St Barnabas church is the second to have stood on the site. The first was a large, brick
Victorian Gothic building consecrated in 1894 which replaced a less permanent structure further
down the hill towards Dulwich Village. In 1915 this was made the Parish church of Dulwich. It was
destroyed by fire on the 7 of December 1992. A few reminders of this building remain; the south
wall in the Welcome Area was the wall of the Lady Chapel, and the outline of the nave is marked
in the garden by low walls. In the Courtyard is the base of the font, and stonework found after the
fire is incorporated in the wall of the Memorial garden. The font at the west end of the church is
a remnant from the old church too. The building in which we now worship is the fruit of faith,
professional ability, communication and vision.

The main building is founded on eight piers of reinforced concrete sheathed in brick, recalling the
brick structure of the Victorian church. Four twin longitudinal beams span the space between the
piers, creating the clear internal space which is the defining feature of the church; each consists of
two steel trusses sheathed in plasterboard, with light penetrating between them. The high beams
carry the slate-clad upper walls and the main roof with its internal vault of beech slats; the low
beams carry the side vaults. Over the altar is an unique glass spire, built around a stainless steel
frame and seated on an octagonal slate plinth. By night it glows as a beacon; by day it brings light
into the centre of the church. The orb and cross at the top gleam in sunlight. The floor of slate and
terra-cotta tiles incorporates hot-water pipes for heating. The stained glass  was designed by
Caroline Swash, and crafted by Goddard and Gibbs.

                                                    Construction work began in June 1995, and was completed by September 1996. The slate came from
                                                    Cornwall, the stone from Penrith. The furniture was designed and made by Luke Hughes and Company. The
                                                    church was dedicated in October 1996. On Sunday 29 October 2007 members of St Barnabas, both past and
                                                    present came together for a special Dedication Festival, to give thanks for the first 10 years of ministry,
                                                    worship and fellowship and to see the blessing of the Hunter Bell.

                                                    The main body of the church holds up to 400 people, but for major services 650 people can be accommodated
                                                    by opening the doors into the chapel and the Community Suite. At a normal Sunday service over 300 people
                                                    worship here. St Barnabas strives to serve the community - the  ancillary buildings are used for everything
                                                    from children's birthday parties to small conferences and exercise classes.