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The natural granite Gothic heritage structure known as St. Patrick's Church has been an important landmark in the west end of St. John's for over 116 years. Its history dates back to 1852 when John Thomas Mullock, Bishop of St. John's, paid "341 pounds for land at Riverhead for Church, Schools and a Convent." Funding and a lack of manpower delayed the final construction for 29 years. As the need for a church was evident, in September of 1860 a temporary wooden church was erected. This was used for 21 years and was situated where the Deanery now stands.

The cornerstone of the present church was laid in 1864, but it was not until 1874 that Bishop Power, the successor to Bishop Mullock, inspired the people to finish the project. Sufficient funds were at length realized to finish the basic structure - one donation of 600 pounds from the Benevolent Irish Society was used to erect the 18 massive granite pillars.

The church was consecrated and open for public worship on August 28, 1881. As money became available, additions were made - the Stations of the Cross were erected in 1885, the Bell Tower in 1912, the Pipe Organ and choir loft in 1931. Many renovations have been made to the church over the years, the most extensive being the present renovation of the spire.