The congregation outgrew the chapel, and in 1855 it was demolished to make way for the Industrial Museum of Scotland.

Its architecture is a freestyle mixture of Romanesque, Renaissance and Classical features topped by a three-tiered tower.

The centre is home to a number of church-related charities and projects, including Christian Aid, Jubilee Scotland and the Edinburgh Community Mental Health Chaplaincy, as well as being the worship centre of Augustine United Church and the Metropolitan Community Church of Edinburgh.

Each summer, Paradise Green Promotions uses the centre as a venue for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

On Wednesday 12 February 1997 the National Launch of the first Fairtrade fortnight was held in the church.