The congregation began in the early 1860s with a small group of Scots and American Presbyterians who met in the neighbourhood of the Spanish Steps.

The present building, about halfway between the Piazza della Repubblica and the Palazzo del Quirinale, was opened in early 1885.

[1] Planning permission was granted only on condition that the building not from the outside look like a church, thus the architecture is similar to that of the various Italian government ministries on the same street.

The church itself takes up the whole of the ground floor; above this are offices, a manse, and a broad roof terrace with views over Vatican City.

Music and fellowship play an important role in the life of the congregation, which is known for its warm welcome to those living in Rome and to those simply passing through.