St Johns Cathedral

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St John's Anglican Cathedral is a true example of 19th century Gothic-Revival architecture, designed in 1888 by John Loughborough Pearson, and still under construction. The first two stages, 1906 to 1910 and 1964 to 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.

History of the building project is captured in a detailed historical display. Visitors can see stone carved by local stonemasons. This will probably be the last gothic-style cathedral in the world to be completed. Once inside the existing cathedral, with space to seat 1000 people, the visitor can see many examples of superb creative arts. Examples of exquisite woodcarvings include the Choir stalls and Archbishop's seat, intricately carved in Queensland Silkwood and Maple. More than 400 needlework cushions, designed by students of the Queensland College of Art, feature Australian flora and fauna.

The Font contains pillars of fossiliferous limestone 350 million years old from Frosterly, United Kingdom, in which skeletons of Coral polyps and bi-valve shells are clearly visible. Every window in the cathedral is of significance: from the large early twentieth century Wheel window to the collection of William Bustard's work, and then the later vibrant windows of David Saunders. The Millennium Window, designed by Scott Maxwell and made by Warwick Blair, was installed in 2001.

The cathedral, set in a precinct of heritage buildings, is open daily 0930 to 1630. Free Guided Tours are available Monday to Saturday at 1000 and 1400 and Sunday 1400. Cathedral Shop is open Monday to Friday 1000 to 1400. Group tours are available by appointment.