The history of St George’s Church is a testament to the gifts and faithful witness of each new generation.
Mid-1800s
Services begin to be held in the official residence of the British Consul.
1872
Services temporarily suspended when the Chaplain leaves on account of ill health.
1895
Chaplaincy revived thanks to the efforts of the Colonial & Continental Church Society (C&CCS). The new British Consul-General and local British residents form a Building Committee.
1897
The Committee buys land at Rosellon 250, 100 metres from where the Passeig de Gracia meets Diagonal.
1904
Building work begins.
1905
Church consecrated on 7th May. All the money was raised locally.
1936-1945
St George’s closes temporarily during the Spanish Civil War and World War II.
1967
The renamed Commonwealth & Continental Church Society (C&CCS), as patrons, suggest building a new, more modern church complex, which could also house the Chaplain, away from the city centre.
1971
Building work begins, thanks to the efforts of Richard Webb and then-Chaplain Harry Wilson, who happened to be a good draughtsman and who designed the stunning stained glass window that occupies one wall of the church.
1972
New church completed as it stands today. First service held on 10th July.
1973
New St George’s consecrated on 6th May.
1974
St George’s pays off all costs incurred and becomes entirely self-supporting, including paying the Chaplain’s stipend, which until then had been covered by C&CCS, now known as the Intercontinental Church Society (ICS).
1992
New laws passed in Spain give full recognition to all Anglican Chaplaincies in Spain as part of the Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe.
TODAY
St George’s is now well established, thanks to the splendid series of Chaplains that ICS has sent out, each bringing his own special gifts to the development of the church’s mission activities. Though the congregation changes as frequently as the Chaplains, the purpose remains the same as ever – to reach out to all English-speaking residents in the Barcelona area, whatever their Christian denomination, and to offer the same breadth of welcome to all visitors. Each new generation adds its own fresh support to the life of St George’s Church in Barcelona.
“Our purpose remains the same as ever: to reach out to all English-speaking residents in the Barcelona area, whatever their Christian denomination.“
ST GEORGE’S CHAPLAINS SINCE 1904
Rev RW Thornton (1904-11)
Rev JHG Bates (1912-23)
Rev EE Pennix (1924-25)
Rev RA Bevis (1925-26)
Rev GD Whitaker (1926-31)
Rev CHD Grimes (1932-34)
Rev HD Jones (1934-36)
Spanish Civil War and World War II (1936-45)
Ven James Johnston (1945-64)
Rev Brian Moore (1965-67)
Rev Harold Wilson (1967-73)
Rev M Brian Lea (1974-79)
Rev Struan Dunn (1979-83)
Rev Benjamin Eaton (1984-88)
Rev Robin Sewell (1989-2002)
Rev Peter Jordan (2002-2008)
Rev Andrew Tweedy (2008-2014)
Rev John Chapman (2014-present)
Source: History written by Freddy Witty whose family has been connected with St George’s from its earliest days. More details of St George’s history can be found in the booklet, In Trust for the Future. Limited copies available from the church office.