St Barnabas Church, Manor Park

St Barnabas Church, Manor Park

St Barnabas Church, located in Manor Park, London, is an Anglican parish church renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by the esteemed architect Ninian Comper in partnership with William Bucknall, the church was constructed between 1900 and 1909 to serve the burgeoning residential community of Manor Park. It is a Grade II listed building, reflecting its architectural and historical significance. (en.wikipedia.org)

The church is constructed from 'London red' brick, featuring stone copings and window tracery. Its design includes a triple-gabled west front and arched buttresses along the north side. The interior boasts late-Gothic style windows and measured arches in the nave. Notable features include two 'Comper angel' candle sconces, distinctive door handles and locks, a carved stone font, a 17th-century pulpit, and a 16th-century bell. A stained glass window added by Comper in 1954 features his signature strawberry motif. (en.wikipedia.org)

In the 1970s, the church played a pivotal role in the establishment of Crisis at Christmas, with initial planning meetings held in a room in the vicarage, and the church itself serving as a night shelter. (en.wikipedia.org)

Today, St Barnabas Church is situated in one of the most multi-ethnic and culturally diverse parishes in the United Kingdom. The church hosts traditional services and social events, and is utilized by various community groups that reflect the area's diversity. The church's facilities are used throughout the week by different community groups, including a pre-school, a textile arts project, an Indian classical dance troupe, a Tae Kwon-Do school, a karate school, two local bands, and a Traidcraft stall selling Fairtrade goods. (docslib.org)

A major structural restoration was completed in 2016, funded by various bodies including the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England. Prior to this, the church was on the Heritage at Risk Register. (en.wikipedia.org)

The church is part of the Little Ilford parish within the Newham deanery, under the Chelmsford diocese. It continues to serve as a focal point for worship, community engagement, and cultural activities in the Manor Park area.