Picture this a small frame building a humble chapel. This was the first Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church. It stood on this very spot probably a few years after 1692. It served as a Chapel of Ease in the northern sector of St Paul’s Parish. Imagine the simple wooden structure. It was replaced by a small brick church a few years later. This was in 1704 the second year of Queen Anne’s reign. The land for this new church was generously donated by John and Mary Duvall. Two acres a significant gift then.
Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church stands tall today. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and architectural evolution. The original small brick church couldn’t accommodate the growing congregation. By 1772 a new larger church was needed. A contract was given to Christopher Lowndes to build a grander structure. This was to be sixty feet long and forty-six feet wide. The Reverend Jonathan Boucher was the rector at the time. He was even tutor to George Washington’s stepson. History records George Washington himself visiting this church on October 4 1772. It was quite an event. The governor and his family were present as well.
Reverend Boucher was a controversial figure. His Tory views made him unpopular. He eventually fled to England before the American Revolution. The brick church built under his tenure underwent many renovations. It stood the test of time. Then in 1974 a significant restoration project breathed new life into Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church. Walter Macomber a renowned Colonial-period architect oversaw the restoration. The project was largely funded by a generous bequest from a lifelong parishioner W Seton Belt.
This is more than just a church. It’s a living history book. The original structure and the subsequent ones. Each building reflects the community’s growth. It is a living testament to faith and resilience. It showcases the architectural style of the era. Each renovation adds to its story. Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church has witnessed centuries of history. It has touched countless lives. It stands proudly as a symbol of faith and community. A beacon of welcome to all regardless of background. A place of peace and prayer.