The first Catholic church in South Australia was St Patrick’s on the corner of West Terrace and Grote Street, Adelaide. This building, which for several years served as a church-school, was opened in 1845. A tower was added in 1876. It was replaced by the present St Patrick’s Church on Grote Street in 1914 and demolished in 1959.

This church is historically significant because of its association with the Catholic Church of South Australia, its development and consolidation. St Patrick’s has been traditionally associated with Catholic migrants. Architecturally important because it is an early design of W. H. Bagot, an important South Australian architect noted for his attention to architectural history and accuracy of detail. It is environmentally significant because of its landmark qualities.

Constructed of stone and brick, St Patrick’s is Classical-neo Baroque in style, based on a Brunelleschi composition. The disciplined composition and detailing of the Grote Street facade is typical of W. H. Bagot’s attention to historical accuracy. The design is incomplete.

 

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/ahdb/search.pl?mode=place_detail;place_id=14440