Sta. Cruz Church, or Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, is situated in the Northern part of the city of Manila. It is said that the original structure was built in the same spot as the current structure. This was constructed by the members of the “Society of Jesus” or known as the Jesuits in 1608 up to 1768. It is the first Roman Catholic built in this area. Its structure is made up of blocks of adobe quarried from the nearby provinces. It was dedicated to the newly converted Chinese who lived in Manila.
In 1643, this church houses the image of Nuestra Señora del Pillar (Our Lady of the Pillar) brought from Zaragoza, Spain. The old structure was destroyed during World War II and replaced by the present structure in 1957. This present structure has a Baroque influences and the interior of this church is modernized. The front is covered with peach-colored marble that contrasts the white background.