Architecture

Church Exterior

 

    The façade of the Santa Maria Church can be divided into three main parts: the church, the belfry, and the convent. The convent, situated on the right, is connected directly to the church building. The belfry, on the other hand, is separated from the two structures, located on the far left, and is connected to the church by a bridge. This is because of a very logical reason, the Franciscans thought of separating the belfry to avoid it from falling down the main structure during earthquakes.

 

The Main Façade

 

    The church's façade displays a three-level structure. The bottom level, where the entrances are, is flanked with six piers of Doric column supporting the second level. Apart from the other old churches with three portals, Santa Maria Church only has one main portal. The left and right side of the portal is occupied by a niche containing statues as seen on the old photos of the church. The main door is of solid wood, and images depicting the life of Mary are carved in high relief on the door panel. A portico is added in front in the main door

 

    The second level is composed of windows. In the old photos of the church, as well as in the other Spanish colonial churches in the country, the center of this level is occupied by a niche, usually dedicated to the patroness of the church or its founding order. In the case of Santa Maria Church, most people believe that an image of a Franciscan saint occupies that niche before. On this level are another six Doric columns that support the architrave.

 

    The topmost level right above the architrave is the pediment, a triangular architectural element found in Classical, Neo-Classical and Baroque Architecture. The pediment contains the bas relief image of La Purísima Concepción, in white dress and blue cape, with a crown and the sun and moon at its foot. The image seems to be overlooking the whole town of Santa Maria, true to its stature as the beloved mother and patroness. The pediment is bordered by a raking cornice and two finials are found on each side. A cross completes the entire ensemble of the main façade.

 

The Belfry

 

    On the left side of the main façade is the belfry. A bridge connects the belfry to the main structure, through the choir loft. Apart from the main façade, this side is less decorated but still echoes and compliments the Neo-classical design motif. The belfry is a four-level structure. Its base is composed of compacted soil and adobe to support the weight of the whole structure. The second level is the one directly connected to the main structure. The third level is where the bells are. The fourth and topmost level is the cupola of the belfry. One can see the whole town of Santa Maria and the neighboring towns from this point.

 

    Santa Maria Church owned five bells, a symbol of wealth during the Spanish era in the Philippines. This was because bells were expensive to acquire during those times, and only a few churches could have more than one bell. The oldest bell, named after the patroness of the town, La Purísima Concepción, was acquired in 1836. The second named after Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary, was acquired in 1846. The two bells were commissioned by Fray Jose Balaguer. The third bell was named after St. Anthony of Padua, another Franciscan, which was acquired in 1877 by Fray Pedro Alcantara Flores. The fourth and the largest bell was acquired in 1887 by Fray Francisco Garcia Clemente and named after Saint Francis of Assisi, in honor of the Franciscans who established the church. The fifth bell was acquired in 1896 by Fray Vicente Gomez Carreño. For a time, this bell served as the clock of the town.

 

The Parish Convent

 

    The convent on the right side can be viewed directly from the main entrance of the church compound. A series of arches in adobe stone greets the visitors upon arrival. Originally, this side of the structure has been made of wood and stone, until renovations have been done to provide a new layer of concrete arches that supports the balcony on the second floor. Deep eaves and capiz windows provide shading on the second level of the balcony.