St Barnabas Church

No Foundation Stone or Memorial Plaque details are known. Information/photographs are invited.

A heritage plaque records: "Yarramalong (Place of Cedars) was first permanently settled by the families of William Stinson and Ezekiel Waters, who came from Maitland in 1856. Until then the hills and valleys were logged by timber cutters driving oxen from around Wollombi and Maitland. - The Stinson family settled in Stinsons Lane and the Waters in what is now Yarramalong Village. Other early settlers included William Beaven of Brush Creek, who was the first person to be buried in St Banabas graveyard. Others who came to live in this lovely valley included the Hill, Boyd, Palmer and Fernance families. Many of their descendants are still to be found in the local area.- Church services were initially held in the homes of settlers. As the population increased the need for a church building became apparent. - So originated our St Barnabas Church. It was built on the spot where it stands today under the supervision of James Bailey. He was assisted by the voluntary labour of his brothers and other settlers. Timber for the building was milled just down the stream from the Church - The first service was held on Friday 11 December 1885 in the presence of the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle. The Church served the people for 92 years until it was deconsecrated in 1977. - St Barnabas is the oldest surviving church building in Wyong Shire. Recognising its historical importance, Wyong Shire Council acquired the building and land in 1978 and in 1982 the Heritage Council of NSW placed a permanent conservation order on the building. - The Church may be hired for weddings, christenings and prayer meetings by arrangement with the management committee."  - Regular services by various denominations are now held on a monthly basis.