The work to raise funds for a building were undertaken by a committee whose members were drawn from the local community and the University of Cambridge, under the chair of the Master of Peterhouse.

He played a significant role in the project to build the new church and he and his wife donated the pulpit to mark their silver wedding anniversary.

The first stage of the church building was made usable by the end of 1897 and John George became the first vicar that year, serving until 1903.

Stephen Sykes, formerly Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge and subsequently Bishop of Ely, served as curate at St John's from 1985 to 1990.

[2] The Reverend Angela Tilby served as honorary priest from 1997–2006 until her appointment as vicar of St Benet's Church.