The first St. Patrick's Church was built in 1880/81 on the seaward side of the present church.
It was replaced by the church above, which was designed by architect Patrick George Smith and built by Messrs Cumming and Son. Archbishop Redwood blessed and opened St Patrick's on 29 March 1896.
In 1954 the main body of the building was extended almost doubling the capacity of the congregation.
Further reading: "St. Patrick's Catholic Church 1896-1996". (TRCT283 STP).
Related documents:
A Summary History of St Patrick's Church Okato, St. Patrick's Catholic Church 1896-1996
Country church clocks up one hundred years (Daily News 30 March 1996)
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