Brian Condon: Letters and Documents in 19th Century Australian Catholic History

[Source: Burke Catholic History of Liverpool": The opening of St Patrick's", pp. 38 - 40]

The English Catholics of the town were generous to a degree and on the 17^th. March 1821, not many months after the project had been conceived, the foundation stone was laid amidst scenes of jubilation probably never equalled since that memorable day. St. Patrick's day occurred on a Saturday that year, not the most suitable day for public rejoicings or processions, but the day mattered not, the heart of Catholic and Irish Liverpool was touched in its tenderest part, and a great procession was the result.

Two years later the unfinished building began to be used and quite a surprise was felt by the average citizen at the strange and unique spectacle of hundreds of men and women kneeling outside the wall of the church on Sunday mornings, unable to obtain admission to the sacred edifice which was crowded to its utmost capacity as far as its condition permitted.

Father Penswick, who was the head and front of the scheme for founding the church, made herculean efforts to finish the building. Irish and English Catholics worked harmoniously until a foolish rumour was spread abroad that Father Penswick intended to put an English priest in charge of the mission and that he intended to frustrate the idea of the lay Trustees to make the ground floor of the church free for ever. An angry correspondence sprang up in the newspapers and retarded the collection of the needed funds, but eventually the rumours were dispelled by the appointment of Father Murphy.

On the 22^nd. August 1827, the church was opened by ceremonies of such splendour and solemnity as had never before been witnessed by Liverpool Catholics of any preceding age. Over forty priests were seated in the chancel, coming from all parts of Lancashire and Cheshire. As a compliment to the founder of the church, Father Penswick was invited to sing the High Mass, an eloquent sermon being preached by Father Walker (later on one of the resident clergy), who had a high reputation as a pulpit orator.