[2] The present-day Surigao City traces its beginnings as an independent pueblo in June 1655.

[3] Its parish, dedicated to Nicholas of Tolentino, was founded in 1754 by the Augustinian Recollects.

[2] The center of the Catholic mission in the area was initially at Siargao island but was transferred to Surigao due to the Moro attacks in the island.

In 1939, the Diocese of Surigao was canonically erected from the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro's territory, with the Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Parish Church being consecrated as its diocesan seat.

[2][5] The bombings during the World War II destroyed the earlier cathedral church, including the adjacent Saint Paul University Surigao buildings, but was later rebuilt in 1988 under the supervision of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.