The Fire

St Barnabas Anglican Church on Broadway was destroyed by fire on May 10, 2006. Better known as Barneys, the church is famous for its duelling signboards and for 'Mr Eternity' (Arthur Stace) who came to Christ at Barneys.

As sixty firefighters battled the blaze, six hundred residents from neighbouring buildings had to be evacuated. Nothing could be done to save the 150-year-old building. The church’s historic pipe organ was also destroyed. This was a sad day for many who had celebrated baptisms, weddings, mourned loved ones, and worshipped God at Barneys. Congregation member Rowena Whittle said, "It was like losing the family home, all the memories and historical belongings lost in the fire."

Four years on, much has taken place in the life of the Barneys community and beyond to bring to us to the point of beginning to rebuild.

The Fire from St Barnabas Broadway on Vimeo.