The Cathedral of St Michael and St John

The Foundation Stone of St Michael’s, located on the corner George and Keppel Streets, the first Catholic Church in Bathurst, was laid by Bishop Polding in 1840. St Michael’s Church was in use by 1841 and building completed 1848, with leadlight windows. Due to subsidence, the building became unsafe within a decade.

In 1852, Bishop Polding came to Bathurst with a plan for a large Roman Catholic church. Fundraising began in 1854 for a new church, coordinated by Dean Grant. In 1857, the Foundation Stone of the new church of St Michael and St John was laid by Bishop Polding. On 11 April 1861 the dedication of the new St Michael and St John Church took place, by Father Phelan and Dean Grant.

The Dedication of the Cathedral took place on 29 June 1865 by Archbishop Polding. From this date forward, the Cathedral was known as the Cathedral of St Michael and St John. In the 1890s, the grand high altar was sculpted by James Pearce, ecclesiastical sculptor of Dublin. The altar was constructed from Sicilian marble and was dedicated on 3 February 1897. Relics of Saints Laurence and Vincent were placed in the Altar and dedicated in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in memory of Saint Michael and St John.