The building was erected by Wesleyan Methodists led by Richard Mercer, bookseller.

The foundation stone was laid on Park Row on 5 June 1854.

[1] The chapel opened in April 1855 and was known as 'The Wesleyan Congregational Free Church'.

It was purchased by the Church of England in 1873 and alterations were made by Thomas Chambers Hine.

It was known as the Episcopal church of St. Thomas and was consecrated by the Rt.