The new facility was designed with a large auditorium, ground-floor retail shops, and upper-story offices, all of which could be leased commercially so that the congregation could welcome all worshippers for free.

[1][2] On 28 December 1843, the Free Church Baptists bought the Tremont Theatre, built in 1827 in Greek Revival style.

An Egyptian mummy was displayed beginning on 28 September 1850, and Sam Houston gave a speech there against slavery on 22 February 1855.

… we may soon change him for knight, Bishop or queen, and sweep the board (applause).” [4] Frederick Douglass spoke there on December 3, 1860, in a hotly contested and even violent anti-slavery gathering that had to be quelled by Boston police.

The Reverend George C. Lorimer served as pastor of the church for twenty-one years, interrupted by brief pastorships in other locations.

Revenue from business rents and rental of the auditorium for concerts enabled the church to continue to provide free seats to all worshippers.