Cathedral Basilica Roman Catho… The Parish of St. Augustine dates from celebration of mass in September of 1565. During Queen Anne's War, the English Governor of South Carolina raided St. Augustine and destroyed the earlier Catholic church. This coquina edifice was begun in 1793, and the parish was elevated to a diocese in 1870. Fire damage was repaired in 1887, at which time the chancel, transept, and campanile were added. The interior reflects the Spanish heritage of the city, with about 20 murals. Be sure to take note of the sundial on the facade.