In 1883 Pastor Edward Traill Horn, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, delivered an historic address to his church commemorating the 150th year of its founding. He concluded the address with a proposal that, as a thank offering for all their blessings, a chapel be built in the northeastern section of the city. A lot was donated at the corner of America Street and Hampstead Mall. A frame chapel was erected, and the building was the Sunday school and chapel for St. Barnabas.

The chapel was named for the co-worker of St. Paul, Barnabas, who was stoned to death for preaching the Gospel. The unusual name was chosen because nearly every familiar saint’s name had been appropriated in the city, but it befits a mission chapel because Barnabas was one of the first missionaries and gave all his wealth for the church.

In the beginning Sunday school teachers from St. John’s served the little chapel. In 1912 St. Barnabas Chapel began a real organized history. A survey was made of the area for families interested in a permanent Lutheran Congregation, and steps were taken leading to a charter which was closed on Reformation Sunday 1912. In 1920 it was decided to relocate to the northwestern section of the city.

The cornerstone was laid at Easter, and the first service was held in September. St. Barnabas is still at this location at Rutledge and Moultrie.

Sources: History of St. Barnabas Lutheran Church; article written by Polly Martschink and other information in History Room.