The Basilica

The Most Rev. Dr Grimes, Bishop of Christchurch, preaching at the opening service on November 18th 1894, chose as his text 'How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts; my soul longeth for the courts of the Lord'. "I envy you this Basilica, which will be a monument of your faith. Preserve it and preserve your souls, which are the temples of the Lord, so that He may at the last day give you the reward which He has promised to all those who love and serve Him."

"Oamaru is fortunate in its local building material. It might have been a sober granite or a crumbling scoria but, instead it is a creamy limestone with admirable building qualities. Recognising its worth early settlers started a tradition of using the local stone for churches and industrial buildings, for public offices and for their homes. Even in the days of the 'Long Depression' which brought its restraints a hundred years ago, the citizens of the young town, with vision and courage, engaged the finest colonial architects to design the gracious, dignified buildings which are still the hallmark of the town.

Dr N.C Begg, O.B.E Chairman, New Zealand Historic Places Trust

Construction
The foundation stone of St. Patrick's was laid on Trinity Sunday, 1893, by Bishop Moran. The successful tender for the construction of the church had been made by Mr J.D. Woods: 3,460 pounds exclusive of sanctuary and dome. The Basilica was opened on 18 November 1894, by Bishop Grimes of Christchurch.

Architect The architect of the Basilica was Francis W. Petre (1847-1918) who designed most of the Catholic churches in the south at the end of the 19th Century. He was responsible for St Joseph's Cathedral, St Dominic's Priory, Cargill's Castle and many commercial buildings in Dunedin, the Cathedral of the blessed Sacrament in Christchurch and the Sacred Heart Basilica in Wellington.

Oamaru Stone
St. Patrick's Basilica is constructed of Oamaru stone, a limestone which is found in large quantities in the district and which is a distinctive feature of the local architecture.

The Building
Noteworthy features of the building were the ceiling panels of embossed zinc and pillars of Corinthian style made famous by the Greeks and Romans. It was as yet unfinished. The portico and dome were added by 1903 and by 1918 the entire building was complete.

In 1962 the flat arches across the top at the side of the sanctuary were showing signs of weakening and steel girders were inserted by Mr J.S Dooley and his son, Mr Bill Dooley, to strengthen them. The side confessionals were also built (and have been refurbished recently) and under-floor heating installed.
To conform to standards set by the Second Vatican Council 1965 decree on liturgy, the Basilica sanctuary was rearranged. The main alter was replaced by the president's chair and a wall cross, while prominence was given to a large centrally placed alter and side lectern, both of Oamaru stone. The large crucifix above the alter was donated by Misses Cartwright; it was raised to its present position in 1981.

Stations of the Cross The 14 Stations of the Cross are each a work of art. They commemorate the journey of Christ to Calvary, His death and burial. The figures are three dimensional against a painted background and carry the stamp of 'RAFFL Paris'.

Organ
The organ and choir gallery houses a "Positive" pipe organ. The organ in novel in that the key board can be moved, altering the pitch to suit the singer. The quality of sound is further enhanced by the excellent acoustics of the Basilica.