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Architect:
Francisco Luis Porrata Doria
Style:
Roman-Gothic
Date of construction:
December 22, 1929
Physical address:
4632 Luna St. Ponce, PR
Building material:
concrete, wood and zinc
Renovations:
1929 by Francisco Luis
Porrata Doria
General information:
It is no coincidence that the Order of The
Mercedarians was the first to arrive in Ponce, they
are notorious for their disposition to help the
needy and for surrendering their lives to save
others. It is this religious order who took it upon
themselves to manage the Church of Nuestra
Señora de la Merced and take care of those around
it. This church was built in 7 months at a cost of
$33,750, on a site known as sector El Bosque at a
plot donated by Martinique immigrant Mr.
Moringlane. Its’ construction began in June 1929
and ended in December of that same year. Bishop
Willinger, then bishop of Ponce, was able to get the
funds needed for the reconstruction of temples
damaged by Hurricane San Felipe in 1928 and also
for the construction of new ones. Architect
Francisco Luis Porrata Doria was given the
commission and he worked closely with master
builder, Gabino Balasquide in order to meet the
construction due date.
This single nave church is distinguishable from
others due to its large size, its tiled roof on the
outside and lovely carved wood trusses on the
inside, at the back a spiral staircase that leads to
the chorus. Neither the widows nor the floor finish
is original. The cross at the bell tower was struck
by lighting and broken damaged to it can still be
observed. This is without a doubt one of Francisco
Luis Porrata Dorias religious master works in
Ponce, a solemn space that encourages
introspection.