At what is now the back of the church is a window representing the healing of the lame beggar at the gate of the temple, as recounted in the Book of Acts, chapter 3. In the foreground is the beggar, holding a staff with one limb bandaged. His face shows the earnestness with which he asks for alms. The prominent figure is that of St. John, our patron saint, clothed in a flowing crimson garment. You may remember that crimson denotes the Holy Spirit. St. Peter, clothed in blue, stands just to the back and to the right. The blue symbolizes hope and good health. In the background is a spectator; his hand is raised, and his face shows astonishment. Below are the words, “Look upon us,” the words that St. Peter spoke to get the cripple’s attention; but also, a reminder to us to look to the disciples.
The inscription at the bottom reads: Newell Barnard, Catherine Barnard, Ernest N. Barnard. Newell and Catherine Barnard were married in Boston in 1854 and came to Saginaw shortly after. Newell was a lumberman, involved in railroads, the mining of salt, the manufacture of barrels and politics. Among the multitude of things he did, in 1858 he was elected Alderman of the 1st Ward in Saginaw, and in 1883 was elected State Representative. He served on the vestry in 1860, and again in 1883. He was a member of the building committee that built this church and the largest contributor to the building fund, dying before it was consecrated. He was known for aiding every church and public improvement. It seems fitting that the man who was frequently asked for alms is honored with a window about an individual asking for alms. Catherine and son Ernest Barnard died before the church was built. Someone in the family must have loved tennis; if one looks carefully, a tennis racket can be found hidden in the border. See if you can find it.