St Joseph’s Cathedral

St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral has stood for over a century on the inner city corner of William and West Streets, Rockhampton. Its architecture and beauty and the magnitude of its stature, make it a focal point of the Rockhampton Diocese. It is as much for the people of the Diocese as visitors.

St Joseph’s features a particularly fine black and white chequered Italian marble floor, sandstone block construction and authentic leadlight windows hand-crafted in England. These windows depict themes from the New Testament. Balancing the sandstone and tile construction is the deliberate use of timber, creating a warm and natural atmosphere. Compared to modern church design, the design of St Joseph’s and its character remind us of the transcendence of God.

On 21 May 1882, Bishop John Cani was consecrated the first Bishop of Rockhampton. Plans were completed for the cathedral by 1892. The architect was FDG Stanley of Brisbane. Two years later tenders were called and construction began on 11 June 1894.

On Sunday 15 October 1899, Cardinal Moran, Archbishop of Sydney, celebrated a Pontifical High Mass and preached to open the Cathedral. St Joseph’s has occupied much time and energy of subsequent Rockhampton Bishops. Many of the Cathedral’s historic stained glass windows were commissioned and installed during Bishop Higgins’ six years episcopacy.