Ellon’s parish history stretches back over 900 years. However, the present church was designed by George Edmund Street, the eminent Victorian architect, and is based on the design of the mediaeval parish church of Ellon, which was destroyed in 1776. It is a Grade A listed building and was opened on June 23rd 1871. It was consecrated on September 8th 1875.

This church replaced a smaller church at Craighall, which was opened in 1816 and which itself had replaced a series of "hidden" chapels used by the congregation during the days of the persecution of Episcopalians following their involvement in the Jacobite Risings.

Today Saint Mary’s is home to a lively congregation. There are two celebrations of the Eucharist each Sunday – at 8-30am and 11-00am - as well as children’s and teen Church. During the week there are celebrations of the Eucharist as well as meetings of home groups.

Saint Mary’s Hall and The Rectory are both within the church grounds. The Hall is a centre of ministry to the community every day of the week – Day Care, Toddler Time, Parent and Toddler Groups, Seniors’ Lunch Clubs, Mothers’ Union, Choir, Study Groups, Children’s and Teen Groups. The Parish Office is also located within Saint Mary’s Hall.