St. Barnabas' Church, Erdington

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The St. Barnabas' Church is the parish church of Erdington, in the north of Birmingham, England. It is located on the High Street, in the main shopping centre area of Erdington, and is a Grade II listed building.[1]

Contents

[edit] History

The church was built as a chapel of ease between 1822-23 to a design by Thomas Rickman.[2][3] The church was famous for its eight stained glass windows depicting scenes of the life of Jesus and stories from the scriptures, including the Raising of Lazarus, The Resurrection, The Good Samaritan and St Paul and St Barnabas,[4] which were also designed by Thomas Rickman.[5] It was consecrated on July 23, 1824.[6] The church was built by the Commissioners at a cost of £5,000, £1,000 of which was collected through public donations.[7] In 1858, a district chapelry was assigned to the church.[8]

[edit] Fire

The church, following the fire
The church, following the fire

On the morning of 4 October 2007, the building was severely damaged by fire. West Midlands Fire Service were called to a fire at the church at 6am. Approximately 75 firefighters and 15 engines attended the fire.[9] The roof and stained glass windows were completely destroyed, though the clock tower and walls remain intact.[10] The Rt Revd. David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, stated he was determined to rebuild the church.[11] It is believed that the fire was caused by arsonists.[4] It has been announced that future church services will continue at a local school.[5]

[edit] Temporary accommodation

St Barnabas Church is currently operating from Six Ways Baptist Church, Erdington. All weekday services and Sunday 8:30 service will be held here, the Sunday 10am Eucharist will continue to be held at St Barnabas Church School, Spring Lane, Erdington.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Listing on Images of England
  2. ^ John Betjeman (1959). An American's Guide to English Parish Churches. McDowell, Obolensky. 
  3. ^ A. W. Skempton; Institution of Civil Engineers Staff (2002). A Biographical Dictionary of Civil Engineers in Great Britain and Ireland. Thomas Telford. 
  4. ^ a b "Arson suspected as blaze wrecks church".Birmingham Post. 5 October 2007
  5. ^ a b News story in Birmingham Mail, 4 October 2007
  6. ^ Walter Powell; Herbert Maurice Cashmore (1918). A Catalogue of the Birmingham Collection. Cornish Brothers Ltd.. 
  7. ^ Francis White (1850). History, gazetteer, and directory, of Warwickshire. F. White. 
  8. ^ London Gazette (1860). Bulletins and Other State Intelligence. 
  9. ^ Erdington Team Ministry: Saint Barnabas
  10. ^ BBC News story about fire
  11. ^ Birmingham Mail on-line news and video footage

Coordinates: 52°31′24″N 1°50′21″W / 52.5232, -1.8392

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