Bedford's churches were fiercely criticised by contemporary critics at a time when the tide was turning away from the Greek revival towards Gothic.

St John's however gained more critical appreciation mainly because of its fine spire which used classical detail to build up a more traditional English parish church shape.

[2] The ground was very swampy, consisting in part of a pond, and the advice of John Rennie the Younger was sought as to the most suitable type of foundation.

In 1883 Lord Brabazon, the Chairman of the newly formed Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, gave a swing and giant stride as part of a children's playground; the MPGA itself provided parallel bars, a seesaw and six seats.

[5] The building stood open for ten years until it was restored and remodelled internally by Thomas Ford in 1950.

[6] Thomas Ford removed the galleries and a new decorative scheme was installed using Greek ornamental motifs, gilt and light pastel shades.

Still supported by the piles driven into the marshy soil in 1824, millions of gallons of water had to be pumped into the foundations of the church to prevent its collapse as a result.

The church that exists today is a thriving multicultural congregation that has developed strong links with the local community.

The church has Food Court stalls outside selling a range of cuisines from Monday – Friday every week.