Tagbilaran City
Cathedral of San José
The present cathedral of Tagbilaran City traces to a church built by Fr. Valero de San Pascual, OAR (1839–55), the bell tower to Fr. Jose Sanchez, OAR (1884–88). The church was improved by Fr. Escolastico Enciso from 1888-94. It replaced a smaller church built by the Jesuits which burnt on 23 December 1798. The convento was built by Fr. Lucas Corominas in 1872.
Tagbilaran started as visita of Baclayon becoming an independent parish in 1767. Then under the Jesuits, administration transferred to the Recollects the following year when the Jesuits were expelled from the Philippines.
Both exterior and interior of the church have been greatly renovated, the façade has been given a Neoromanesque look, and the lateral walls have been opened to accommodate a growing population. Boholanos are very religious and one of the highest percentage of church attendance is recorded in Bohol. Churches are always full. Part of recent renovation involved building a Blessed Sacrament chapel which is open 24 hours a day. This devotion has spurred the construction of other chapels in different parishes. Some are attached to the walls of historic structures, others are built in former baptisteries. Others are independent structures apart from the church.
Heritage Features: Despite frequent renovations, some historic pieces still remain. Apparently, side altars from an older church were saved, because the two remaining in the church are in the 18th century Baroque style. The central altar, decorated with symbols from the Old Testament is in the 19th century Neoclassical style. The statue of San Jose, the patron of the church is apparently of 18th century vintage. The church has a good collection of ancient church documents, including a fragment of an 18th century Visayan dictionary.
There is also a Christian church located in Tagbilaran. Its name is Grace Christian Church. Their website is http://www.gcc.com.ph/ and they are located on Airport Road, Booy District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines 6300. Their website says "Grace Christian Church is a grace ministry and operates entirely on voluntary contributions. No money is requested. When gratitude for the Word of God motivates a believer to give, he has the privilege of contributing to the dissemination of Bible Doctrine." It also has a radio broadcast.
Read more about this topic: Churches In Bohol
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