The church has played a significant role in the growth of Methodism in South Africa.

[2] The church is known for its active advocacy efforts[3] such as its yellow banner campaign that seeks to rise awareness of important social issues and as a site of refuge.

[4] The church windows were damaged by police water cannons during the anti-apartheid Purple Rain protest in 1989.

[5] The church is the second oldest building on Greenmarket Square after the Old Town House located opposite it.

[7] Representing high-Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, the basilica-type church features a distinctive lean-to roof and a tower with a spire.