Opened in 1909, this basilica was designed by renowned Dunedin architect Francis Petre in the Romanesque Revival style. It replaced an earlier church built in 1876 and is constructed of reinforced concrete sheathed in brick and Oamaru stone.

• Heritage NZ Inventory - Link: https://www.heritage.org.nz/list-details/7343/St%20Patrick's%20Church%20 (Catholic)
• District Council Heritage - Link: 

St Patrick’s Basilica is one of the most impressive buildings in the Waimate district. It was designed by Francis William Petre (1847-1918) and is constructed of reinforced concrete with brick and Oamaru stone facings and a Marseille tiled roof. It was built in 1908-09 by contractors Mills, Ford & Murtagh of Oamaru.

The current church replaced an earlier wooden version that was built in 1876 and was transported to Washdyke in 1936, where it remained until it was demolished in 1998.

The neoclassical design is Romanesque Revival in style and you may recognise the similarity with Catholic basilica’s in Timaru (Sacred Heart - built 1910-11) and Christchurch (Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament - built 1901-05, demolished 2021), which were also designed by Petre.

The bell tower was added in 1912, crowned with an eight-sided copper-sheathed dome which sits above the arcaded entrance portico. The Hobday pipe organ, which was installed in 1920, was the last organ built by Arthur A. Hobday.

A major restoration and earthquake strengthening project began in 2005, in a project lasting several years and managed by the St Patrick's Restoration Trust. Work included a new tiled roof, connecting the framing of the roof to the surrounding walls, bracing the tower, cleaning and repairing the exterior of the building, and restoration, painting and new lighting inside the church. The restoration cost $600,000. A third of the cost was paid by the Lottery Grants Board, and other charities including the Lion Foundation contributed to the project.