When it was decided to constitute Christchurch South as a separate circuit, and that St James was too small and poorly placed, a new site was sought.

[2] Construction was supervised by local architect Thomas Lambert and the building was officially opened in February 1878.

The Samoan congregation built a new church in Linwood in 1997 and a property developer applied for a demolition consent, which sparked a public outcry.

The Samoan congregation sold the church to another developer in 1999, whose initial plans of conversion into apartments were changed in 2001 to a demolition consent.

[2] The building was purchased in 2001 by the newly formed Sydenham Heritage Trust with the help of a Christchurch City Council interest free loan.