St Stephen's Cathedral, Brisbane
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St Stephen's Cathedral


See Also: 
  • Works of Art in    the Cathedral Precinct 
  • Additional Information provided by the Cathedral Guides
Building a cathedral often takes centuries. In addition, the great cathedrals of the world rarely follow a single style. They bear the marks of every century as people added, embellished or replaced part of the cathedral in their own style. The changes of style themselves are witness to a living tradition of faith in that place.

Bishop Quinn, the first bishop of the diocese, laid the foundation stone of the cathedral on the feast of St Stephen, 26 December 1863. A larger and more ornate church was envisaged than the present one but the economic depression of the mid-1860s resulted in only part of the original foundations being laid. Using the existing foundations, work was re-commenced early in 1870. On Sunday, 17 May 1874, the still-incomplete cathedral was solemnly blessed and dedicated. It covered about a third of the area of the one first planned.

During the time of Archbishop Robert Dunne the top of the gable and the spires were added to the Elizabeth Street facade in 1884. Next the cathedral was enriched with stained glass and marble.

On 3 October 1920, Archbishop James Duhig laid the foundation stone of new transepts. He had already announced plans to build a massive Renaissance cathedral in Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. The foundation stones of a cathedral dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus were laid in a splendid ceremony on Sunday, 16 September, 1928 before a crowd of 35,000 people. These foundation stones are now located at the join between the 1921-22 extension and that of 1988-89.

Under Archbishop Patrick O’Donnell, temporary solutions were found to the difficulties of celebrating a rapidly changing liturgy in a traditional liturgical space.

Archbishop Francis Rush undertook the complete restoration, renovation and extension of the Cathedral during the 1980s, culminating in its dedication on 4 December 1989.
​
Archbishop John Bathersby blessed the Jubilee Pipe Organ on 29 October 2000. He also authorised the restoration of St Stephen’s Chapel in which a diocesan shrine to Mary Mackillop was established.

Works of Art

Click here for detailed information about the components and works of art listed below which are found in the Cathedral precinct. 
  • The Nave
  • The Sanctuary
  • Jubilee Pipe Organ
  • The Crucifix​
  • Blessed Sacrament Chapel
  • Reconciliation Chapel
  • The Baptismal Font
  • Mary, Woman of Faith​
  • ​Stations of the Cross
  • Stained Glass Windows
  • The Shrine of Saint Mary MacKillop
  • Francis Rush Centre Works of Art

Picture
Cathedral of St Stephen - ca 1889
Picture
Funeral of Archbishop Robert Dunne - 1917
Picture

The Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane

Most Rev Mark Coleridge - Archbishop of Brisbane
​Very Rev. Fr Anthony Mellor - Dean
249 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane   QLD   4000  Australia
​Office Hours:  8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday
​email:  cathedral@bne.catholic.net.au

Tel: (07) 3324 3030
Int: +61 7 3324 3030
Mass Info: (07) 3324 3011
Archdiocese of Brisbane 
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CATHEDRAL CAR PARK
The Cathedral car park is available on weekends for members of the public attending Mass or other ceremonies, eg, baptisms , weddings.   The car park will close 30mins after the conclusion of the Mass  or ceremony.
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Welcome
    • Mission Statement
    • History
    • The Saints of our Parish
    • THE PRECINCT >
      • St Stephen's Cathedral
      • St Stephen's Chapel
      • St Patrick's Church
      • Francis Rush Centre
      • Works of Art
    • Safeguarding
    • Leadership & Staff
    • St Patrick's Church, Fortitude Valley
  • COMMUNITY
    • Pastoral & Finance Councils
    • Cathedral Guides & Welcomers
    • MUSIC >
      • Music Department
      • Staff (Music)
      • Service Music
      • Cathedral Choir
      • Schola
      • Chorale
      • The Organs
      • Concert Series
      • Support the Music
    • Young Adult Ministry
    • Cathedral of St Stephen Art Group (COSSAG)
    • St Vincent de Paul Society - Cathedral Conference
    • Liturgical Ministries
    • Other Groups & Ministries
  • MASS & RECONCILIATION
  • SACRAMENTS
    • Baptism
    • Confirmation
    • First Communion
    • Reconciliation
    • Marriage
    • Holy Orders
    • Anointing of the Sick
    • RCIA
    • Funerals
  • NEWS & CALENDAR
    • Newsletters and Prayer Sheets
    • Resources for Prayer At Home
    • Parish Calendar
    • Concert Series
    • For the Common Good
  • CONTACTS & LINKS
    • Contact Details & Location
    • Forms & Downloads
    • Payments & Donations
    • Archdiocese of Brisbane
    • Other Queensland Dioceses
    • The Vatican
    • Policies & Disclaimers
    • Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference
    • Centacare Brisbane
  • STAY CONNECTED