SUBSCRIBEAround Mindanao, 4 - Jimenez Church
The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental is considered the best preserved heritage church in Mindanao. This unique church (so much different compared to the typical Spanish era churches in the rest of the country) is listed as one of 26 colonial churches considered as National Cultural Treasure and one of two from Mindanao (the other is in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental). Constructed by the Augustinian Recollects in the second half of the 19th century. Conservation measures are currently done inside the church as part of the NCCA (National Commission for Culture and Arts).
When I entered this church, I just can’t help but gasp at its very beautiful interior. Paintings at the top of the church’s nave, as well as sides are just amazing. Right, the impressive colors of the dome. Left, the rather squat facade is rather simple but inside, its just awesome.
The gothic style altar is impressive, left. Holy water font, dating back to 1878 can be found a few feet from the door, right. This church has also a pipe organ that is no longer used located at the choir loft.
Left, at the upper part of the belfry can be found, still intact but no longer functioning, the church’s clock. Its almost the same clockwork device that I have seen in Tayabas, Quezon and Oslob in Cebu. Right, still original tiles of the church’s floor still intact.
