Jesuit's IHS monogram with the date 1884 found above the main portal

The simple façade of Caraga Church

Caraga Church in Davao Oriental is a quadrilateral structure that is sparsely decorated. The lower level is made of mamposteria or rubble/stones with some parts finished with finely cut coral. I’m not sure, however, if this finishing is a later addition.

The upper part is made of wood, a construction detail that can also be seen in Jasaan, another Jesuit built church in Misamis Oriental. Some historians claim that this might be a precaution for earthquakes while others say that this was done when funds are lacking and will continue once there are sufficient funding.

Rear view of the church where the sacristy is located

The façade of the church is really very simple and straightforward with nary an ornamentation except for the dated (1884) Jesuit monogram found above the arched portal and some square windows. According to Javellana in his book, Wood and Stone, this façade of rubble was built in stages.

The church façade has four levels of which the first two are made of rubble. The main arched portal is flanked with square windows. The second shallower level is marked with two windows just above the first. The third is the wooden triangular pediment with an opening at the center and a rosette window on it. Two shuttered wooden windows flank this one. The fourth level is the belfry topped with a cross with two pairs of windows.

The lateral as well as rear sides of the church are also quite simple with no interesting architectural detail that can be found. The underlying mamposteria have been exposed in some parts. Behind the edifice, buttresses support the rear wall while the baptistry, probably a 20th century addition, is attached at the right side.

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger and freelance photographer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has writtten for CNN Go and his photograph was published in the May 2010 issue of the National Geographic Magazine.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.

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