GSA Guide - Cathedral of St Stephen Claimed
URPoint Details
This URP is provided and maintained by members of the Geological Society of Australia as a geo-located community knowledge service.
The Cathedral built by Benjamin Backhouse, is one of the cornerstones in the history of the Catholic community in Brisbane.
History:
The Saint Stephens Cathedral was built by Benjamin Backhouse in stages between 1864, 1870 to 1874, and 1922. The building was extended and restored between 1989 and 2000.
Land was set aside for use by the Roman Catholic Church in 1848 and additional land was later purchased. The St Stephen's Chapel was built between 1848 and 1850. The Archdiocese of Brisbane was created in 1859 and the first Bishop, James Quinn, appointed.
In 1863 Benjamin Backhouse designed a large cathedral to suit the growing Catholic community. Bishop Quinn laid the foundation stone in 1864, however only one-third of the foundation was laid before an economic crisis between 1866 and 1869 stopped work completely.
Architect Richard Slater was commissioned to design a smaller and simpler building on the existing foundation. The construction was completed between 1870 and 1874.
In 1884 the top of the west gable was completed, and two sandstone spires added.
Pic01: Cathedral of St Stephen prior to extension work. National Library of Australia (nla.pic-vn4589898).
- Type:
- Landmark