[3] Its congregation, which reflected the area's diverse population of affluent merchants and industrial labourers,[3] included black settlers from West Africa, the Caribbean and America.

[3] As the building was in a semi-derelict condition, a marquee was erected inside the church to allow the immediate resumption of worship while repair work was ongoing.

[2] An urgent roof replacement was carried out between 2011–2012, along with other structural repairs, but the parochial council was unable to secure funding for further work.

The marquee was incrementally expanded to meet the needs of the growing congregation, but the building remained unsuitable for full use, due to minor safety issues and a lack of running water.

[3] In 2018, however, a kitchen, toilets and an office were installed, and by 2021 the renovation project was complete, with the addition of several new rooms and a mezzanine floor.