The Church of Saint Barnabas

Our patron saint

Saint Barnabas is remembered for his pivotal role in the early church, his ability to inspire and encourage others, and his unwavering commitment to the mission of spreading Christianity. 

Early Life and Conversion

Saint Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus. He is first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as a generous man who sold his property and gave the proceeds to the early Christian community in Jerusalem. His name was changed to Barnabas, meaning "son of encouragement," by the apostles due to his inspiring nature and support for the early church.

Ministry and Missionary Work

Saint Barnabas played a crucial role in the early Christian church. He vouched for Saul (later Saint Paul) after his conversion, introducing him to the apostles when others were wary. Saint Barnabas and Saint Paul embarked on missionary journeys together, spreading the gospel to the Gentiles. They travelled through cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, establishing churches and converting many to Christianity.

Significant Contributions

• Mediator and Encourager: Saint Barnabas was known for his encouragement and mediation, notably during the dispute in Antioch regarding Gentile converts, where he helped resolve tensions and promote unity.
• Council of Jerusalem: He played a key role in the Council of Jerusalem, advocating for Gentile converts and helping to shape the early church's policies.

Later Life and Legacy

After separating from Saint Paul, Saint Barnabas continued his missionary work with Saint Mark, possibly returning to Cyprus. He is traditionally considered the founder of the Cypriot Church and is venerated as the patron saint of Cyprus.

Martyrdom

Tradition holds that Saint Barnabas was martyred in Salamis, Cyprus, where he was stoned to death for his faith. His legacy endures as a model of encouragement, generosity, and dedication to spreading the Christian faith.

Symbolism

Saint Barnabas is often depicted with:

• A book or scroll: Representing his role in spreading the gospel.
• A cross or a staff: Symbolizing his missionary journeys and martyrdom.
• Stones: Alluding to his martyrdom by stoning.

Additional devotions

Within the church we have statues to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady Queen of Heaven and plaques commemorating the Stations of the Cross.
An icon depicting Our Lady of Cestochowa gives thanks for her support for the people of Poland.

The church building

Before World War II Hawkhurst was served occasionally by the travelling mission, Mass being said at the home of Sir Reginald and Lady Tyrwhitt, Ellerslie House, Gills Green. In 1943 the diocese purchased the site of the present church which was built and opened in 1964.

The church is a variation of a standard portal frame design by Messrs Lanner Ltd of Wakefield. It comprises a small nave, sanctuary, side chapels, a large sacristy, small baptistery and porch. It is of ‘rustic’ brick under a tiled roof for the main part and flat roofs elsewhere. The nave has large full-height windows whilst the entrance front has the characteristic glazed centre section with ‘staggered bond’ glazing bar pattern. The windows have largely been replaced in uPVC. The interior is dominated by laminated timber arched trusses of boomerang shape. The organ was acquired from Goudhurst Methodist church.