The original building still remains, however the portico has been filled in (see below) to create a large entrance space on the ground floor and a large room on the first floor. An extra portico has been added at the front and a manse built behind in about the middle of the 19th century. To the right is a Bible School started by Rev. Walter Corlett in the 1950's.

 

Mr. Brown, the Senior Chaplain of the Presidency, called on Carey at his rooms at Fort William College with the suggestion that a Dissenting Chapel should be set up in Calcutta for the poorer European Christians. Carey replied that his brethren had long wished to establish a place of worship for those who felt uncomfortable in the patrician congregations of the Mission Church and the Presidency Church, but were apprehensive of giving umbrage to the Government. Mr. Buchanan likewise supported the establishment of a Dissenting Chapel and they assured him that they would use every effort to prevent opposition in Government.

On 23rd January, 1803, the missionaries hired a room in Calcutta and held the first service in English, but with scarcely any attendance. They then hired another room at more reasonable terms where they continued to preach until the Bow Bazaar Chapel was opened in 1809.

Their success was only partial. Many objected to entering the home of a private individual for public worship. The room was poorly chosen because it was a large hall in the house of Mr. Lindeman, the undertaker. It was therefore evident that a public edifice was necessary.

John Clark Marshman, 1859.