The company was interested in the welfare of its workforce, also converting former workshops into housing, and developing sports facilities.

[3][4][5] The foundation stone was laid on 1 May 1872 by Alfred Elwell, head of the company since 1869, and the completed church was consecrated by the Bishop of Lichfield on 21 August 1874.

A window in the north aisle was presented in 1919 by Edward Elwell Ltd, in memory of employees killed in the Great War.

[4][5] St Luke's Church, in Alma Street, Mesty Croft (52°33′16.6″N 2°00′21.6″W / 52.554611°N 2.006000°W / 52.554611; -2.006000), is also in Wood Green parish.

Originally an elememtary school belonging to Edward Elwell, it was formed in 1879 as a mission church to St Paul's.