Over the centuries, the old buildings underwent rebuilding and adaptation. A medieval church was replaced in the early 19th century (1825-26 and again in 1830) under the designs of George Webster.

By the 1880s, the congregation and local benefactors felt the need for a larger, more imposing building to reflect Dalton’s importance in the region and to keep pace with growth. Thus, between 1883–1885, the current church structure was built, replacing the earlier 19th-century church. The architects were Paley & Austin, noted for their high-quality ecclesiastical work.

The cost of construction was about £11,550, much of which was provided by benefactors including James Ramsden, Henry Schneider, the Duke of Devonshire, and the Duke of Buccleuch.

Architecturally, the building is in a Gothic Revival style, especially in a 14th-century Decorated Gothic idiom, built of red sandstone with distinctive red and white chequered stonework, particularly noticeable on the tower and upper walls. It seats roughly 700 people.

Inside, St Mary’s preserves links with the past:

• A 14th-century font, much weathered, with heraldic shields from Furness Abbey.
• Medieval stained glass fragments (from about 1320-1360) in the north porch believed to come from earlier churches on the site.

The churchyard is also historically significant. Among its notable memorials is the grave of George Romney, the famous 18th-century portrait painter who was born in Dalton, and who died in 1802.

In more recent times, in 1979-80, a Parish Centre was added adjacent to the church, linked via the south porch, to serve both worship and wider community needs.

St Mary’s remains a Grade II* listed building, recognized both for its architectural merit and its deep historical roots in the life of Dalton and the Furness Peninsula.