St Joseph's Church on Powderham Street (and also fronting Devon Street West) was opened and dedicated on 31 August 1969.
The foundation stone was laid on 29 September 1968 by the Most Reverend P.T.B. McKeefry, Archbishop of Wellington.
The property was bought in 1862 and the first church was transported from its original site in Courtenay Street.
A second church was built on the site and opened in 1875. Later, a third church opened in 1895 and was the centre of Catholic life until it was demolished in 1968 to make way for the present church.
The architect of the church above was Mr D.W. Robinson of Laurenson, Robinson and Jim Boon of Hāwera and the construction was completed by Roebuck Construction Company Ltd.
Of particular note in the interior are the Stations of the Cross which are the work of Michael Smither.
Further reading: Dedication of St. Joseph's Church (TRCT282 DED).
Related documents:
New St Joseph's Church (Taranaki Herald 12 July 1965)
Big Changes Forecast In City Centre (Taranaki Herald 24 June 1965)
Steelwork completed (Taranaki Herald 17 January 1969)
Huge Area of Roofing (Taranaki Herald 3 March 1969)
New St Joseph's Church (Taranaki Herald 30 August 1969)
Opening of new church (Taranaki Herald 1 September 1969)
The New St Joseph's Church (Taranaki Photo News #162 4 October 1969)
New Church Dedicated (Taranaki Photo News #162 4 October 1969)
St Joseph's rededicated after big spruce up (Daily News 18 December 1995)
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