In 1903 a suitable site was found, one of two small cottage like buildings on the rocky shore close to the waters edge on the northern side of Port Erin bay, (roughly underneath the Belle Vue Hotel), the two buildings were a disused biological station and the other - a mortuary! The unwanted biological station was rented for a small sum and Mass was said there in the summer months for the visitors and for the two catholic families resident in the area. There was no Mass either in the winter or during any adverse weather.

Worshippers walked across the beach to the chapel, except at high tide when the chapel was approached by a steep path down the cliff. As the number of tourists and residents grew, it became necessary to find a larger and more permanent building. Eventually a site was found and for a sum of £200, land bought and a Chapel of Ease built on a site more easily accessible to both villages. This was opened in 1923. Nothing now remains of either the chapel on the beach or the adjacent mortuary building, except the foundations and the name Mortuary Beach, a favoured place for sun-bathers.

St. Columba's continued to thrive over the years. The original two families at the turn of the century have now increased many times over and the building of new estates in Port Erin and Port St. Mary and the number of tourists still coming over to the Island made it necessary to have a larger building and some facility, a hall, for social activities, meetings, and somewhere for groups of catholic children to receive instruction.

So it was in May 1989, proceedings began, to explore the possibility of this dream becoming reality. Plans were drawn up for the new hall/church by Architect Mr Martin Henihan, of Henry J. Lyons & Partners under the auspices of Mr Albert Gubay who entered into a joint venture with the Archdiocesan authorities to build this fine new hall and then eventually to restructure the existing church. The hall was opened on the 15th August 1993 when Mr Gubay handed over the keys to the parish priest, Father Hurst before a full congregation. Since then it had been a boon to the parish and so much appreciated by all.

A year or so later in December 1994 Mr Pozzoni had already drawn up plans for the reshaping and restructuring of the church and this work was undertaken under the direction of Mr Gubay. The work was completed in three months, then the internal work and part of the external was completed under the direction of Mr Ian McDonald. The new look Apse and Blessed Sacrament Chapel, with the beautifully designed stone altar and the matching lectern of stone and glass together with the lighting give the church a classical look, spacious and ascetical. The original roof interior is enhanced by the up lighting and spot lights which focus one's attention on the altar and lectern. The blue carpet, although not the architect's choice, gives the church a tranquil atmosphere. The beautiful stained glass windows were gifts from the Finch Hill Church members, as was the Baptismal Font We are most grateful for these wonderful gifts and we will be constantly reminded of our friends whenever we admire the beautiful colours that they display. Furthermore we are indebted to them also for the pews and chairs we now use. The Stations of the Cross were gifted by a generous parishioner, lightening the walls in the area known as the Stations of the Cross chapel.