By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy with Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on and wife Hermely at the Cathedral in the Glen, Hopevale.

On December 18, 2023, CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, along with CPUAAI President Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat, participated in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the martyrdom of a group of American Baptist missionaries at the historic site known as “Hopevale” in the hills of Katipunan, Brgy. Aglinab, Tapaz, Capiz. The Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches organized this significant event.

During the worship service, Rev. Manuel “Mawe” de la Fuente, a Centralian, delivered a compelling message, while CPBC General Secretary Rev. Danilo Borlado extended greetings to the local church members and attendees who joined the caravan from Iloilo to Tapaz, Capiz. Later, the group were able to visit the remnants of the “Cathedral in the Glen” made by Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose, an open-air church where they worshipped during those times. The group planted native trees in the area.

The group planted some trees at the top of Hopevale, Tapaz, Capiz.

The tragic event, etched in history, claimed the lives of dedicated American Baptist missionaries, including Jennie Clare Adams, Prof. James Howard Covell, Charma Moore Covell, Dorothy Antoinette Dowell, Signe Amelia Erikson, Dr. Frederick Willer-Meyer, Ruth Schacht Meyer, Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose, Gertrude Coombs Rose, Rev. Erle Frederich Rounds, Louise Cummings Rounds, and a young boy, Erle Douglas Rounds.

In the early days of December 1943, these missionaries, along with other Americans seeking refuge, were likely preparing for their Christmas celebration. Tragically, on December 20, 1943, the Japanese soldiers, who had captured the American Baptist missionaries associated with institutions such as Central Philippine College, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Filamer Christian College, and various churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, executed them. Subsequently, their bodies and possessions were burned by the Japanese forces.

Among the CPU personnel present at the commemoration were Ms. Carmelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer, Office of the President, along with Mrs. Hermely A. Jalando-on and Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on. CPUAAI Board of Trustees member, retired General Ezra Enriques together with his wife Mrs. Deneel “Tata” Pulido-Enriquez and son Joshua also attended the event. The crew of the CPU TV Channel covered the event.

The visit to Hopevale served as a solemn tribute to honor the memories of those who sacrificed their lives during a dark chapter in history.