The congregation for which the Cannon Street Chapel was built originated in Oakenshaw about 1735 when a few members met in the house of John Ellison.

In 1754 they constructed a purpose-built chapel and by 1760 they separated from the congregation at Bacup to form an independent community.

The foundation stone for the new chapel was laid on Whit Monday 1872 by James Barlow Esq.

[4] The cost of the chapel and the school was around £12,000 and it opened for worship on 19 March 1874.

[5] The church installed a 3 manual 23 stop organ in 1874 by William Hill & Son.