Christ the King was built in 1962/63 as an auxiliary church to the Cathedral, for the benefit of all Plymouth parishes. It was solemnly opened on the 19th of September 1962. As it is so conveniently near to the city centre it gives many people the opportunity to drop in to quietly pray, and is usually open daily for the 12.05pm Mass. There is also a small bookshop in the church.
The dedication plaque in the porch records that the Church was a gift to the Diocese from Mr. and Mrs. Rye. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was commissioned to design the building towards the end of a long and prolific career as an architect. In 1988 Christ the King became the Catholic Chaplaincy to the students in the City of Plymouth.
The Church is dedicated to Christ the King. Christ is our anointed King who overcame suffering and death and so brought us out of darkness and into His Kingdom.