[3] Prior to its construction, Church of England services had been held in a cottage converted in 1862 into a mission room dedicated to St Andrew.

[2][4] Fundraising began in 1923 to raise £3,000 for a new church to replace the existing mission chapel, which was considered too small, particularly during the summer seasons when West Bay received a large influx of visitors.

[7] St John's, able to accommodate 300 persons, is built of rendered stone, with limestone dressings and slate roofs.

The stained glass of the east window was created by Christopher Webb in 1959 and includes an illustration of Portland Bill Lighthouse and a sailing vessel.

Historic England consider the church "elegant and simple" and "styled in traditional forms informed by the Arts and Crafts movement".