St. John Healing the Cripple | In memorial of The Hon. Newell Barnard, his wife Catherine, and their son, Ernest.
Before the chancel was switched around, generations of worshippers at St. John’s were inspired by the beautiful stained glass window over the altar showing St. John healing the cripple at the gate of the temple. The story comes from the Book of Acts. The cripple is seated in the foreground, dressed in rags, with one leg bandaged. His hand is raised and his face shows amazement at the miracle he has been given. St. John is the main figure and St Peter stands behind him. The memorial inscription reads: The Hon. Newell Barnard, his wife, Catherine, and their son, Ernest.
The Barnard family has a long history in Saginaw business and as members of St. John’s. Newell Barnard served on the Vestry of St. John’s in 1860 and in 1883. Newell was born in New Hampshire in 1825. The family came to Saginaw in the 1850’s. Newell was involved in the lumber industry, was one of the organizers of Saginaw Salt Manufacturing Co. and was a director of the 1st National Bank of Saginaw. Barnard and Binder erected the iron front brick block located at the corner of Hamilton and Franklin (Hancock) known as the Barnard Block.
Newell Barnard also served his community as an assessor of Saginaw City and as a member of the Board of Supervisors for three years. He was among the organizers of the Saginaw Board of Trade. In 1882, Newell was elected to the State Legislature. He died at the age of fifty-eight after a brief illness.
Located now above the stairs as one enters the church from the Community Room, the Newell Barnard window is one of the largest and most significant of our windows. It is also the one most in need of repair. A designated stained glass window fund has been established and contributions can be made at any time.