William Ward drew up the prospectus for the building, and, on 1st January 1804, attended a meeting of the friends of the cause in Calcutta.

In March, 1806, the grounds for the chapel were purchased at a cost of 7,250 rupees. The site was situated in Bow Bazaar, a street that ran east from the north-east corner of Tank Square. The square contained a large tank (or lake) which was the site of the original Fort William, the Writer's Building, the Court House, hotels, and, to the south, Government House. At the time, Bow Bazaar was a hotbed of vice and immorality and was also the Tyburn of Calcutta where hangings took place. There was an awful spot called Gullakutta Gully, or throat-cutters' lane. It was surrounded by liquor shops and brothels which were the haunt of sailors. The site itself was being used as a brothel.

The buildings were immediately cleared away and a neat thatched bungalow was erected in the centre of the site. Ward preached the first sermon there on 1st June 1806. It was the first time the Gospel had been preached to the inhabitants of Calcutta in their own language, and in public.

John Clark Marshman, 1859.