It was Mrs E Smart in 1946 who started a Sunday School in her home, assisted by Mrs Hilda van Zijl. One year after Second World War ended Methodism in Lyttelton began. The first minister was the Rev Samuel Roberts from Sunnyside Methodist Church who provided oversight over the work in Lyttelton and conducted occasional worship services.

After Mrs Smart left in 1948 the work continued in the NG Kerk Hall in Langebrink Street. Miss Joan Anderson now assumed responsibility for the 12 Sunday School children. She later married Mrs Van Zijl’s son Max who became Sunday School Superintendant with 140 scholars. Joan and Max van Zijl held this position for many years. When the Louis Leipoldt Primary School opened in 1953 the church moved to this school hall. During these formative years the Rev Roberts conducted services once a month in the afternoons.

Founder members who played an active role were Mrs Brown the pianist, Fern Prue, Moira and Vera Andersen, Eve Adams, Abel and Coral Fourie, Sheila & Wattie Gordon, Tommy & Phyllis Gray, Gladys Remmers, Guy & Dina Shipton, Ruth Warren, Bob & Mary Clare-Talbot. In 1954 a property in Union Avenue was bought with the intention of erecting a church building. Unfortunately people in the area objected to this project and it was sold again and the present site of 113 Monument Avenue was purchased. The Rev James Reed, minister at Sunnyside, was appointed with the oversight of Lyttelton in 1956, followed by Rev John Wallace in 1957 and Rev Fremont Louw in 1959. Meanwhile fundraising for a church building made progress under the leadership of Mr Cyril Watson and plans were approved. On 19 May 1956 the Foundation stone was laid by Rev James Reed and Mr Marcus Kneen. On 11 November 1956 the new church was opened and dedicated by Rev JB Webb. Building costs amounted to ₤3600. By 1958 there were 200 known Methodist families living in Lyttelton of which approximately 130 were active.