St Stephen’s is a gothic revival cathedral with a cruciform shape in plan.
While this is a plain cathedral by comparison it still has a selection of striking features such as the spire topped sandstone towers, imported stained glass windows from Munich, the organ, the altar and the newer Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the rear of the building.
Of particular note is the stained glass window by Harry Clarke, known as the “Mayne” window, which is located above the sanctuary on the east wall.
The cathedral is made predominantly of Brisbane tuff and freestone.
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is made from reinforced concrete and the restored spires from glass reinforced concrete.
Inside the cathedral the stained glass windows are vividly illuminated by the sun and cast coloured patterns on the floor and walls.
Some of them are small with intimate pictures of Christ and his followers, while the great window over the main door stands tall and proud as it depicts Christ’s ascension, then casts its majesty down the length of the great space.
The lightweight plaster ceilings arc gracefully overhead, there is a noted contrast between the interior and exterior qualities of space, and the interior has a cool and refreshing quality.
By the 1980s the cathedral had fallen into a state of disrepair.
The interior layout of the building was also unsuitable for the new Catholic liturgy.
When it became clear that the planned Holy Name Cathedral, the construction of which had never proceeded beyond the completion of its crypt in 1934, would not proceed, it was decided that St Stephen’s and its grounds would undergo major refurbishment which would involve preserving the fabric of the building but replacing all furnishings and interior fittings.
As part of the refurbishment the cathedral grounds were enlarged and a carpark was built under the extended east end of the cathedral.
The last stage of the cathedral restoration was completed in 2000 when the Jubilee Pipe Organ was installed above the sanctuary.
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