200 Year Anniversary

Celebrating 200 years since the consecration of St Barnabas Church in 1824

This year, we are celebrating St Barnabas Church's 200th anniversary, a milestone that marks two centuries of faith, community, and resilience.

With the theme of 'Celebrating all that is good in Erdington!' we hosted an enriching schedule of services and events throughout June and July, reflecting our community's diversity and spirit. As we honor our past, embrace our present, and look towards the future, we are deeply grateful for everyone who has been part of our journey. Together, we continue to be a vital part of God's story here in Erdington.

Our 200 year celebrations were a vibrant reflection of our community’s spirit and unity.

Kickstarting in June, we began with a delightful Arts & Crafts Fayre, showcasing the creativity and talent of local crafters. This was followed by a special Sunday service led by Bishop Michael to celebrate the Feast of St Barnabas, a time for us to be encouraged by the work of God’s Holy Spirit through the transforming presence of Jesus. We closed out June with a memorable Musical Evening, where local artists filled the church with harmonious melodies and joy.

In July, we held a meaningful Celebration of Relationships service, honoring marriages, partnerships, and the bonds of love, friendship, and community. Our Family Fun Day provided a joyful day of entertainment, including the creation of a stained-glass display made by children of our community, which will now adorn the church space. The festivities culminated in a poignant Dedication Service led by Bishop Maurice on July 23rd, marking exactly 200 years since the consecration of St Barnabas Church.

‘Oedington’

During our 200 year celebration concert earlier this year, Joe Cook, an Erdington-born poet and spoken word artist, premiered his poem Odeington. This specially commissioned piece celebrates the everyday lives and successes of people in our local area, offering a fresh perspective in response to negative outside opinions.

Rooted in the spirit of community that St Barnabas Church Centre values, Odeington reflects our commitment to uplifting local voices and sharing positive stories of the people who make Erdington unique.

We encourage you to listen to Odeington, written and performed by Joe Cook and filmed by Chris Neophytou:

Thank you!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of our 200th anniversary celebrations. We are deeply thankful to our church members and staff, whose dedication and hard work made each event memorable. Special thanks to our volunteers, who generously offered their time and talents to ensure everything ran smoothly. We also appreciate the support of our community partners whose contributions were invaluable. Your collective efforts have truly embodied the spirit of community that St Barnabas Church stands for. Thank you for being a part of this historic journey and for your ongoing support as we continue to serve and grow together.

History of St Barnabas Church

Originally built as a chapel of ease between 1822–23 under the masterful design of Thomas Rickman, St Barnabas Church has been a symbol of faith and community for two centuries.

Consecrated on July 23rd, 1824, the church was constructed at a cost of £5,000, largely funded by public donations. In 1858, it was granted a district chapelry, solidifying its importance in our community.

Once adorned with sixteen stunning stained-glass windows, St Barnabas Church faced a tragic fire in 2007. Despite the devastation, we rebuilt, and today, only one original stained-glass window remains - a powerful reminder of our enduring faith and resilience.

Looking to the future…

As we commemorate 200 years of St Barnabas Church, we also look forward with anticipation to the future. Our vision is to continue being a beacon of hope on the High Street. We are committed to delivering community support through our range of activities and programs within the Community Hub, fostering deeper connections within our congregation, and welcoming new members into our church family, all while embodying the values of compassion and kindness that our faith inspires.

The joy and success of our 200th anniversary celebrations has shown us the incredible impact that a dedicated community can achieve. As we move forward, we invite you to support the mission and ministry of St Barnabas Church by volunteering with us. Find out more here.