 In 1878 steps were taken to provide more adequate religious instruction to children attending state primary schools, and a church buildings loan fund for the diocese of Sydney was established early in 1880.In December 1880 Barker had a stroke of paralysis, and in March 1881 he went to Europe in the hope of recovering his health.There was an improvement for some months, but in March 1882 he had a second attack and died at San Remo on 6 April 1882.