[3] A mission church was established in 1888 in Stanhope Street, Derby, to serve the growing community in housing constructed by the Midland Railway.

However, this became inadequate for the population, so a new church dedicated to St Augustine was planned.

The first sod was cut by Henry Howe Bemrose MP in July 1896[4] and the foundation stone was laid on 17 October 1896 by Michael Bass, 1st Baron Burton.

The chancel was built by the contractor H. Chattle of Empress Road, Derby, with the oak work by Mattyn and Company of Cheltenham.

A harmonium was provided when the church opened, but this was replaced in 1900 by a pipe organ by Noble of Melbourne Street, Derby.