St Barnabas was designed just before the First World War. The architect was Ernest Shearman, who had already designed St Matthew, Wimbledon Park (destroyed in the Second World War) and St Silas, Kentish Town.

The foundation stone was laid on 13 June 1914: local papers described the ‘huge concourse’ of people who attended. After being blessed by the Bishop of Kensington, the stone was laid by Miss Mary Baron at the base of the south pier carrying the great chancel arch’. This is the large white stone at ground level below the statue of Our Lady.

Two years later, on 3 June 1916, St Barnabas was consecrated by the Bishop of London, the Right Reverend Arthur Foley.  This was an even bigger occasion than the laying of the foundation stone, with people having to be turned away. 

The new parish officially came into being on 10 August 1917, and its first vicar, Walter Mitchell, was inducted on 3 November.

1966: St Barnabas Golden Jubilee

In June 1966 the parish celebrated its golden jubilee. To celebrate this milestone a booklet documenting the history of the church and the jubilee celebrations was produced.

Vicars

So far St Barnabas has had eight vicars: