Saint James the Apostle Parish Church (Paete)

 church, Second World War 1939-1945, place with historical importance, Baroque (architecture), interesting place, Roman Catholic church

Also known as: Paete Church, Santiago Apostol Parish Church, Saint James the Great Parish Church
Archdiocese: Manila
Diocese: San Pablo
Vicariate of Saint James the Apostle
Location: Poblacion, Paete, Laguna

The first church was built in 1646 by the natives under the supervision of Fray Andres de Puertellano. In 1717, a new church was erected. It was made of limestone (adobe) bricks and mixture of egg white and other native materials to "cement" them. The building was constructed in elaborate baroque style with an infusion of oriental artistry. The intricate altar (retablo) pieces were made by the natives, among them were Bartolome Palatino and Francisco Macahumpan. The large paintings inside the church were executed by another notable son of Paete, Luciano Dans—these are; 1. The Langit, Lupa, Impiyerno (Heaven, Earth, Hell), and; 2. the large murals of San Cristobal (Saint Christopher). The church with all its ornate designs and architecture was completed in 1840. It sustained major damages in the earthquakes of 1884 and 1937. The only recorded history during this time was written under the auspices of the Spanish Roman Catholic Church. Therefore, all the credits for the church construction and reconstruction are heaped on the "men of the cloth" and made no mention of names of native Paetenians.

During the Japanese occupation of World War II, the church served as a dungeon and torture house to many of the town's inhabitants. The prisoners claimed to be subjected to unspeakable pain and atrocities. Dozens were killed, and hundreds sustained physical, emotional and mental wounds. The war has "produced countless unsung heroes and martyrs" for Paete.