“This church is for sinners” A bold statement. It’s one of the many witty signs that once adorned St Barnabas Anglican Church in Sydney. Right here on Broadway near the University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney in Ultimo you stand before a remarkable story.
St Barnabas isn’t just a church. It’s a testament to resilience faith and community. Its history spans over a century and a half marked by both triumph and tragedy. The original St Barnabas built by slum labourers in 1858 was a Gothic Revival masterpiece. It served as a beacon of hope during the Great Depression. Reverend RBS Hammond transformed it into a vital community hub. An employment bureau an emergency depot and a soup kitchen fed thousands. Arthur Stace the “Eternity” man a member of this congregation was known for chalking “Eternity” on Sydney streets.
Tragedy struck on May 10 2006. A devastating fire destroyed the beloved church. A century-old pipe organ a priceless stained-glass window and WWI memorials were lost. But the spirit of St Barnabas couldn’t be extinguished.
The community rallied. The old church was demolished in 2010. From the ashes rose a new St Barnabas a modern marvel designed by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp. It opened in June 2012. This new building isn’t just a church. It’s a social community centre a creche. It received awards for its stunning International Modernist architecture. The new church continues the tradition of engaging with its neighbours. Parishioners share fellowship with each other at the nearby pub after service.
The famous sign battles between St Barnabas and the Broadway Hotel across the road are legendary. Witty messages like “Drink and trouble are like petrol and fire” and “Money does not make you happy” became part of Sydney’s folklore.
Today as you look at St Barnabas you see more than just a building. You see a legacy of faith community and a playful spirit that has endured. You see a story of resilience hope and a unique bond between a church and its pub neighbour. The church stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of St Barnabas. It’s a place where history faith and community intertwine. And a place where the witty signs live on in stories.