This church replaced an earlier St Patrick's Church which stood on the corner of West Terrace and Grote Street. Built in 1845 it served the local parish of western Adelaide, which at that time and for many later years was largely residential. By the beginning of the 20th century this church had become too small for its growing congregation and the architectural firm of Woods Bagot prepared plans for a new church. A tender of 13,425 pounds was accepted and the foundation stone was laid on 10 November 1912 and the church was dedicated on 15 March 1914.

The facade of St Patrick's is said to be based on the 1428 design of Brunelleschi's Church of the Holy Spirit in Florence. The design of the church is an early work by WH Bagot, of the firm Woods and Bagot, who was an important Adelaide architect noted for his attention to architectural history and accuracy of detail. Bagot's original design was to include a large dome and a sacristy, however due to the commencement of World War I and shortage of funds these features did not go ahead.

The church is listed on the Register of the National Estate and the South Australian Heritage Register.

Bagot, W. H. (Walter Hervey), 1880-1963

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing. From the ground up August 2004-