The First Fleet arrived in Australia and Sydney is founded as a British convict settlement. Catholics were among the convicts and soldiers.
Our History
The history of Sts Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral stems from the earliest days of colonial Australia.
From the first mass celebrated by Fr John Therry in 1833 at the historic Riversdale property in Goulburn, our region has been synonymous
with the growth of the Catholic faith in Australia. Hear the story of the Cathedral’s development, discover the fascinating story
of the Cathedral’s organ, take a virtual tour of the exquisite stained-glass windows and explore the work
that’s gone on below the sanctuary.
Our Timeline
1788
1820
The first land grants were made to free settlers in the Goulburn area.
1841
The first stone was laid in Verner Street for a Catholic Church.
1847
The Catholic church was completed and extended over the next 20 years. The only brick church south of Sydney at the time.
1864
The Goulburn diocese was created.
1867
Bishop Lanigan was consecrated in the church, the first Australian Bishop to be consecrated in his own church.
1871
Construction of the Cathedral Nave was commenced, around the original church.
1872
The Nave was completed, opened and blessed by Archbishop Polding.
1882
The Cathedral transepts, sanctuary, tower and sacristy were commenced.
1887
The foundation stone of the Cathedral sanctuary was laid by Cardinal Moran on May 15th.
1889
The Cathedral was dedicated by Cardinal Moran on April 25th.
1890
The Cathedral construction was completed, opened and blessed by Cardinal Moran on June 29th.
1927
Extensive renovations commenced and alterations made to the Cathedral interior. Renovations were completed in 1930.
1948
Bishop Macguire appointed the first Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn.
1952
Redecoration of Cathedral interior.
1958
Further redecoration carried out.
1969
Official relocation of Diocesan See to Canberra to form the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn.
1977
Repair works to Sanctuary, roof and gutters.
1980
Repairs to organ completed.
1987
Centenary Celebrations of the Old Cathedral.
1990
Commencement of external conservation and restoration works.
2006
Appeal launched by Prime Minister Howard with $1.5m grant.
2006
Cathedral and precinct added to the NSW State Heritage Register.
2007
Work began to excavate under the sanctuary and stabilise the foundations.
2010
Stabilisation of western wall, shingle belltower, restoration of original bells completed.
2011
Mosaic to honour Caroline Chisholm was unveiled by HE Ms Quentin Bryce, Governor General.
2014
Copper spire installed on February 18th, to complete the original 1871 vision of architect Strombucco.
2016
Conservation and replacement of weathered sandstone components commenced: repair and preservation of stained glass windows, repair and restoration of crosses and finials completed.
2020
New appeal launched to complete the restoration.
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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and other First Nations people of the Goulburn Mulwaree area, and pay our respects to the Aboriginal elders both past and present as well as emerging leaders.
We are committed to the safety of children, young people and adults in a respectful and inclusive environment for all diversity groups; in accordance with Catholic safeguarding standards, childsafe standards and any other relevant legislation.