Designed by Father Bartholomew Esmonde SJ and erected by the architect Joseph B. Keane as a Classical cut granite stone essay, the first stone was laid on 2 July 1829, the year of Catholic Emancipation.

The church was opened on 3 May 1832, though the parish website says "The High Altar ... was designed and assembled in Rome by Fr.

[1] The building is known for its collection, sculpted altar piece, and paintings, mostly Italian in origin and dating from the Victorian period.

The design of St Francis Xavier Church reflects Father B. Esmonde's knowledge of the temples of Italy acquired during his residency there.

[3] The Latin text on the pediment reads, DEO UNI ET TRINO SUB INVOC S FRANCISCI XAVERII which translates in English as, "to God one and Three under the invocation of St Francis Xavier".