Our History 

St. Barnabas began as a Mission Church in 1953.  A small group of people met in a variety of locations in Scottsdale, including a Quonset Hut located at 132 W. Main.  Our first Rector, The Rev. Paul L. West was appointed in 1954.  The Mission held its first service on Ash Wednesday, 1954.  Seeking a permanent home, the Mission that was to become St. Barnabas on the Desert began looking for property in the Scottsdale area.  Mr. & Mrs. Fowler McCormick donated the present church property located at 6715 N. Mockingbird Lane on January 4, 1955.  Parish status was granted on All Saints Day in 1955.  The Arizona Corporation Commission issued a Certificate of Incorporation to St. Barnabas on May 2, 1958.  Formerly a Missionary District statewide, Arizona became a Diocese in 1958. 

In 1960, a contract to build the Sanctuary, Chapel and Education Building was awarded to the architectural firm of T.S. Montgomery at a cost of approximately $400,000.  Montgomery’s design envisioned graceful, rhythmic columns and arches, a high ceiling and a raised circular altar.  The result, expressed in Mediterranean Contemporary style, is a light and wonderfully proportioned space.  The first service in the new Sanctuary was held September 11, 1961.  On November 12th of that year, the newly completed buildings were dedicated.  Behind the altar hangs a tapestry designed by Lee Porzio.  The tapestry was completed in time for Easter Services in 1964, and consecrated on December 20 of that year.  Also in 1964, the antique furniture in the Chapel and the 15th Century oil painting by Francesco Zaganelli, hung behind the Chapel altar was donated to the Church.  St. Barnabas is very proud of its art acquisitions, with many wonderful works of art displayed throughout the Sanctuary and other buildings.  Finalizing the original master plan for the campus, the Great Hall (now known as Hutton Hall) was built at a cost of $123,900.  Each Vestry Member pledged $10,000 and signed a note to serve as collateral to secure the mortgage.  St. Barnabas was debt free, and in 1973, the mortgage was burned.  The Rev. Joseph Harte, S.T.D., and Bishop of Arizona consecrated St. Barnabas on February 1, 1973. The first internment in the Memorial Garden occurred on February 26, 1976.   

Under the Leadership of the Rev. Hutton, an office addition on the southeast corner of the main Church building was completed in 1984.  The bookstore also opened that year.  The Learning Center and playground were constructed in 1988.  In addition, during that same year, the Great Hall was remodeled.

On All Saints Sunday 2005, Saint Barnabas celebrated it's 50th anniversary with the dedication of the Gwen Harris Music Building, a gift and book shop and coffee lounge. The Rt. Rev. Kirk S. Smith, Bishop of Arizona, celebrated Eucharist with the congregation and dedicated the new buildings.

The Gwen Harris Music Building is a 6,300 square foot building equiped with a 123 seat rehearsal and performance hall built with state of the art acoustics. The Gift and Bookshop carries a wide selection of books, cards, jewlery, and other items from around the world. The coffee shop provides the people with a casual and welcoming feel much like that of commercial coffee shops. These additions have provided the people of Saint Barnabas with a diverse campus able to provide Sunday worship and fellowship and a wide range of events all through the year.