Cathedral of San Diego de Alcala of Gumaca | Ang Simbahan ng Gumaca MarkerCathedral of San Diego de Alcala of Gumaca | Ang Simbahan ng Gumaca Marker is a Marked Structure, NHCP; Registered Property, Municipality of Gumaca, Quezon located at Gumaca, Quezon, Region IV-A.
Marker Text:
Ang Simbahan ng Gumaca
(1582)
Unang itinayo sa pook na ito noong 1582 at inilipat sa silanga, sakop ng pulo ng Alabat noong 1638. Sinunog ng mga Olandes noong 1655. Muling itinayo ang simbahan dito noong 1690 at natapos noong 1747. Ang gusali at kombento ay inayos at pinaganda noong 1846. Kinikilalang pinakamalaki at pinakamatandang simbahang Katoliko sa buong lalawigan ng Tayabas, ngayo’y Quezon.
Date Unveiled: November 13, 1973
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Its first establishment was in 1582 by the Franciscans, who are the first missionaries who brought Christianity to Gumaca, on its present site. It was transferred to Silangan in the island of Alabat, Quezon in 1638. It was burned by the Dutch forces in 1665, which subsequently resulted to them transferring back to its original site in Gumaca. The church was reconstructed in 1690 and completed in 1747. The edifice and the adjoining convent were beautified in 1846. When a strong earthquake hit Gumaca in 1937, the uppermost portion of the church belfry toppled down, leaving only three of the five-level belfry intact. During the term of Msgr. Jose Oliveros, the belfry and choirloft were reconstructed and was completed in 1999. Known as one of the biggest and oldest Catholic churches in the province of Quezon, it is located in Brgy. San Diego Poblacion near the Municipal Government office. The church is made out of coral stone blocks and bricks.
Though the design of the church is mainly Baroque, archival photos show that the interiors were mainly done in Gothic Revival architecture. Its retablos and arco toral design clearly reflects this style, possible due to its popularity in the early 19th century. The church was renovated, and the retablos, together with the pulpit, were lost.
A statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus can be found at the church park (locally known as patio). It directly faces the front door of the church. Some say that the eyes of the icon can be seen closed at some time, though it is open most of the time. The arch of the icon reflects the old retablo design of the church.