To make up for the loss, an existing chapel in the cemetery was trotted up for use by then-parish priest Father Juan Girón, until it too was destroyed in an earthquake that same year. In turn, Father Girón then built a temporary chapel with nipa and bamboo—but it was destroyed by fire in the midst of a feast day celebration in 1884.

Father Girón hired contractor Miguel Magpayo to build the church using masonry and bricks. in 1889, Father Martín Arconada began construction of the belfry, followed by restoration of the convent a few years later. To top it off, three bells were installed in 1897.

Then, the Philippine Revolution happened. Tensions rose between the Filipino revolutionaries and American forces, leading Emilio Aguinaldo’s revolutionary government to move its capital from Cavite to Malolos.

On September 15, 1898, the First Philippine Congress convened in Barásoain Church and drafted what is now known as the Malolos Constitution. Finally, after so many historical events, the First Philippine Republic was formally inaugurated on January 23, 1899, with Emilio Aguinaldo taking oath as president.

On February 4, 1899, the outbreak of the Philippine-American War brought an end to the Malolos Congress, which had held its last session on that day. This crisis caused the Aguinaldo government to evacuate from Malolos and transfer the capital to Nueva Ecija.

On March 31, 1899, American troops captured the towns of Malolos and Barásoain, placing them under their control. In 1903, the town of Barásoain was dissolved and became part of Malolos.

On August 1, 1973, President Ferdinand Marcos declared the Barasoain Church a national shrine. A museum was also opened at the old convent. After the 1998 Philippine Centennial celebrations, it became a venue for President Joseph Estrada’s inauguration on June 30, 1998.

The Barasoain Church’s architecture is a late 1800s eclectic blend of Baroque, Romanesque and neo-classical styles. The facade is mainly oval in shape and has some characteristics typical of the Baroque period. 

As you stand before the Barasoain Church, you can’t help but marvel at its bell tower to the left of the entrance. Its tall, hexagonal shape and three tiers are built from stone blocks, and its guardian, the crenels, peer out from its top battlement.

As you draw closer, you can make out the intricate details of the wooden doors. Intricately carved images from the Bible take you to another time. In the center of it all stands the majestic rose window with its Romanesque design and local elements. It is made of Capiz shells, creating an almost supernatural effect as the light passes through.

The same Capiz shells can be seen in the attached convent to the right. Its arched arcade at ground level is an example of the excellent craftsmanship afforded to each space within the church walls. Today, the convent is used to contain two museums: The Barasoain Church Ecclesiastical Museum and The Historical Landmarks History Museum. 

Behind the bell tower in the courtyard, you can’t help but feel the presence of a special sanctity. Statues of various saints greet you and an adoration chapel stands in the center, calling your attention to the spiritual experience.

No matter where you choose to explore, each corner of this historic church bears a spiritual and aesthetic value that is far beyond compare.