The First Fleet arrived in Australia and Sydney is founded as a British convict settlement. Catholics were among the convicts and soldiers.
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.
The First Fleet arrived in Australia and Sydney is founded as a British convict settlement. Catholics were among the convicts and soldiers.
The first land grants were made to free settlers in the Goulburn area.
The first stone was laid in Verner Street for a Catholic Church.
The Catholic church was completed and extended over the next 20 years. The only brick church south of Sydney at the time.
The Goulburn diocese was created.
Bishop Lanigan was consecrated in the church, the first Australian Bishop to be consecrated in his own church.
Construction of the Cathedral Nave was commenced, around the original church.
The Nave was completed, opened and blessed by Archbishop Polding.
The Cathedral transepts, sanctuary, tower and sacristy were commenced.
The foundation stone of the Cathedral sanctuary was laid by Cardinal Moran on May 15th.
The Cathedral was dedicated by Cardinal Moran on April 25th.
The Cathedral construction was completed, opened and blessed by Cardinal Moran on June 29th.
Extensive renovations commenced and alterations made to the Cathedral interior. Renovations were completed in 1930.
Bishop Macguire appointed the first Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn.
Redecoration of Cathedral interior.
Further redecoration carried out.
Official relocation of Diocesan See to Canberra to form the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn.
Repair works to Sanctuary, roof and gutters.
Repairs to organ completed.
Centenary Celebrations of the Old Cathedral.
Commencement of external conservation and restoration works.
Appeal launched by Prime Minister Howard with $1.5m grant.
Cathedral and precinct added to the NSW State Heritage Register.
Work began to excavate under the sanctuary and stabilise the foundations.
Stabilisation of western wall, shingle belltower, restoration of original bells completed.
Mosaic to honour Caroline Chisholm was unveiled by HE Ms Quentin Bryce, Governor General.
Copper spire installed on February 18th, to complete the original 1871 vision of architect Strombucco.
Conservation and replacement of weathered sandstone components commenced: repair and preservation of stained glass windows, repair and restoration of crosses and finials completed.
New appeal launched to complete the restoration.
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