[1] It is the tallest building in Geelong, with a total height of 210 feet (64 m) from the pavement, and is a major landmark in the city.

The first St. Mary's church was a small wooden chapel in Yarra Street, opened on 27 November 1842.

The optimism the Victorian gold rush brought to Geelong led to plans for a cathedral-like landmark church for the city.

Construction was revived in 1871 when Archdeacon R. S. Downing contracted architect TA Kelly and builder Clement Nash to continue works, which ceased in 1872 with the bulk of the nave completed.

Work on the remainder of the church, the front tower crowns, the transepts, the crossing and spire, and apsidal chapels did not begin until 1930.