Designed and built in the 1930s to replace a temporary building in the densely populated Elm Grove area, its unusual design—not conforming with architectural norms of the era—was widely praised.

It was declared redundant after less than 50 years as a place of worship, and was converted into sheltered housing with minimal alteration to the exterior.

Tightly packed terraced housing was provided on the northern and southern slopes of the hill between the 1860s and 1900, and the area became very densely populated.

Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel was commissioned to design it, and building firm George Lynn and Sons Ltd were responsible for the construction.

[6] When the Church Commissioners announced their intention to demolish the building, it was granted listed status and a public inquiry was held.

The brickwork is laid out in the Flemish bond style and was produced locally, by the Keymer Brick and Tile Works in Burgess Hill.

[3][5] To make the altar as clearly visible as possible from all parts of the church, Goodhart-Rendel made the nave wide and the north and south aisles narrow and low.