St. Barnabas Chapel of Ease

St. Barnabas Chapel of Ease, on Sandy Point Road, was constructed in eighteen eighty-seven and has served the faithful in the environs and Millidgeville for more than a century.  Even before the church was constructed, a Sunday School and services in private homes or outdoors were offered to the community. Supported financially, morally and physically by St. Paul’s Church, the land was given by David and Olive Peacock. Benjamin Roden of Paradise Row was the architect and James Taylor of Rockland Road, the builder, along with many volunteers from the community. The chapel is of an architectural style frequently used in Anglican churches of the era. It has the original, handcrafted wood paneling and pews in the interior, along with stained glass windows and seated about 100 people.

 The first service was conducted by Rev. Canon DeVeber, rector of St. Paul’s, assisted by Rev. A.J. Reid, on November 18, 1887. Over the years, generous donors provided the bell, which remains today, windows, a brass lectern, offertory plates, altar adornments, the cross, candleholders, an organ, prayer books, the communion rail, pews, a new foundation, the furnace and lighting. Most gifts were made in memory of loved ones. Chapel wardens have been responsible for the financial affairs of St. Barnabas for decades. Joan Pearce has served St. Barnabas Chapel of Ease as Warden/Chair and various executive positions for more than a decade. Her leadership and interest in local heritage have earned her recognition by Heritage Canada and on two occasions, by the City of Saint John.

It had been the hope of the congregation that the now de-consecrated Anglican chapel could be put to continued good use in our community possibly through a non-profit organization. In spite of their best efforts, maintenance of the building was becoming a great challenge. When no charitable group came forward, it was recently sold. As per their wishes, the congregation is ensuring the funds remaining will continue to provide for charitable causes, for example, single parent families and seniors. They have entrusted a new fund to the Greater Saint John Community Foundation, the St. Barnabas Chapel of Ease Fund. The heritage and story of this historic place of worship will now be preserved and passed on, along with good works, through annual earnings from this permanently endowed Fund.