1864
9 May, Bishop Geoghegan dies.

1866
15 August, Bishop Lawrence Sheil OSF is consecrated Bishop of Adelaide.
12 September, he is installed as Bishop of Adelaide.

Thus the diocese has had over 2 years without a bishop. Almost immediately Bishop Sheil goes to Rome for the canonisation of the Japanese martyrs. After more than a year's absence he returns but leaves again ten months later to attend the First Vatican Council. He returns sixteen months later but dies the following year.

1867

St Francis Xavier Cathedral ca 1887

The Sisters of St Joseph arrive in the parish. Their leader is 'Sr Mary' (Blessed Mary McKillop). They first teach in the St Francis Xavier hall.

1869
In May a pipe organ by Johann Wolff is installed. It has 5 stops for the single manual, 2 for the pedal and a coupler.

1872
1 March, Bishop Sheil dies.

1873
In preparation for the consecration of Dr Reynolds, "The roof of the chancel has been coloured blue relieved by gold stars".

4 November, Bishop Christopher Reynolds is consecrated Bishop of Adelaide.

1886
Bishop Reynolds lays the foundation stone for the second extension including an enlarged eastern side for extra 200 seats, new vestries and confessionals. The plans are from the English Gothic Revival architect Peter Paul Pugin. The eastern side is extended to its present boundary but there is no work done north of the fifth columns.

1887
September 11, Archbishop Reynolds is enthroned as first Archbishop of Adelaide and receives the pallium from Cardinal Moran.

September 18, Cardinal Moran lays the cornerstone of the tower using a golden trowel purchased for the occasion. This stone is built into the tower. The foundation stone of the tower is laid but no work is done on the tower until the 1923-26 extensions.