The church building has existed for 120 years, but since the barracks closed in 2013, its congregation have been meeting various offices and rooms.
The site has been marred by tragedy, since the deaths of four soldiers at the barracks during the late 1990s. The deaths of the ‘Deepcut Four’ have been long ruled as suicides – yet family members dispute this. In wake of the deaths, and allegations of bullying, the barracks were renamed the Princess Royal barracks.
The development of the new Mindenhurst Village, with 1,200 homes, provided the opportunity to establish the new parish.
Vicar of St Barbara’s, Rev Daniel Nael told Premier Christian Radio he hopes the new parish can bring about a chapter of new life for the area. “Our mission is rescuing the [Deepcut] name actually, and speaking something positive in the community.”
Becoming a parish means St Barabara’s will be able to hold weddings and Christenings. Rev Nael said: “Having our own parish means we can operate even more, engage with the community, serve the community, connect with community, and grow other parish as well.”
Already, church members have been involved in outreach to asylum seekers housed in a nearby hotel, as well as mum and toddler groups.