Until the 1960s, Catholics in Great Ayton worshipped at St Joseph's Church, Stokesley.
In 1966, a Sunday mass was instituted in the ambulance station in the village.
In 1970, a purpose-built timber-framed church was opened on Race Terrace, and in 1971 it was dedicated to Margaret Clitherow, becoming the first church in the world dedicated to the recently-canonised saint.
The new church was designed by DKS Architects and is in red brick with stone details, and a grey tile roof.
Two stained glass windows were installed, with designs by Kyme Studios.