The first temporary church was built in 1863 using nipa palm leaves for walls and roof. A plan was made for the erection of a permanent stone church in 1866. This was approved by the bishop Mariano Cuartero in 1869. The church was designed along the lines of Gothic-Rennaisance architecture. It was constructed fast and offered in honor of Saint Anne. This information is etched on the cast iron plaque outside the church.

Molo Church earned the moniker “women’s church” because of the presence of 16 images of women saints inside. The centerpiece in the retablo is the image of Sta. Ana, the patron saint of Molo. The Church of St. Anne, looms above the old Chinese district of Molo. Its towering gothic design distinguishes it from the typical baroque-influenced churches in the country.