Saint Joseph the Patriarch Parish Church (Aguilar)

Aguilar Church
Saint Joseph the Patriarch Parish Church

The façade of Aguilar Church in Pangasinan
15°53′18″N 120°14′20″E / 15.8883°N 120.239°ECoordinates: 15°53′18″N 120°14′20″E / 15.8883°N 120.239°E
Location Romulo Highway corner Gallego Street,
Aguilar, Pangasinan
Country Philippines
Denomination Roman Catholic
History
Founded 1809
Dedication Saint Joseph the Patriarch
Architecture
Status Parish church
Functional status Active
Architect(s) Administered by Fr. Bernardo Pons
Architectural type Church building
Style Baroque architecture
Groundbreaking 1853
Completed 1854
Administration
Archdiocese Lingayen-Dagupan
Diocese Alaminos
Clergy
Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas
Bishop(s) Sede vacante

The Saint Joseph the Patriarch Parish Church is a Baroque church located in the municipality of Aguilar in Pangasinan, Philippines. The parish was established in 1808 under the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. It was transferred to then newly-created Diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan in May 19, 1928 and to the Diocese of Alaminos in June 28, 1985.

Architectural history

Father Juan Vila of the Parish of Salasa (now Bugallon) supervised the construction of a temporary church and a convent which were finished in two years.[1] In 1808, the curate was granted with spiritual independence.[2] In 1809, Father Bernardo Pons began the construction of the concrete church. Father Juan A. del Manzano laid the foundation of the present convent in 1832 which was continued by Father Nicolas Fuentes. The convent was finished during the term of Father Benito Sanchez Fraga. He later laid down the foundation of the present church and bell tower in 1846.[1] The church was blessed on July 4, 1853. The bell tower was completed in 1875.[2] Initial construction began by Father Fraga was monitored by Father Ramon Dalmau and Father Francisco Treserra. The church and convent was finished during Father Pedro Villanova's term and was inaugurated on June 4, 1854. Father Lucio Asensio started to build the choir loft and the sacristy.[1] In 1859, he started the ceiling work of the church, with the help of master carpenter Cenon.[2] From 1866 to 1878, Father Agustin Gallego painted the church, built the main altar and the ceiling, and finished the construction of the bell tower. [1] Two bells were bought for the church, during 1866 and 1877. The ceiling was completed in 1867. In 1879, Father Victoriano Garcia Cianothe ordered the roofing of the church to be changed from nipa shingles into galvanized iron roofing.[2] Father Victor Herrero repaired the bell tower which was destroyed by the earthquake of 1892.[1]

Architectural features

The church reflects the Baroque architectural style. The church was made distinct by a large volute sloping down from the pediment to the second level - giving an impression of a huge triangular pediment with the first level forming as the entablature. Super-positioned columns alternate with depressed three-centered arched door and windows. [1]

The church's complex also consists of a concrete school for young women, built in 1872, and a perimeter brick wall around Catholic cemetery, built in 1873. [2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Alarcon, Norma (2008). Philippine architecture during the pre-Spanish and Spanish periods. UST Publishing House.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "St. Joseph The Patriarch Church – Aguilar, Pangasinan". aguilarpangasinan101. Retrieved 16 Dec 2014.

External links