St Barnabs' Church was originally constructed in 1848 at Point Dunlop, east of Mechanics Bay.

It was designed by Frederick Thatcher as one of the original Selwyn churches.

In 1866 the nave was widened to the point of the transepts, it was also lengthened on one side.

[1] In 1877 the church was moved to the current site in Mount Eden.

[2] In 1903 a brick rebuild started, but never completely finished and the nave of the old church remains.