In 1851, it became evident that the existing Chapel in North Block, Brompton Barracks (now Command Wing), was not adequate for the large Garrison since it was also used as a school. In addition, The Depot of the Royal Sapper and Miners was due to move to Chatham from Woolwich and there was a real concern that there would not be enough Model Rooms and other instructional rooms to meet the needs of The Royal Engineers Establishment. Authority was given by the War Office for a new chapel to be built close to Chatham Infantry Barracks (now Kitchener Barracks), and the old chapel be used as a Model Room.

The site was chosen by Lt Gen Sir John Fox Burgoyne and Lt Col WR Ord RE. The Treasury approved the scheme, calling it the Chapel School, and said £778 would be contributed by the Board of Ordnance towards the cost of its construction. The Inspector General of Fortifications was asked for his approval, which he gave. His estimate of the costs was £491:10s:7d which included £317.8s:23/4d for contingencies! The final size was to be 112 ft long, 61 ft wide and 52 ft high to accommodate 34 officers and 1010 men, or 314 scholars at fixed desks. The walls were to be built in Kentish Rag with Caen Stone dressings. The church as eventually built had moulded brick instead of Caen Stone and Crown Glass in lead lights instead of cast iron casements and coloured glass to reduce costs.

When the Chapel first opened in 1854, the records tell us that in the first week, it was used by 150 boys, 150 girls, 100 infants and 500 rank and file. On Sundays, it held 1050 for services. This must have been standing room only, because it has since been enlarged and now only seats 800. There was no music or singing in the church until 1856 when The Band of the Royal Sappers and Miners moved to Chatham from Woolwich.

In the 1870s, a new school was built about 300 yards down the road and the building became a full time church. The school closed in the early 1990s and is now expensive luxury apartments.

The Church contains many memorials ranging from the Indian campaigns of 1857 to the Falkland Islands in 1982.

The glass in the east window of the Choir is of exceptional beauty. It was badly damaged by a bomb in WW2 and has been restored professionally. The organ used at every service is the same one bought by an all-ranks subscription in the 1860s.

Other points of interest are:

The Colour of The Norfolk Regiment which was laid up on 8th May 1921.

Standards of the Royal Engineers Association, The Royal Naval Association and The Burma Star Association.

A Coat of Arms of the Duke of Connaught, which came to us from Holy Trinity when that church closed down.

An effigy of Maj Gen Gordon, placed in the church by his only surviving brother.

A painting of The Magi by a local artist, Donald Maxwell FRSA.

A painting over the Baptistry Altar by Cpl Charles Blamey RE of 23 Camouflage Unit. This was originally an altar piece for the chapel of the Mountain Warfare Training Centre in Syria.

Since the closure of HM Dockyard, Chatham and with it, St George's Church in HMS Pembroke, the Garrison Church has housed the Navla Rolls of Rememberance from both World Wars. A Naval Chapel has been established and each October, a Naval memorial service is held in the church.