[3][4] Paul L. West was named as the parish's first rector in 1954, and Saint Barnabas held its first service on March 3, 1954, which was Ash Wednesday.

[6] While continuing to conduct services in the Main Street location, the parish began raising funds for a permanent structure to be built on the donated property.

Part of the Arizona Missionary Jurisdiction, the church was granted parish status by Bishop Arthur Barksdale Kinsolving II on November 1, 1955 (All Saints Day).

[6] The sanctuary's original design contains rhythmic columns and arches, a high ceiling and a raised circular altar.

[8] Construction on the current sanctuary, along with the chapel, offices and one of the two 12 room education buildings began in 1960, with the official ground breaking occurring on December 4.

Composed of between seven and nine congregation members with fine arts interests, the committee is responsible for approving all religious items, artwork, and decorations for the church.

The first work commissioned and completed was a baptismal font, designed by Paradise Valley artists, Allen Ditson and Lee Porzio.

[11][12] When the church installed its new organ in 1962, the notable American organist, Richard Purvis, flew into Scottsdale to perform the dedication ceremony.

The church was consecrated, and blessed by several Episcopalian dignitaries, including George R. Selway, Robert Donohoe (the ecumenical director of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona), and the former pastor of St. Barnabas, Henry B. Getz.

[14] The sanctuary received new main doors which involved a new art form invented by Ditson and Porzio, called "traforato".

Among these include a massive tapestry entitled, "Ode to Joy," designed by Porzio; the main altar and cross, acolyte chairs, candelabra, and various basins and stands.

[22] The set consists of 25 bells, weighing 4,074 pounds, and are played electronically every hour from 9 am to 6 pm, with occasional manual performances as well.

The updates included replacing the 2,768-pipe organ dedicated in February 1962, as well the tapestry, "Ode to Joy," which had been damaged over the year due to exposure to light.

[10] A unique feature was combining the organ's pipes with a mosaic, titled "Wondrous Love", which spans the back wall of the sanctuary, designed by renowned Canadian glass artist, Sarah Hall.

[32] Saint Barnabas' former Rector, Jim Clark, along with clergy colleagues, parishioners, and biblical scholars, has developed a specific type of small group Bible study, called "The Art of Engaging Holy Scripture" (TAEHS).

The practice gives the participants a succinct Biblical and Ecclesiological framework to enhance their prayer life and bible study, both in group sessions and on their own.

Until its removal to a climate controlled facility, a tapestry by Lee Porzio and Allen Ditson's, "Ode to Joy," hung behind the altar.

[8] Ditson created the main altar, based on the concept of the crown of thorns as the support for a ship, symbolizing the church.

Other items designed by either Porzio or Ditson include the main sanctuary cross, candelabras, the door to the chapel, and alms basins.