Blog #188: Established in 1580: The St. James The Greater Parish Church in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental

Happy Sunday Hivers!

I've never thought that this church was established in 1580. As I went to Reef's Farm and passed by to this church, it made me think that the church in Tanjay City is newly built, that I could not find an old one in the City but I was absolutely wrong.

How did I know? Check this out.

After I visited the Reef's Farm on Thursday, I also went to St. James The Greater Parish Church in Tanjay City. As I entered the main gate I've noticed that the church's door was already old. I was thrilled after I've seen the door. I walked further until I saw and read written in the tarpaulin. It was written that the St. James The Greater Parish was established in 1580. Meaning this church is already 442 years old.

I went back in front of the church and stood there while waiting for someone who can tell me a little story about the church. Fortunately, after a few minutes the main door of the church was opened and I saw a woman cleaning inside the church. I hurriedly approached her and asked if I could get inside. Luckily, she allowed me.

The woman that I have met is working in the church. She told me that The St. James The Greater Church was established in 1580.

Due to the damages of the building, the assigned priests decided to renovate the church. Some ancient pillars were being replaced with new one to build strong foundation. But according to the woman, this is still the church that was established 442 years ago. Have you noticed the main door of the building? It already looks old, right?

The woman told me that I could go closer to the altar if I wanted to get a closer photo of it. I was jubilant as she said those words.

This is the closer photo of the altar. They've already applied the modern design.

But if you'll check thoroughly, the choir area design looks old. However, they just repainted it and that looks new. That is the design of the choir area to most ancient churches that I previously visited to the different places in Cebu and Negros Oriental.

I asked the woman if there are pieces of anything to remind the new generations that this church was established in 1580. She brought me outside the church and showed me some ancient pillars. According to her, these are the original pillars of the church when it was created in 1580. During the renovation, they didn't touch these pillars because they are still useful.

This is the sight you will be seen if you're in the Rizal Park of Tanjay which is located near St. James The Greater Parish Church.

Although the church looks new outside and inside but the story behind this church from the past will still remain until this church remains standing.

Thank you for reading and see you on my next blog. Cheers!

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Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.

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