Prior to 1937, the needs of the Catholic Community in Port Colborne, were administred by St. Patrick's Church on King Street.
In 1937, Archbishop J.C McGuigan granted permission for the erection of a church on the east side of Port Colborne. The site chosen was the corner of Fares and Bell Streets and the supervision was under the direction of rev. E.J. Canning, Pastor of St. Patrick's church.
The cornerstone laying for the original St. Teresa's Church tok place on June 27th, 1937.
The church was built almost entirely by volunteer labour, comprised of the Catholic people living on the east side of Port Colborne. The plan was to construct a basement church at this time and to complete the actual church when funds became available.
The basement church was completed in less than 6 months, with the official opening taking place on October 3rd, 1937.