Despite the lack of pastor and building, the pew holders (members) continued to meet for worship and decided to rebuild on the same ground, "as speedily as possible." Work began in October 1855. Plans included a large spire that was installed in an unconventional way - by constructing it on the ground and lifting it into place. The 23 ton spire was installed to great spectacle in front of a large crowd on December 23, 1856. It measured 219 feet, and became the tallest in the city, surpassing St. Patrick's by 30 feet. The first service was held in the completed church on Nov. 1, 1857, at 11am. There was seating for 1311 on the main level and galleries, described in 1873 as, "crowded with attentive listeners of all classes and colors."
Disaster struck on Tuesday, September 29, 1915 when strong category 3 hurricane winds struck down the steeple. "The wreckage was appalling" reported the Board of Trustees. While most of the church was in ruins, the rooms at the rear near Girod St. were undamaged and services were held on the following Sunday.
The church was rebuild without the spire and with minor changes to the interior and completed in October 1916. It remained there until the final service Easter Sunday, 1938. The property was sold to the Federal Government and the building was demolished to make way for modern office building and post office. Before demolition, various elements were salvaged to be incorporated into the new, current building: pews, stained glass, mill work, and the old bell.
Note about the bell (paraphrase and quote from the Board of Trustees report from the next year.)
Over 400 tons of metal, woodwork, and masonry fell, cast down from 100 - 400 above. Beside the spire of 104 feet, 31 feet in height of masonry had been swept from the main tower. The 4000 pound bell fell inwards to the church, and landed upon the debris which had preceded it, and found there a bed prepared for it, that when finally removed it was without a crack or blemish. It's tones unimpaired have sounded in our grateful ears since it has been restored to its wonted place and duty. Neither it nor aught else that fell with it that day, harmed either life or limb.
