Built by slum labourers in the Inner West region of Sydney, the foundation stone for the building was laid in 1858.

[4] Destroyed in the fire were a 100-year-old pipe organ, a historic stained-glass window (valued in the media at over a million dollars) and memorials to parishioners who died in World War I.

[11] Arthur Stace, a member of the congregation, attracted attention for writing the word "eternity" in chalk on the streets of Sydney from the 1940s through to the 1960s in a distinctive copperplate style.

Continuing on the tradition was Robert Forsyth, who found that he had competition from Arthur Elliot, publican of the nearby pub, Broadway Hotel.

St Barnabas' also employs a music director, Steve Crain, and a substantial ministry team.