Magdalena, Laguna Church

Magdalena was formerly known as Ambling, a barrio of Majayjay until it was elevated as a town in 1821.^[1][2] The first church, made of cogon and wood was constructed in 1820 and was dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Antonio Moreno was appointed at its first parish priest in 1821.^[2] A permission to build a stone church was ordered by Captain Pablo de la Concepción in 1829.^[1] To obtain funds for the church, the people were forced to pay taxes and quarry sand and stones from the river. The construction of the church building was halted in 1839, continued in 1849 and finished in 1855 under the direction of Maximo Rico, Jose Cuesta, Joaquin de Coria and Francisco de Paula Gonzalez.^[1][3] Construction of the belltower was finished in 1861.^[1]

In its convent, Filipino revolutionary leader General Emilio Jacinto sought refuge and his blood stains could be found.^[4][5]

The Baroque church is elevated by a flight of steps facing a plaza.^[1] It is mainly made out of sandstone.^[6] To its left is a four story octagonal belltower with a square base.^[1]

The church has been used as a shooting location for various Filipino films, including Santiago! (1970), Sanctuario (1974), Jose Rizal (1998) and Heneral Luna (2015).^[7]

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  Church interior in 2019
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  Santo Entierro
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  Church altar
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  Roster of parish priests of Magdalena
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  Plaza fronting the church
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  Bell tower
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  Statue of Santa Maria Magdalena