Yolanda destroyed centuries-old Guiuan church

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Guiuan, Eastern Samar has been totally destroyed by Super Typhoon Yolanda. What remained of this centuries-old church are the stone walls and the belfry.

According to historical records, the first church in Guiuan was built in the late 17th century. The original was then replaced with a more permanent structure in 1718. The church survived fires and years of neglect during the Spanish times, and was thus renovated in several occasions.

In 1854, the Franciscans built a bell tower made of stone, a structure that still stood before Typhoon Yolanda struck.

At press time there is not report yet as to how many perished in this town where the typhoon made its first landfall. At the back of the church is St. Mary’s Academy of the RVM Sisters which is also destroyed. (Photo courtesy of AFP Central Command)