St. Christopher’s Catholic Cathedral
St. Christopher’s Catholic Cathedral 22-04-2024 - Simon Saunders
St. Christopher’s Catholic Cathedral 22-04-2024 - Simon Saunders

St. Christopher’s Catholic Cathedral

Forrest, ACT 2603

Church Information

Church Name: St. Christopher’s Catholic Cathedral
Church Previous Name: -
Denomination: Anglican Church of Australia
Street Address: 55 Franklin St, Forrest ACT 2603, Australia
Suburb: Forrest
State: ACT
Postcode: 2603
Foundation Stone Laid: 08-05-1938
Foundation Stone Notes: A plaque records: St Christopher's Cathedral - The Cathedral is the largest church in the national capital and principal church of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. - The word cathedral is derived from the Greek 'kathedra', meaning throne or elevated seat. - St Christopher's was built as the first parish church of Canberra by the first pastor, Fatrher Patrick Haydon. - On 30 January 1927, in the time of Bishop John Barry, the foundation stone of St Christopher's school was laid by Archbishop Kelly of Sydney. - From Christmas Eve 1927, the Catholic community of Canberra had begun to assemble for Mass in the hall of the new St Christopher's School. - On 27 February 1928, St Christopher's Parish was established with Father Haydon appointed first Parish Priest. - in 1936, Father Haydon was appointed Dean of Canberra, and it is to him that St Christopher's owes its existence. - On 8 May 1938, following the depression, Father Haydon decided to build a church in Canberra, and the foundation stone was laid by Archbishop Gilroy of Sydney. It was dedicated to St Christopher because it was thought Canberra (which means 'meeting place') would be a place to which many travelers would come. - On 4 June 1939, the parish church of St Christopher's was officially opened by the Aopostolic Delegate, Archbishop Panico, in the presence of the Prime Minister, Robert Menzies. - St Christopher's striking Spanish Romanesque style was the work of the Sydney architect Clement Glancy. - On 5 Februsry 1948, during the time of Archbishop Terence McGuire, the Archdiocese of Canberrra and Goulburn was forrmally established. - On 19 April 1949, Monsignor Haydon died. - In March 1972, Archbishop Thomas Cahill extended St Christopher's to double its seating capacity. - In February 1973, the work which retained the fine stained glass windows of the original church was completed, according to plans developed  by Clement Glancy, son of the original architect. The plans for the enlarged church included the bell tower, Blessed Sacrament Chapel, new sacristies and a crypt. - On 5 February 1973, the Silver Jubilee of the Archdiocese, the extennsions were consecrated by Archbishop Cahill.  The extened St Christopher's became the Cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. - In 1978, Archbishop Cahill died, he was succeeded by Archbishop Edward Clancy (1978~1983) and Archbishop Francis Carroll (1983~2006). - In June 2008, under the direction of Archbishop Mark Coleridge, the Cathedral was refurbished to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese. It is unlikely that any other church will ever claim the distinction of having four Prime Minisyters as parishioners: Scullin, Lyons, Forde and Chifley. Yet it was the unsung work of humble and generous men and women which leaves us in possession of this splendid place of worship.
Date Opened: 04-06-1939
Date Closed: unknown
Email: admin@churchesaustralia.org

Comments

The St Christopher's Catholic Cathedral, Forrest is in the St Christopher's Cathedral Parish of the Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn, and the seat of the Archbishop. More historical information/photographs of the church/congregation are invited. Photographs uploaded 4/10/2025.
Last Updated: Saturday 4th October, 2025
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