"The need has been here for many years but most of us were scared of the subject of having to build a new one," said church member Natalie Mercado.

Last year, the Immaculate Conception Parish in Berino was torn down when its walls started to crumble and its structure became unsafe.

At the time parishioners were upset the historic 100-year-old church was destroyed.

I understand everyone getting upset because we took down the old church but if we did not have any use for the old building what did we need it for," said Mercado.

A new foundation was poured giving the church life again.

"Today is a great day because we are starting to build a new church and hopefully they will be happy," said Archdioces Manuel Leava. "I think they will be very happy once we get the church up because it is their home."

Parishioners said a building whether new or old is just a place to gather and the real meaning lies within the people who believe and who come together there.

The new church is set to be finished by the end of the year and will seat 300 people.