The project of building a new church in Upper Lavey was undertaken by Fr. Terence Murray who came as curate in 1859. A site was obtained from John Vernon, agent for Edward J Saunderson, about a quarter of a mile south of the existing church at Knocknagillagh. The architect was John Ryan of Dublin and the builder Henry McGurk of Cavan. Building was begun in the summer of 1860 and completed for dedication on 13th October 1861. The cost was put at £1,900.

Reconstruction was undertaken in 1959 by Fr. F.J. Sheils PP and Fr. Patrick Brady CC and completed for re-opening on 24th July 1960. It involved a new roof and windows, reconstructed walls, a new sacristy, sanctuary, flooring and seating and a new entrance with parking space. The cost amounted to £17,800.

In 1993, Fr. Peter Casey CC identified the need to renovate the church. Philip Brady, Cavan was the architect and Crosserlough Construction Ltd., the contractors. Fr. Martin Gilcreest, who was appointed curate in 1995, oversaw the work which included re-slating of the roof, redesigning of the sanctuary, provision of a rear side entrance, relocation of the sacristy, redecoration of the interior, tarmacking the driveway around the church and the erection of a grotto. The work was completed in May 1996 and the cost amounted to approximately £127,000. There was a special Blessing and Thanksgiving concelebrated Mass on Sunday 20th October 1996 in the newly renovated church led by Most Rev. Dr. Francis MacKiernan, Bishop of Kilmore and Fr. Bernard Maguire PP, Lavey.