Founded in 1870[1] and nicknamed the Churchmen,[2] the club's origins lay in connection with the recently built St Luke's Church on Parliament Street.

After drawing 1–1 at Wolves' Dudley Road ground in front of a crowd of 3,100, St Luke's won the replay in Derby 4–2.

In their final appearance in 1887-88, St Luke's lost 3–2 to local rivals Derby Junction, who went on to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

Along with other local amateur clubs, St Luke's struggled to compete for players and support following the emergence of Derby County, and particularly once the latter became a founder member of the Football League in 1888.

[6][8] St Luke's joined the Combination as a founder member for the 1890–91 season, but they failed to complete their fixtures and their record was expunged;.