[1] It was designed in the Gothic Revival style and is the first Roman Catholic church built in Luton after the Reformation.

[2][3] In 1845, a mission was founded in the town by Fr S. Ward.

[2] On 20 January 1884, the mission was dedicated to Mary Help of Christians and its first Mass was said by Fr Joseph A. O'Connor.

Efforts were made to raise funds for a permanent church.

Later, in the 1880s, a church made of iron was constructed.