At a meeting in 1874, it was recognised that the growing population of Earlestown needed a new church. Land was donated in Market Street by W. Legh, Lord of the Manor; the foundation stone was laid in 1875 and the new church was consecrated on 6th Jan 1879.

The original plans for a building to seat 900 people had to be curtailed due to lack of money. Later plans to complete the church were again compromised, resulting in the partly-completed tower that was built on to the end of the church.