[1] Construction on this church – made possible in part by the contribution of Belfast's educated Protestants and civic elite – began in 1811 under the dedication of Ireland's patron saint Patrick and opened in 1815.

[5] The entire fabric of the new church, designed to seat 2000 people, was completed for blessing on 12 August 1877 by the Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Daniel McGettigan of Armagh.

Bishop Patrick Dorrian, who early in his priestly ministry had served in the parish, and who authorised the construction of the present building, is interred in the church.

[12] In 1917, Lavery contacted the then Administrator Fr John O'Neill with the intention of donating a piece of art to the church.

[13][14] The art work was the centrepiece of an historic visit by Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall to the church in May 2015 to mark St. Patrick's bicentenary.

This church, dedicated to St. Joseph, was opened by Bishop Patrick Dorrian and designed, like so many other Catholic buildings in the city at the time by Timothy Hevey.