Posts Tagged ‘grand churches’

 

 

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part in planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into an unfamiliar places, people and culture is paramount.

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THE GRAND BETIS CHURCH

 Photo from:  byahilo.com

 

The baroque-inspired Betis Church was built around 1660 and it was headed by Father Jose de la Cruz. The preliminary structure was made out of light materials which was composed mainly of wood and stucco. Fire broke out within the church several times due to these light materials so it was finally built with concrete materials in 1770.

 

Photo from:  trekearth.com

 

In the last quarter of 19th century, Father Manuel Camañes dug an artesian well on the north-side of the church which served as a source of potable water not only for the Betis townsfolk, but to the other nearby towns as well. On the other hand, the present-day concrete fence with caryatids was built in the 2nd quarter of the 20th century.

 

Photo from:  brybautista.blogspot.com

 

In 1908, the rectory of the church was burned with fire and all the documents about baptism and other historical catalogues of the church turned into ashes.

 

Photo from:  digitalphotographer.com.ph

 

Beautification of the interior part of the church was extensively done by the last Spanish priest named Father Santiago Blanco in 1939. The ceiling paintings were repainted by a native of San Agustin named Macario Ligon. His assistant named Victor Ramos, who was in his teen years then was also the one who restored these paintings in the 1970s.

 

Photo from:  brybautista.blogspot.com

 

During the Spanish-Colonial period, Betis is an independent town which has its own autonomy as a municipality. But due to migration of its inhabitants to the nearby Guagua in the American Period, it was merged to this town in 1904 under the Act 943.

 

Photo from:  ourawesomeplanet.com

 

Today, although part of the municipality of Guagua, the Betis church has its own parochial priest and has its patron saint named St. James the Great.  

 

Photo from:  flickr.com/photos/basiliojubacdecastro/favorites/page152/?view=lg

 

Text from: betis.wetpaint.com

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Pampanga – Culinary Center of the Philippines

Interesting Tourist Spots and Events in Pampanga

Colorful Festivals in Pampanga

Fun Things To Do in Pampanga

Pampanga Photo Gallery

Pampanga Video Collection