A curious contrast. That is what St Barnabas’ Church offers in Roseneath. It stands distinct and quirky amidst modern apartments and homes. Let me tell you about this local landmark.
St Barnabas’ Church began as a simple schoolroom in 1899. Reverend Richard Coffey of St Mark’s purchased the site. It was next to the newly opened Roseneath School. Architect Joshua Charlesworth designed the building. Johnson and Spargle built it for 288 pounds. An additional 20 pounds was spent on furnishings. The church opened debt-free. Bishop Wallis dedicated it on November 19 1899.
Initially, the building served as a Sunday school and for services. Early in the new century, it began to look more like a church. In 1907, a tower and bell were added. Inside, a pulpit, font and altar cross were installed. An organ fund was started. The name St Barnabas was given to the church in 1910. The organ was dedicated in 1911. St Barnabas became the center of its own parochial district in 1915. It later became a parish in 1946.
Tragedy struck on January 19 1924. A fire badly damaged St Barnabas’ Church. However, many interior fittings and furnishings survived. The insurance payout of 1555 pounds was used to restore the building. Diocesan architect Frederick de Jersey Clere oversaw the work. A Mr Stanford completed the work. Concrete buttresses were added to the east side of the building. The church reopened on October 24 1924. Look closely at the blackened floorboards near the altar rails. You can still see signs of the fire.
A new hall was built in 1938. In 1944, a choir vestry, porch, and sanctuary extension were completed. An alcove for a new organ was added. The organ was purchased from a bequest. It was first used in 1948. Families gifted stained glass windows to St Barnabas’ Church in 1967 and 1974. The church was partially restored in 1988 with help from the Historic Places Trust. Rev. Des Britten, former television chef, was a high-profile vicar in the early 1990s.
In 2007, St Barnabas underwent a full-scale restoration. Architect Ian Bowman created the plans. Past and present parishioners funded it. The wider Wellington community also contributed.
St Barnabas’ Church is a timber Gothic church. It has grown and adapted over the past century. The original schoolroom and later additions are notable. Especially the elegant bell-tower. Joshua Charlesworth and Frederick de Jersey Clere were prominent local architects. They both worked on the church. St Barnabas’ Church has been a site of Anglican worship for over 100 years. It provides visual interest to the streetscape. The church contributes to a sense of place and continuity in Roseneath. Public donations for the 2007 renovations suggest it is held in high public esteem.
Today St Barnabas stands as a testament to community. It reflects faith and architectural adaptability. Its location offers spectacular views. It provides a unique charm. The Onslow Anglicans, the faith community of St Barnabas, continues to welcome all. It is open hearted, open handed and open minded. The church embraces its traditions. It values its place in the community.