Open House Weekend

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Visit St Barnabas, Pitshanger Lane

The large parish church of St Barnabas , Pitshanger Lane, Ealing is a large, imposing Grade II- listed building, situated in the famous Brentham Estate, and built circa 1915. For Open House Weekend, it will be open from 1 pm - 5 pm on Saturday 17th September and Sunday 18th September for visits, refreshments and children's trails. Saturday also boasts film showings in the main hall.

The architect was Ernest Shearman, who had already designed St Matthew, Wimbledon Park (destroyed in the Second World War) and St Silas, Kentish Town. The design is strikingly original, a stark late Gothic Revival, offset by exuberant flowing tracery, with odd, stunted towers between transepts and chancel, and a rounded apse.

It was originally intended to install a 3-manual, 45-rank organ by Willis & Sons, but this was never carried out, because of rising costs due to the First World War.

Instead, a small 2-manual organ was installed, as a 'temporary measure'. This organ lasted over 90 years, but was never adequate for the size of the building.

This year, a magnificent 3-manual 1877 William Hill Organ, from St Jude's Church, Southsea was installed (pictured right).

This organ is recognised nationally as one of the finest examples of an English Romantic Organ, and has been awarded an 'historic organ certificate' by the British Institute of Organ Studies. The organ specifications are similar to the Willis organ which should have been installed in St Barnabas when it was originally built. This magnificent organ, has been installed in the West End choir gallery at St Barnabas, complementing its famous Rose Window.

Access to the church to view the architecture, enjoy refreshments, and do the children's trail will be from 1 pm - 5 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Attached to the Church itself are the Millennium Halls, added in 2000. They were one of three projects in London to receive sponsorship from the Millennium Commission, the other two being The O2 Arena (The Dome) and Southwark Cathedral's new extension and visitor centre. The architecture of the Millennium Halls is contempory but designed to blend with the church
itself. Access to the interior of the Halls is limited due to extensive community use however on Saturday there would be an opportunity for visitors to watch a film (The Secret of Kells) in the larger Hall for a small charge at 3:00 pm. Inception will also be shown at 7:30 pm, but this is after the church tours have ended.

Visitors are also most welcome to see the church used for services on the Sunday. There will be a children's service for under-sevens (followed by breakfast) at 9:30 am and a parish Eucharist (with activities for children over seven, and organ & choral accompaniment) at 10:30 am

12th September 2011