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MANILA – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will commemorate the 125th anniversary of Protestant Christianity in the Philippines with the theme “Pananampalataya at Paglilingkod-Bayan” (Faith and Service to the Country) on 14 August 2023, Monday, at 8:00 am at the NHCP Conference Hall, 4th Floor, NHCP Building, T.M. Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila.

It will be delivered by noted scholar Dr. Melba Maggay, a writer, social anthropologist, and social activist who authored A Clash of Cultures: Early American Protestant Missions and Filipino Religious Consciousness (2011).

ADHIKA ng Pilipinas President Dr. Kristoffer Esquejo will deliver the ecumenical prayer followed by an overview by NHCP Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo and a solidarity message by National Council of Churches in the Philippines Acting General Secretary Minnie Anne Mata-Calub.

In support of the commemoration, the historic Central United Methodist Church located along T.M. Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila will open its doors for a tour for the participants of the lecture in the afternoon.

Interested participants are requested to answer this pre-registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/8BT7E7Qwi8. Walk-ins will be accepted depending on the venue’s capacity.

Meanwhile, the Asosasyon ng mga Dalubhasa, May Hilig at Interes sa Kasaysayan (ADHIKA ng Pilipinas Inc.) will also hold an online symposium on the 125th anniversary of Protestant Christianity in the Philippines on 28 August 2023, National Heroes Day, at 1:00 p.m.

With the theme “Pananampalataya, Paglilngkod, at Paglaya,” the event will feature the following presentations:

  • “Isang Institusyonal na Pagsusuri sa Pagsulong ng St. Mary the Virgin Church sa Sagada, Mt. Province” by Asst. Prof. Grazielle K. Micklay (University of the Philippines Baguio)
  • “Sa Ngalan It Kahilwayan: Ang Bokasyon ni Braulio Manikan at ang Maagang Misyong Baptist sa Aklan, 1898-1907” by Ms. Precious Maecah G. Ratay (University of the Philippines Visayas)
  • “Ang ‘Little America’ sa Tangway ng Zamboanga: Mapagpalayang Protestantismo at Edukasyon sa Naratibo ng mga Subanen, 1912-1950s” by Prof. Kimberly F. Apatan-Lusay (Mindanao State University-Marawi)

The commemorative lecture, open house, and online symposium are part of the celebration of History Month with the theme, “Pagpapalaya ng Kasaysayan para sa Sambayanan” (Democratizing History for the People.)

It may be recalled that on 14 August 1898, Charles A. Glunz and Frank A. Johnson who were missionaries from the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) led the earliest recorded Protestant worship service on Philippine soil at the southern end of the Puente de España, just outside Intramuros, Manila. The event was attended by American soldiers who had just participated in the Mock Battle of Manila the day prior. Two weeks later, on 28 August 1898, Rev. George Stull of the Methodist Episcopal Church led the earliest recorded Protestant worship service presided by an ordained minister in Fort San Felipe, Cavite City. This time, it was attended by both American soldiers and Filipinos.

The NHCP is the principal government agency mandated with strengthening our people’s nationalism through the promotion of Philippine history and the protection of our cultural heritage.