Didn’t this church start its life somewhere else? St Barnabas, Eltham has quite the story. It involves naval dockyards, wartime damage and a remarkable relocation.
St Barnabas Church was originally built between 1857 and 1859. Sir George Gilbert Scott designed it. The church first served as the Naval Dockyard Church at Woolwich Dockyard.
For 74 years, St Barnabas stood proudly at Woolwich Dockyard. Then, in 1932-33, it was carefully taken down. It was rebuilt in a modified form in Eltham.
However, St Barnabas’s trials weren’t over. In 1944, disaster struck. Enemy action during World War II gutted the church by fire.
The damage was extensive. But the community was determined to restore their beloved St Barnabas.
Restoration work began. Thomas Ford oversaw the project. In 1956, St Barnabas reopened with a new roof and remodeled interior.
Step inside St Barnabas. Notice the new plaster barrel-vaulted ceiling over the nave. Admire the tripartite ornamented nave arcades. Look for the Hans Fiebusch mural in the apse. These are all features added during the restoration.
The church includes a lofty nave, aisles and chapel. There is also a chancel, sanctuary and south porch. A bell tower, choir vestry and clergy vestry complete the accommodation.
Look at the walls. They are constructed of red multi-stock facing bricks. Bath stone plinths, window dressings and buttress copings add detail. String courses, cills and copings also enhance the exterior. The roofs are covered in plain clay tiles.
St Barnabas is more than just a building. It is a testament to resilience and community spirit. It began as a church for naval dockworkers. It survived fire and relocation. Now St Barnabas stands as a welcoming place for all. This church is under the patronage of the Bishop. It resides within the Woolwich Episcopal Area. Also it belongs to the Eltham & Mottingham Deanery and the Lewisham and Greenwich Archdeaconry.
Think about the journey of St Barnabas. From Woolwich Dockyard to its current site, it has witnessed history. It has served different communities and overcome adversity. St Barnabas, Eltham stands as a symbol of faith. It is a beacon of hope and a reminder of the past.