, the parish was called “VISITA CATMON” and was considered part of Jaro Vicariate. Pioneer priest, Fr. Juan Ferrer, OSA, was the head in the year 1760 when Santa Barbara was constituted as “pueblo”.
Father Francisco Aguerria, OSA, initiated its construction in 1845. This coincided with the building of the road system which runs through the pueblo as it sneaked its way to Cabatuan, Maasin and Janiuay; as it did towards Leon and Alimodian.
This structure made use of the quarried stones, the “Piedra Tsina” and the “Piedra Silleria”. These slabs of rocks were transported from the mountains of leon, Alimodian and Tubungan. Other materials were steel, wood and galvanized iron.
With the use of animal and human strength, these materials were transported. Wood such as mulawon and mangle were tugged from far away mountains & hills, these slabs these slabs of stones were shaped into bricks.
Carpenters, masons and other skilled workers of the locality and the neighboring towns came to do the work. It is of great wonder that inspite of the absence of plans and sans sophisticated machines, they were able to construct this huge stones and wood structure.
Closer inspection of the walls and posts reveal sketches which showed that plans and designs were made piecemeal. Completion of one portion triggered the plan for the next. Thus, the complete buildings showcase not only its strength and size but also its fluid designs. Its façade and three altars were patterned after the churches in Spain, which were probably copied by the Agustinian Friars who supervised the construction.
On its front are niches where statues of Saints were placed. The seal of the Pope and the Agustinian Order were etched into the stone. The walls of the church as well as the convent are a combination of red and white stones, symbolizing the Holiness and martyrdom of Santa Barbara. In 1873, the huge structure was finished under Fr. Calixto Fernandez, OSA.
The area of the church is large and spacious. It is devoid of ill-placed pillars which cause a lot of obstruction and lighting & sound. The church’s design was patterned on a traditional catholic style. It has a transept that formed a Roman Cross. Behind each wing is a room for the sacristy and storage for necessary paraphernalia for the liturgical celebration.
The convent is a big and long two (2) storey building. The ground floor is made of “piedra silleria” and bricks while the second floor is made of wood and steel. The roof is made of galvanized iron sheets which after 130 years are still in perfect condition. Behind the convent is a big stable where the Friars keep their horses for transportation. Fronting the door on the second floor is a spacious room for the members of the choir.
The most outstanding feature of Santa Barbara is its domeshaped ceiling which was unique from all other churches built at the time. The ceiling if painted with the portrait of the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. This beautiful ceiling, however, was bought down and completely destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1948.
Upon completion of the church and convent, it was planned that a belfry be constructed near the church. However, the construction of a strong belfry never materialized because of the outbreak of the Phil. Revolution in 1898. In the early 60’s. Msgr. Juan Nilmar built a belfry annexed to the choir.
The faithful of the parish strongly believed that the peace and order and prosperity they now enjoy were all blessings from Godthrough the intercession of their Patroness, Santa Barbara. All this blessings further strengthened their faith and heightened the devotion. Through the donations and the “bayanihan system” they were able to reconstruct this big and beautiful temple of God.
Carpenters, masons and other skilled workers of the locality and the neighboring towns came to do the work. It is of great wonder that inspite of the absence of plans and sans sophisticated machines, they were able to construct this huge stones and wood structure.
Closer inspection of the walls and posts reveal sketches which showed that plans and designs were made piecemeal. Completion of one portion triggered the plan for the next. Thus, the complete buildings showcase not only its strength and size but also its fluid designs. Its façade and three altars were patterned after the churches in Spain, which were probably copied by the Agustinian Friars who supervised the construction.
The area of the church is large and spacious. It is devoid of ill-placed pillars which cause a lot of obstruction and lighting & sound. The church’s design was patterned on a traditional catholic style. It has a transept that formed a Roman Cross. Behind each wing is a room for the sacristy and storage for necessary paraphernalia for the liturgical celebration.
Upon completion of the church and convent, it was planned that a belfry be constructed near the church. However, the construction of a strong belfry never materialized because of the outbreak of the Phil. Revolution in 1898. In the early 60’s. Msgr. Juan Nilmar built a belfry annexed to the choir.
The Santa Barbara Parish Churh and Convent has been declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as well as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines.
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