[1] The Roman Catholic parish was established in the 19th century to serve Irish immigrant families who moved to the area to work in the cotton mills and coal mines.

John Holland of the Tyldesley Coal Company provided materials to build the church which was consecrated by the Bishop of Liverpool, Alexander Goss in 1869.

[3][4] The church was built to the design of architect Edmund Kirby of Birkenhead and was extended soon after completion and altered in the 20th century.

[5] The east elevation has a tall wide gable with a large round window of circular lights around a central quatrefoil.

The main entrance is in the narthex at the east end which also provides access to the gallery which houses the organ.