The cathedral, dedicated to Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, is the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

One such instance happened in 1649, when a Manobo tribe under the leadership of a certain Dabao revolted against the presence of the Spanish government and church in the area.

The following year, Father Pedro de Santa Barbara led the construction of a new and bigger church.

The town mayor during that time, Don Jose Corrales, together with members of the local clergy, helped in the construction of the stone church.

In 1886, the parish priest of Cagayan de Oro, Father Ramon Zueco, bought a pipe organ from Manila.