After its predecessor, St John's Church (1609), was taken by a Russian garrison in 1714, Empress Elizabeth ordered this new church constructed with roubles from her state treasury. The church, 1744 - 1747, took the Empress's name. The copper rooster has been roosting atop the steeple since 1747. Church is also one of Pärnu’s favoured concert venues, and the interior makes it an unforgettable place to hear music.