The construction of the Augustinian church that would last to the present day began when Father Francisco Aguerria arrived in 1845.

Construction of the road networks that would connect the parish to Cabatuan, Maasin, Janiuay, Leon, and Alimodian also started at the same time.

[1] Workers labored over both the quarried stones and mulawon and mangle wood-types that both came from the municipalities of Leon, Alimodian and Tubungan.

The church was the site where General Martin Delgado of the Visayan Revolutionary Government started the junta that resulted to the first Cry of Revolution against the Spaniards outside Luzon.

[2] Santa Barbara Church and Convent was restored for the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day in 2015.

President Benigno Aquino III celebrated the national event in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.