Our History
St Barnabas was built in 1888 to service the growing Church of England community in the area. The build you see today is one of few remaining examples of ‘federation gothic’ – a rustic timber building built by local labour.
We have had our share of fame. From 1920 to 1939 this was the parish of Canon David Garland. He was a passionate anglo-catholic and is credited with creating what we know Anzac Day to be. He also was a strong advocate for Religious Education in state schools. You can see the Anzac chapel and Window in the church today commemorating this aspect of our history.
But for most of our history we have been a cornerstone of the Red Hill community. This we continue today, with regular worship, special occasions, social activities, and support to community via use of the hall and our outreach.
Our Values
Inclusive and Welcoming
We pride ourselves of being a genuine and welcoming community. We welcome all people (and animals) equally. To this end we affirm the right of every person to find God.
In February 2020 the parish passed the following resolution, committing ourselves to be an inclusive community.
Lovers of Liturgy and Music
We share a love of liturgy (how services are done) and music. We don’t think ‘new’ is always better than ‘old’, and we seek to retain the best of our catholic and Christian traditions while updating where our understanding of theology has changed. Each Sunday you will be able to share in singing hymns, both ancient and modern, and hear the wonderful pipe organ. You will arrive and depart to Bach or some other treat that has been prepared with care for us, by our organist. All of which creates a place of spiritual presence in which we worship God.
A Safe Place to be
Care is at the core of Christ’s teachings, yet we acknowledge that as a collective church we have so often failed to protect the vulnerable in our society. We commit ourselves to doing this and fully embrace the principles and protocols that have been established in the Dicocese.
The Team
REVEREND BILL COLBRAHAMS
Priest in Charge
BA (UQ), B Com (UQ), Dip Adv Acc (UQ), B Th (BCT)
Bill has been our locum priest since 2017. He brings many years of experience in ministry, life and parish administration. He is married to Jen and has an adult daughter Margaret. You can contact Bill via the parish phone or via email.
RACHEL TEW
Honorary Director of Music and Organist
B.MUS (HONS) UQ, L.Mus.A
Rachel is the director of music and organist at St Barnabas. She is an experienced pianist, accompanist, and choral singer. Her main interests are in baroque, early classical and French impressionist organ music, in particular the works of J.S Bach. You can read more about the organ at St Barnabas here.
WARDENS
SCOTT MALCOLMSON
Warden, Synod Representative
LL.B UQ
Scott is a Barrister-at-Law at the Queensland Bar and a Lecturer in Legal Practice. Scott has an interest in military and church history and a skilled singer and hymnist. He is licensed as a Liturgical Assistant.
DUNCAN UNWIN
M.Information Systems Griff, CiBCM Visa, SA Fin, MAICD
Warden, Treasurer, Synod Representative
Duncan works in IT consulting. Duncan looks after the hall’s booking and the parish’s financial administration. Duncan is also involved in community sport and is the treasurer of Ice Skating Queensland, and is a Commissioner of Anglicare Southern Queensland. Duncan has a strong interest in church music and traditional liturgy. He also runs our weekly meditation group.