[2] The foundation stone for St Patrick's (as it was originally called) was laid on Sunday 15 August 1880 by Bishop of Brisbane James Quinn.

[4] Two major series of extensions and renovations have been made, the first by architects R. Coutts and Sons in 1915 and the second by Hubert van Hoo in the 1980s.

A new altar rail was installed and a new porch was added at the front, floored in black-and-white tile and containing a leadlight window by Extons.

[1] The triple window on the western wall and other fittings, Stations of the Cross paintings and statues within the church are also memorials.

Externally, a light timber structure was built at the northern side entrance to provide a place where the congregation could gather after a service.

[1] St Francis Xavier is a traditional cruciform-plan Gothic Revival church of sandstone with steep gabled roof forms clad in corrugated galvanised iron.

[1] The walls of the nave display paintings showing the Stations of the Cross and a memorial tablet honouring the first Parish Priest Fr Hayes.

On the exterior walls above window height along each side is a steel strap extending the length of the stone work.

[1] The church is complemented by a parkland setting of mature trees, most notably tall hoop pines to the north, east and west.

[1] St Francis Xavier Church was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 having satisfied the following criteria.

The church is prominently located near the major shopping area of Goodna and, with its setting of mature trees, has landmark qualities and contributes aesthetically to the streetscape.

[1] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.