The original St Johns church was built in 1927 and located off City Road not far from the present church. The site was chosen because of its central location and access to public transport. That building was demolished in 1989 to make way for the Southgate development. The beautiful, modern church building was designed by David Cole, an architect from Buchan, Laird and Bawden. The design of the church links architecturally with the Southgate complex.