Cardinal Francis Moran officially opened the new church on Sunday 22 June 1890, although only the nave had been completed.

Coloured marble was incorporated into the basic sandstone and red tuck-pointed brick structure, and Venetian glass mosaics filled the spandrels around the rose window.

The mosaics depicted symbols of the four Evangelists and the coat of arms of the Franciscan Order, according to an article in The Builders and Contractors News of 28 June 1890.

The sanctuary area as you see it today is the result of renovations initiated by Fr Nick Lucas in consultation with architect John O'Brien.

The semi-circular terrazzo extension to the original sanctuary (replacing the timber platform) reflected the shape of the arches overhead.

A new stained glass window depicting the baptism of Christ in the Jordan faces the newly positioned font.

Alterations to the sanctuary and pews, the preparation and erection of the marble work, and the installation of new lighting cost approximately $60 000.