Lumban

San Sebastian Parish

Its ancient name was Lumbang, after a tree known for its medicinal properties. After Frs. Plasencia and Oropesa had gone around Laguna to preach the faith, Plasencia decided to make Lumban the principal mission station from which Franciscans would sally forth to other settlements. The town as a civil entity was established by 22 September 1590, and Don Juan Tinauin was nominated as first gobernadorcillo by Gov. Gen. Dasmariñas. The first church of bamboo and thatch, dedicated to San Francisco de Asis, was burnt in 1586. In the same year, permission was obtained to build in stone, but by 1589 construction was not yet complete. The church was completed in 1600, and the Blessed Sacrament solemnly enthroned on 9 October of that year. The church was repaired in 1850 under Fr. Francisco de Cañaveras but was damaged seriously by the 1880 earthquake. The church was subsequently repaired. The Franciscans had a rest house here for the old and infirm friars from 1606-18.

Heritage Features: While most of the historic structure is still standing, the church facade is a new construction. Little of the original interior remains.