St Barnabas Anglican Church, Upper Lansdowne was opened on 10 June 1909
At a general meeting of church people of Upper Lansdowne on 10 August 1907 it was “proposed by Mr Atkins and seconded by Mr Potts that Mr Clinch’s offer be decided upon for the church site, below Mr Rootes dwelling”. The motion was carried and donations received there and then amounted to £30 the offer of two weeks labour on building the church.
The minutes of their meeting on 27 May 1909 show “Mr Fritz here read balance sheet of money collected and the expenditure of building church, leaving a small balance. Mr Atkins proposed opening the church 10 June with Holy Communion, Tea Meeting and an Address at night. Seconded by Mrs Stace and carried”.
In the Atkins family tree it is noted that George Atkins with the help of his son Vic Atkins erected the church. Vic also built the altar in St Barnabas in memory of his father. Much of the timber in the church came from Vic’s farm on Hogan’s Road, Upper Lansdowne. Vic and his wife Harriet Amelia Potts were the 2nd couple to marry in the new church.
Finally at their meeting on 29 July 1909 it was “Proposed by Mr Mitchell, seconded by Mr Ritchie that a vote of thanks be conveyed by Secretary to Canon Phillips for his kindness in journeying out to Upper Lansdowne (from Taree) to open St Barnabas Church on 10 June 1909 – Carried”.
On Tuesday 5 June 1984 the little wooden church of St Barnabas was packed with worshippers. They came from all centres of the Parish of Coopernook, Taree, Tamworth and Albury and with one accord they gave thanks for God’s blessings – most especially the part He has allowed the little church of St Barnabas to play in the life of Upper Lansdowne for 75 years.
The fellowship continued over a delightful hot lunch provided by the ladies after which much chatter and laughter.
In the early years, the Church would hold an annual Bazaar and Ball for the community.
The Church celebrated its centenary on 30 August 2009 with a church service held at 10.30 followed by lunch in the memorial hall. The organisers expected a crowd of more than 150 people to attend.
The church is still being used today.
The first marriage solemnised in the Church was that between William Monck and Sybina Barlin on 14 December 1910.
Compiled by Gloria Crittenden – May 2024