61. 1915 VIEW

This photograph shows the Cathedral as it was seen in 1915. This was how it looked from 1908 until the mid 1950s.   PLAN

62. 1956 ADDITIONS

In 1953, Bishop Stewart decided to complete the Cathedral. Despite the proposed expenditure of some £300,000, it appears there was no controversy, but rather a degree of enthusiasm. The formal laying of a commemoration stone to mark the second construction did not occur until 1955, when Cardinal Gilroy of Sydney officiated at a function attended by 6000 people. The reports tell of the well known Austrian vocal group The Trapp Family singing at the Mass commemorating the occasion. The photo shows the construction underway in 1956.

63. 1973 WORKER!

The original design included a stone masonry spire. For several reasons, it was decided to modify this and a steel frame fitted with concrete panels with a veneer finish to match the Mt. Gambier limestone was used. Internally the interior floor was removed, and replaced to match the floor of the new section. The Cathedral was closed for about 18 months in 1972/1973 to enable integration of the old and new sections. The photo shows Mons. D. W. Murphy assisting with the internal reconstruction in 1973. Not a common sight inside a Cathedral!

64. 1976 SPIRE

This photograph shows Bishop Stewart standing in the foreground, whilst behind the final work on the spire takes place. This was an immense construction project, with many services provided by local workers. The rate of progress was also limited by the availability of funds – about £50,000 per annum. However, the finished Cathedral today rightly has a place amongst the world’s ‘great’ cathedrals. This completes our tour of the cathedral. This completes this section of historical photographs.