In the early years of the 20th Century, a further mission was founded in the shape of a tin tabernacle, staffed by the Community of the Resurrection and members of the Church Army.

In 1933, plans were under consideration for St David's to be purchased (subject to the agreement of the parish) by Cardiff Corporation for use by the residents of Ely Lodge Public Assistance Institution[1] (later Ely Hospital, a hospice and mental health facility).

If this were to proceed, the plans proposed to replace both St David's and the tin tabernacle with a single new church for the whole of Ely.

The original designs of 1933 envisaged a church capable of seating 500 at a cost of £5000, but these were eventually superseded by a grander design by Thomas Roderick[2] seating 600 which Lord Glanely wished to present to the parish as a gift in memory of his deceased wife.

The church, built at the location of the tin tabernacle to a Neo-Byzantine style, was consecrated in October 1934.