According to the book “A Brief Survey of What Was and What is the Diocese of Cebu in the Philippine Islands” translated into English by Azucena L. Pace, and printed by the University of San Carlos Press, Ginatilan’s parish was established by Diocesan decree of Octobder 5, 1847, through Superior approval of August 9, of the same year. It is under the patronage of St. Gregory the Great and it separated from its mother parish Sambuan (Samboan).
Fr. Felipe Redondo, the author of this book first published in 1886, described the church then as a transept structure made of strong cut coral stone and lime mortar masonry. Roofed with tiles, it measures 30 fathoms long, 8 fathoms wide, and 6½ fathoms high. At the time of the report, the bell tower and baptistry on the side of the portico façade was underway.
Its rectory was made of hardwood and cut coral stone and lime mortar masonry, including the ground floor, while the upper portion is of “tabique pampango” attached to the side of the church; it is roofed with galvanized iron sheets.
The original name of the town is Hinatdan and was a barrio of Samboan. It was changed to Ginatilan for the convenience of the Spaniards who could not pronounce its name.
Manuel Acuna Roxas Sr., the president after World War II and the founder of the Liberal Party that bolted from the Nacionalista Party of Don Sergio Osmeña Sr., made the following appointments as officials of Ginatilan after the defeat of Don Sergio in the presidential election held on April 23, 1946 resulting in the ousting of the appointees of the former president: Mayor Demetrio Jabagat on November 18, 1946, and then councilor Juan J. Singco on July 3, 1947.
In 1964, the following were its officials: Mayor Nicomedes F. Humuad, Vice Mayor Camilo Singco, Municipal Secretary Luisa Ferrenal, Judge Francisco Villarojo (from Malabuyoc, Cebu, he was admitted to the Bar on February 8, 1963. Before he became a lawyer, he was appointed by President Elpidio Quirino as Justice of the Peace of Samboan and Ginatilan on March 22, 1949), treasurer Indalesio Janea, chief of police Fructuoso Oradoy, and health officer Dra. Trifina Ferraren. The councilors were Justina Tocao, Victor Mascardo, Clemente Abello, Leoncio Awayan, Felix Ferraren, and Felipe Nadela.