The Augustinian friars founded the church of Hamtic in 1581. The parish church was buikt and chose Sta. Monica as their patron saint. It became a visita of Ibahay, Aklan. The Augustinian friars left it in 1596.

It became a parish once more in the early 1700s. Later on it became a vista once again, this time to Bugasong, Antique and became the headquarters for evangelization.

Hamtic became the first parish in Antique in 1581, the patron saint was San Guillermo. The old church was believed to be built at Maybato North and was used as fortress. It is said to be found near the Malandog tidal river which is ideal and a very much used harbor.

In the 17th century, pirates invaded Hamtic with destructive consequences. The old church was destroyed but the ruins remained.

In 1644 until 1690, the parish was under Guimbal until Fr. Hipolito Casiano, OSA refounded and constructed a new church at what is now Hamtic town with Sta. Monica as its patron saint.

what is believed to be the ruins of the old church of Hamtic inside the cemetery

This Romanesque-Byzantine church is the only red stone in the region and was dedicated to Sta. Monica whose relics can be found inside and exposed for the kissing of the faithful during her feast day on the 4^th day of May each year.

Fr. Policarpio Minayo built the church of bricks and wood through force labor. However, according to some records, it was Fr. Antonio Fermentino who started building the structure and was finished between 1895-1889 when Fr. Lazaro Ramirez was the parish priest.

Six equal arched windows consists the sunken balcony above the main entrance is the eye-catching image of the second level of the façade topped by a statued rectangular niche.

It was used as garrison by the Japanese forces.

It is said that the structure was copied from a church in Pavia, Italy. An Augustinian church less the front columns.