Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane

In the bustling heart of Brisbane, Queensland, lies a serene sanctuary of faith and history – the Cathedral of St Stephen. This heritage-listed cathedral, with its striking Gothic Revival architecture, stands as a testament to the city's rich religious and cultural heritage. Nestled within the city's vibrant landscape, the cathedral offers a tranquil retreat and a glimpse into Brisbane's past.

The History of St Stephen's Cathedral

The story of St Stephen's Cathedral begins with the arrival of James Quinn, the first bishop of Brisbane, in 1861. Hailing from Ireland, Quinn envisioned a grand cathedral to serve the burgeoning Catholic community in Brisbane. On 26 December 1863, the Feast of St Stephen, he laid the foundation stone for what was intended to be a magnificent cathedral designed by Benjamin Backhouse. However, the initial grand plans were scaled down, and a simpler design by R George Suter was adopted. The current nave was constructed between 1870 and 1874, with the front gables and spires completed in 1884.

Further development of the cathedral was halted until Archbishop James Duhig took office in 1917. Duhig had grand plans for a larger Holy Name Cathedral, but when these plans fell through, he commissioned architects Hennessy, Hennessy & Co to complete St Stephen's with a crossing, transepts, and sanctuary. This work was completed between 1920 and 1922, giving the cathedral its current form.

Architectural Marvels

St Stephen's Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, characterized by its cruciform shape and intricate design elements. The cathedral is constructed predominantly from Brisbane tuff and freestone, giving it a distinctive appearance. The spire-topped sandstone towers and imported stained glass windows from Munich add to its grandeur.

One of the most notable features of the cathedral is the Mayne window, a stained glass masterpiece by Harry Clarke, located above the sanctuary on the east wall. This window, along with others, fills the interior with vibrant colors and intricate depictions of biblical scenes. The lightweight plaster ceilings arc gracefully overhead, enhancing the cathedral's serene and airy atmosphere.

Restoration and Refurbishment

By the 1980s, St Stephen's Cathedral had fallen into disrepair, and its interior layout was no longer suitable for modern Catholic liturgy. With the realization that the Holy Name Cathedral would never be built, a major refurbishment project was undertaken. This involved preserving the building's fabric while replacing all furnishings and interior fittings. The cathedral grounds were also enlarged, and a carpark was built under the extended east end of the cathedral. The final stage of the restoration was completed in 2000 with the installation of the Jubilee Pipe Organ above the sanctuary.

The Cathedral Grounds

The cathedral grounds are home to several significant buildings that support the cathedral and the Archdiocese of Brisbane. St Stephen's Chapel, also known as Old St Stephen's Church, stands immediately to the southwest of the cathedral. Designed by English architect Augustus Pugin and built between 1847 and 1850, this chapel is the oldest Catholic church in Queensland and served as the cathedral for the first Bishop of Brisbane.

Another notable building is the Old St Stephen's School, a three-level structure facing Charlotte Street. This building housed St Stephen's School until the 1960s and now contains offices for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. The Francis Rush Centre, completed in 2005, serves as the cathedral's administration center and includes offices for the bishops, a choir room, and several function and meeting rooms. An undercover outdoor liturgical space was also constructed as part of this development, facilitating special liturgies such as the Easter Vigil and Palm Sunday.

Music and Choirs

Music plays a vital role in the life of St Stephen's Cathedral, with three choirs enhancing the liturgical experience. The main cathedral choir, formed in 1970, is an all-male choir in the English choral tradition. This choir performs at the 10:00 am mass every Sunday, except during school holiday periods, and at major events such as Easter, Christmas, and ordinations. The choir has maintained high standards throughout its history and has made numerous recordings, including traditional Christmas carols.

The Schola of the Cathedral of St Stephen, a professional chamber ensemble, was formed in 2000 as part of the restructuring of the cathedral's music department. The Schola sings at the 12:00 pm Mass every Sunday and augments the cathedral choir at major events. Both the cathedral choir and The Schola are conducted by Christopher Trikilis, the cathedral's director of music.

In addition to these choirs, the cathedral also has a community choir called St Stephen's Chorale. This group of approximately 20 voices sings at the noon Mass once a month and is conducted by the cathedral sub-organist, Gregory Mayer.

In conclusion, the Cathedral of St Stephen is not just a place of worship; it is a historical and architectural gem in the heart of Brisbane. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant musical tradition make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city. Whether you are seeking spiritual solace, architectural beauty, or a glimpse into Brisbane's past, St Stephen's Cathedral offers a unique and enriching experience.