During one of the many absences of the Vicar of Tonbridge, William Seymour came to be Curate in Charge of the Parish Church in 1873.  His preaching was very different to what the parishioners were used to and he drew large crowds.  He was happy to co-operate with members of any denomination, something which some people did not approve of.  This helped to bring about the formation of a committee of residents who wished to have a new Parish formed in the north end of the town.  After eight months the Vicar returned and Mr. Seymour's engagement was terminated.

During this time he had established Bible classes, as well as a Greek Testament class which met in the southern end of the town.  He also took an active part in the work of the Tonbridge Town Mission amongst the people living in lodging houses and he held open air meetings.

Despite the opposition from the town's two Church of England vicars, who in turn sought the support of the Bishop, Mr Seymour's classes continued.  Eventually a church seating 600 people named Christ Church was built in Lansdowne Road at a cost of approximately £1,150.

Many of the Parish Church congregation transferred to this Free Church of England Church.  The new church continued to grow and an extension was built in order that the Church could accommodate up to 1,000 people.  The Church under Mr. Seymour came to be known locally as the 'Tin Tabernacle'.

In 1901, the building ceased to be used as a place of worship after the retirement of Mr. Seymour.  The building had various uses after this.  It first became part of Trustcott & Son Printing Works and later a Working Men's Club.  Eventually the building was purchased by Tonbridge School and used by them as a workshop.