Built in 1865 St Barnabas Bethnal Green initially served as a Baptist Union Church. This impressive building stands at the intersection of Roman Road and Grove Road. Its Gothic Revival style is evident in its yellow brick facade banded with red and black. The church boasts a broad chancel nave west gallery and an octagonal southwest tower topped with a spire.
St Barnabas Bethnal Green wasn’t always an Anglican church. It began as a Baptist church. However in 1868 it was sold to the Church of England. Bishop John Jackson consecrated it in 1870. A district was assigned to it from the parishes of St James the Less and St Simon Zelotes. Interestingly the church’s orientation isn’t standard.
A large vicarage was constructed in 1876 south of Roman Road. George Barnes the vicar from 1870 to 1902 resided there. He held significant positions as President of Sion College and rural dean of Spitalfields. The Second World War inflicted severe damage upon St Barnabas Bethnal Green. Bombing ravaged the structure. After the war the steeple was removed. The church was rebuilt though the tower and north and south walls were preserved.
The reconstruction involved notable architects and artists. J Anthony Lewis of Michael Tapper & Lewis oversaw the remodelling. Sculptor Don Potter created The Four Evangelists adorning the church exterior circa 1957. He also crafted a Clipsham stone font. A two-manual electric Jennings organ was installed in 1957. The restored St Barnabas Bethnal Green was rededicated on June 18 1957 by the Bishop of London.
Before 1965 St Barnabas was situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Bethnal Green. Today St Barnabas remains an active part of the Bow Group of Anglican churches. This includes Bow Church St Paul’s Bow Common St Paul’s Old Ford and All Hallows Bow. The church also played a key role in the St Barnabas Community Fete known as Bowstock from 2003 to 2012. Father Brian Ralph the church’s vicar directed the fete. A significant aspect of St Barnabas’s history is its affiliation with the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement since 2006. This shows its commitment to inclusivity. The history of St Barnabas Bethnal Green is a testament to resilience adaptation and a continued commitment to faith and community. It’s a story woven into the very fabric of this remarkable London landmark.