History
The idea for the San Jose Church on Tinian was conceived upon the arrival of the settlers migrating from Yap in the middle of April 1948. The new settlers' arrival date fell on the Feast of San Jose, not by choice but rather by destiny. Most grateful for their deliverance and safe journey, Tinian's newest residents unanimously agreed to honor San Jose by naming the village after him.
The spiritual needs of the citizenry of Tinian were initially fulfilled in a chapel at Leprosarium Beach. However, as the San Jose Village proper began to grow with more and more people relocating, it became evident that the existing chapel was too small. This led to the realization that a much bigger, more permanent house of worship was a pressing necessity. Not long afterward, the construction of the new San Jose Church began in the latter part of 1950.
Father Pellet Marcian, O.F.M Capuchin, was on hand from the initial planning to oversee the project throughout the construction period. Every detail of the San Jose Church was a labor of love for Father Marcian, a master craftsman, and an artist par excellence. His attitude and dedication not only inspired the entire community but also brought them together, uniting them in a common goal.
Although completely finished in 1955, the San Jose Church was finally dedicated by His Excellency, the late Bishop Baumgartner of the then-Diocese of the Marianas, which is now Agana, in a ceremony in 1956. Over the years, the San Jose Church not only called the faithful to their knees for the Angelus but also sheltered countless Tinian residents during the distress of passing typhoons. It also witnessed the joys of baptisms, matrimonies, and many other occasions.
On November 8, 1998, the new San Jose Church opened its doors to the people of Tinian and its guests with a dedication Mass led by His Excellency Bishop Tomas A. Camacho. The old San Jose Church was torn down in 1995 after a thorough inspection revealed severe deterioration in all areas of its structure. The old church's bell tower was retained to remind the people of Tinian, where a magnificent church once stood. Consulting Efrain Camacho conducted a survey of the old church upon the request of the Bishop. The Engineer's team found cracks in critical areas, a dangerous electrical system, and water seepage in the rusted roof. In general, the church was found to be severely worn out and in need of a major renovation. The work began in 1995 for $350,000 and was completed in 1998.
Forevermore, the San Jose Church, regardless of its shape or form, has substance and shall maintain relevance simply because it truly believes in the spirit it represents to the people of Tinian and San Jose, the Patron Saint.