St. Peter's Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture and a proud focus for the people of Adelaide as well as the churches of the Diocese. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid on St. Peter's Day, June 29th, 1869, marking the beginning of a construction journey filled with challenges and triumphs.

The influence of French Gothic architecture is evident in the cathedral's West front, which features a stunning rose window, reminiscent of those found in many famous cathedrals overseas. The design of St. Peter's Cathedral was initially entrusted to William Butterfield, a prominent architect of religious buildings in England. His plans were ambitious, but the construction was hampered by financial problems and other setbacks. Butterfield eventually resigned from the project in 1878, and the construction was taken over by his assistant, E.W. Woods.

Despite the difficulties, construction of the cathedral continued, with the nave being completed in 1901, followed by the transepts and chancel in 1904. The tower and spire, which had been the subject of much debate and controversy, were finally completed in 1908. St. Peter's Cathedral was consecrated in 1904, although some minor work on the interior continued until the 1930s.

The See of Adelaide was constituted in June 1847, but as there was no cathedral, Trinity Church on North Terrace was designated as the pro-tempore Cathedral Church. Augustus Short, the first Bishop of Adelaide, held the first ordinations there on St. Peter's Day in 1848. When Adelaide was surveyed by Colonel William Light over a decade before, land in Victoria Square had been set aside for public use. Bishop Short obtained a land grant in the square from the Governor, Major-General Frederick Robe CB, in March 1848. By late 1849, a subscription was bringing in funds for the construction of a cathedral on the now-cleared site. However, the legality of the land grant began to be publicly questioned around this time, and it was argued that the area was a public reserve and the Governor had no power to issue such grants. To resolve matters, Bishop Short, supported by the Synod, took the matter to the Supreme Court, and the judgment in June 1855 confirmed that the grant was invalid, and construction could not proceed.

Bishop Short eventually purchased just over an acre of land at the corner of King William Road and Pennington Terrace North Adelaide on August 8th, 1862. He reported in 1868 that the funds gathered were sufficient, and he announced to the Diocesan Synod his decision to begin construction of a cathedral. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the cathedral, and it was finally completed almost a decade later.

Today, St. Peter's Cathedral remains a beloved landmark in the city of Adelaide, and its rich history is a source of pride for all who call the city home. Its magnificent architecture and beautiful interior continue to inspire awe and reverence, and it remains an active place of worship, with regular services held throughout the week. Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Adelaide, a visit to St. Peter's Cathedral is a must, as it provides a fascinating insight into the history and culture of this beautiful city.