61. BEFORE THE DOMES

The building that commenced in 1916, first opened in 1918, and completed in 1938 at a time of great hardship in Australia, is recognized as an extremely important architectural icon. The first stage to be built was the two West towers and the nave. Initially the towers were built without their ‘caps’, as seen in this old photograph. [Photo credit: St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Geraldton. slwa : J. L. Battye Library]    INDEX

62. 1920 VIEW

This photograph was taken in 1920. We see that the ‘caps’ have been placed on the West towers. We also notice that the round openings for the crossing windows have been built, but the windows themselves have not been installed, and the large dome has not been added. [Photo credit: St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Geraldton. Date 1920. slwa-004184d]

63. ANOTHER 1920 VIEW

Another photo of the cathedral, with construction slightly more advanced. Here the hole for the proposed clock face has been boarded across, and progress has been made on the arch on the left hand side of the photograph. It is hard not to admire the vision of these early pioneers, looking at the surrounding desolate wasteland. [Photo credit: St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Geraldton. Date 1920 – 1925. slwa_b2095111_1.jpg].    

64. 1940 VIEW

This photograph, taken in the 1940s, reveals the Cathedral building very much as it appears today, after its completion in 1938. The main dome has been finished, and at extreme left, the cylindrical sacristy tower can be seen. [Photo Credit: St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Geraldton WAGov-0138112\627.jpg] This completes our tour of the Cathedral.