WHAT TO SEE

St John’s Cathedral is a fine example of 19th century Gothic-Revival architecture designed in 1888 by John Loughborough Pearson, and is still under construction.

The first two stages, 1906 – 1910 and 1963 – 1968, have created a superb Gothic interior with a forest of elegant sandstone columns and arches supporting the only stone vaulted ceiling in Australia.

The breathtaking interior space is masked by the present construction of the West End being built according to the original designs and due for completion in 2006.

Visitors can see masons carving stone for the West End, using methods both medieval and modern. This will probably be the last Gothic-style cathedral in the world to be completed.

Once inside the existing cathedral, with space to seat 1,000 people, the visitor can see many examples of superb creative arts: examples of exquisite wood carvings include the Choir stalls and Archbishop’s seat intricately carved in Queensland Silkwood; more than 400 needlework cushions designed by Queensland College of Arts students, feature Australian flora and fauna. (see below)

Calling of the Disciples from a set of windows
in the Lady Chapel showing events in the life of Jesus.
Designed by William Bustard, made by RS Exton & Co, Brisbane C1940.

Virtual tour of the Cathedral