A Hidden Gem: The Inspiring Story of St. Barnabas Chapel in Ham, Somerset
By Jill Dando News
Tucked away in the picturesque English countryside lies a charming reminder of community, heritage, and resilience—St. Barnabas Chapel in Ham, Somerset.
This small yet vibrant chapel is a testament to the dedication and warmth of the local community, preserving a piece of history while embracing the future.
In the late 1800s, many in the hamlet of Ham found it difficult to travel the two miles to attend services at the Parish Church of Combe St. Nicholas.
In response, a local barn, dating back to 1848, was repurposed into a place of worship, bringing the spirit of togetherness closer to home.
Thanks to contributions from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the generosity of locals, the barn was transformed into a chapel, complete with the addition of an East end in 1903.
From its humble beginnings, this chapel has been a symbol of unity. The Rev. George Ellwell, along with Mr. Roger Buston, conducted services that filled the chapel’s nine small pews.
A tea and concert in a nearby barn, attended by 150 people, helped fund the finishing touches, raising a remarkable £6—a testament to the spirit of collaboration.
Over the decades, the chapel has continued to evolve, cherished by generations.
In 1955, a hymn board was donated in memory of a local farmer, and in 1986, the chapel was officially dedicated to St. Barnabas the Apostle.
Even as recent as 2021, the community came together to replace the chapel’s roof and install a single solar panel, providing lighting for evening services while preserving its historic charm.
Today, St. Barnabas Chapel is as alive and beloved as ever. With a seating capacity of just 35 to 40, its intimate atmosphere invites heartfelt gatherings, hosting Evensong services twice a month from April to September.
Its final service each year, the Harvest Thanksgiving, supports the local hospice—an act that echoes the chapel’s deep-rooted values of compassion and generosity.
St. Barnabas Chapel stands not only as a beautiful historic building but as a beacon of community spirit in the English countryside. It reminds us of the timeless charm and resilience of small rural churches across England, where each stone, pew, and hymnal tells a story of the people who cherished them.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of quiet, sacred spaces, or simply someone who appreciates a story of community spirit, St. Barnabas Chapel is a treasure worth discovering.
