[2] When Jeremiah Doyle was consecrated as bishop of the new diocese on 28 August 1887, he chose to reside in Lismore, despite it being a small and insignificant outpost in the area.

He laid the foundation stone for the Lismore cathedral in 1892 and worked tirelessly to raise 40,000 pounds required to complete the project.

[3] Despite the setback, Bishop Doyle borrowed money, using the Presentation Sisters (with whom he enjoyed a close working relationship) as guarantors.

The Lismore Council agreed to pay for the bells and their installation in recognition of Bishop Doyle's enormous contribution to the civic life of the town.

[11] In 1977, a rearrangement and extension of the Cathedral sanctuary was commenced under Bishop John Satterthwaite to better accommodate the celebration of Mass in accordance with the Church's liturgical reforms following the Second Vatican Council.

[15] Despite the cathedral sitting on a hill, water flooded the building, moving the heavy timber pews but not damaging the sanctuary.