Imagine fields of watercress and a sprawling farm where St Barnabas, Southfields now rises. Not many years ago, this area was wide open. The first St Barnabas church was a temporary tin tabernacle. It served as a base while houses were built after the District Line opened in 1889.
We are standing before a large church of traditional layout. It features a nave, aisles, chancel, and undercroft. The church was built between 1906 and 1908. C Ford Whitcombe designed it in a Victorian Gothic Perpendicular style. The exterior is somewhat plain. The interior is spacious and impressive though simple. Modifications have been made at the west end. Meeting rooms have been added partly within the original structure.
The foundation stone of St Barnabas was laid in 1906. Canon Scott Holland of St Paul’s Cathedral did the honors. The church opened on May 9, 1908. The Bishop of Southwark dedicated it. Whitcombe’s design follows the Perpendicular style. This style is common in many East Anglia churches. In its early days, St Barnabas needed 800 seats for regular worshippers. Two thousand copies of the parish magazine were distributed.
Once houses were built, St Barnabas’ area was ready to become its own parish. The parish boundary was agreed upon in 1922. It included the River Wandle and Ravensbury and Revelstoke Roads. It also encompassed the District railway line and a line from Wimbledon Park Road back to the Wandle. The Reverend J W Warren became the first Vicar.
Southfields retained its community feel. It is a peaceful and safe place for young families. Building gathered pace at the turn of the last century. George Ryan and Henry Penfold constructed The Grid. A new three-bedroom home could go for as much as 325 pounds.
The community flourished during the early years. St Barnabas Church was consecrated in 1908. Schools and colleges sprang up. Shops opened including Mr Bate the oilman and Mrs Spells bakery.
One highlight was the annual St Barnabas Summer Fete. It featured an exciting Pageant of Empire in 1925. The vicar at this time was the Rev Herbert Green. He is remembered for his strict discipline.
St Barnabas stands as an inclusive church. It is in the heart of Southfields. St Barnabas aims to be a welcoming place. It welcomes people of every age and background. A thoughtful and rooted faith can be found here. In the liberal catholic tradition of the Church of England, it offers traditional and contemporary worship. It is a place to think, reflect and pray. You can share the journey of faith with others.