It was designed by Joseph John Scoles and is a Grade II listed building.

Fr Thomas Seed, the head of the Jesuits in Britain, who also founded Sacred Heart Church in Edinburgh laid the foundation stone of the church on 3 May 1860, what was then Feast of the Finding of the True Cross.

Weekday Masses are as follows: 12.15pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 11am on Tuesday.

In addition Exposition takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (half an hour before and after Mass).

Entrance to the church is via Corporation Street (southern side) or Parade Street (northern side), where there is also an additional gate for level access.