History
In the fifties, the San Jose Village community would crow into a small Quonset house for worship on Sundays. Father Andrew San Agustin felt a need for a bigger Church to accommodate the people; however, he was unsure how he would take on what seemed to be a difficult task. Father Andrew shared his proposal in the sixties with Commissioner Felix Fitial Rabauliman. In support of the idea to build a bigger and permanent Church, the Commissioner was motivated and immediately shared the news to the people. Fundraising activities began, and everyone wanted to be part of building the church. Commissioner Felix Rabauliman completed two terms. Throughout his terms, he closely aided Father Andrew with detailed project planning from start to finish.
Construction began in the mid-sixties. Every payday, a designated collector visited families to collect donations to purchase construction materials and payments for carpenters' services. The project's foreman was Dionicio Torres, a skilled carpenter who ensured that every structure detail was refined. Saturdays were big days. The men would gather at the Church for happy labor, and women would be busy cooking for the workers. Construction of every inch of the Church was done manually. The hardest thing to build was the foundation of the roofing. Construction lasted about one year, and upon finishing, discussion began to linger about a feast, a celebration of thanksgiving and grace. Plans for the big party began. Choir practices were one of the highlights of each week. The Late Mr. William S. Reyes and his late wife, Tan Maria, would visit San Jose Church to help the choir with their music. Mr. Reyes was the composer, and his wife would play the musical organ. With their professional guidance, the choir learned the "Pie Pelicane."
The Church was finally completed and dedicated on April 13, 1966, and the feast did indeed take place to celebrate this most joyous occasion. People donated money for the priest and food for the fiesta. Money collected exceeded the need for the occasion, but a wise decision ensued that the remaining funds be divided into two; a portion would be designated into a savings account to generate interest for the next year's fiesta, and the second portion was given to Father Andrew for the Church's use for necessary up keeping. San Jose Parish has grown both in its faith and music through the nineties. The Church completed its renovation project in the nineties and is now equipped with comfortable air conditioning.