St. John's Episcopal Church
History of St John's Episcopal Church in Bedford Indiana
This page is a work in progress as we work to share the history and stories that help to make St John's the congregation that it is today. Check back and see what additional content we are gathering to share.
Windows
During our Centennial Celebration (1906-2006) we compiled this summary of the history of our windows. We invite you to view and enjoy our historic sanctuary windows, displaying a living memorial of peace and fellowship.
Nave End window: Dec 21, 1906
Donor: Friends in many cities, through Men’s Church Guild
Choir Gable window: Dec. 16, 1907
Donor: Brotherhood of St. Andrew
Nave Side: Easter, 1908
Donor: Mrs. William C. Otte
In honor of: Charles and Sarah Ellis
Nave Side: Easter, 1908
Donor: Mr. & Mrs. George E. Lary
In honor of: John and Isabel Daggy
Nave Side: Oct. 4, 1908
Donor: Rev. & Mrs. Wm. C. Otte
In honor of: Jane Crossman Otte
Nave Side: Easter, 1909
Donor: Mrs. Grace Weyerbacher
In Memory of: August Weyerbacher
Altar St. Matthew: Nov. 25, 1919
Donor: John W. Quayle & Family
In Memory of: Emmaline A. Quayle
Alar St. Mark: Nov. 25, 1919
Donor: Mr & Mrs. A.E. Dickinson
In Memory of: Jeannette Baird Dickinson
Altar St. Luke: Nov. 25, 1919
Donor: Mr & Mrs. A.E. Dickinson
In Memory of: Frederick & Emma Dickinson
Altar St John: Nov. 25, 1919
Donor: Miss Anah Chamberlain
In Memory of: John B. Chamberlain
Choir Side: Nov. 25, 1919
Donor: Mr. & Mrs. George E. Lary
In Memory of: V.E. & Mary W. Lary
Transept Front: Nov. 25, 1919
Donor: Mrs. Lula LaForce Mrs. Frank Hatfield
In Memory of: Davide Sheldon LaForce
Transept End: Nov. 25, 1919
Donor: Congregation
In Memory of: Moses Fell Dunn (Benefactor)
Transept Back: Nov. 25, 1919
Donor: Sunday School
Vestibule: Easter, 1920
Donor: William S. Whyte
In Memory of: Clement & Mary Whyte, and son John Gilbert
John W. and Emmeline Quayle
In November 2016 the awnings outside were replaced thanks to the support of a donor. During the replacement a limestone carving above the courtyard door was exposed to light for the first in many years. We wanted to share this history from the archives to help tell the story of the limestone carving.
John W. and Emmeline Quayle were among the first members of St. John's; both were born on the Isle of Man in the British Isles. John W. Quayle was a master stone carver and came with others to Bedford at the height of the limestone industry. In 1905 when St. John's was built, he created and donated the carving above the courtyard door. An awning has protected the carving from the elements and deterioration for years. Recently when the awnings at St. John's were being replaced, the carving was briefly exposed to the sunlight in all of its beauty.
Emmeline Quayle died in 1917 and her husband bought a stained glass window, which is in the chancel by the altar, in her memory. He also made their family gravestone, which is at the Greenhill Cemetery, Bedford.
The 1924 Twenty Yearbook Anniversary Yearbook features the courtyard doorway.
