[1] In 1963, a split emerged in the Serbian Orthodox community in England, and in the USA, between those who believed that the Belgrade central hierarchy of the Church was too much influenced by the Communist government there, and others who believed that they must adhere to the official Church hierarchy in Belgrade, regardless of the political complexion of the Government there.

This dichotomy was exacerbated in 1964 when the Serbian Orthodox Bishop in the USA was removed from office by Belgrade, and the groups formally split.

The main Church building was adapted for their style of worship with a new Social Centre created on the lower floor.

[3] The interior of the church was adapted, by financial input and renovation work, to accommodate Orthodox Christian services.

His Majesty King Peter II Karadjordjevic attended the formal consecration of the church by bishop Dionisije Milivojević on 5 September 1965.