New Stained Glass Window Graces Chapel Hallway

by Diane Byrne

As the pandemic subsides and people begin to return to our building, you may notice a new stained glass window at the end of the hallway near the Chapel of the Rose. This window was donated by artist Charlotte McBrayer in memory of Bill Nelsen. It was installed in the fall of 2020.

Some may ask: Who was Bill Nelsen? Bill and his wife Margaret, along with two of their children, started attending St. Barnabas in 1993. As time went on, Bill served in many leadership roles: choir member, lectionary reader, lay Eucharist minister, and eventually senior warden.

During this time Bill was also involved in Kindervelt, fundraising for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Margaret gave him a gift of lessons from stained glass artist and fellow Kindervelt member Charlotte McBrayer.

When the Columbarium Committee was formed, Bill dove in and worked tirelessly on the project. He and the committee set up procedures, sold niches, and had the etched glass doors designed and installed. When the time came to order and install the leaded windows, Charlotte was the obvious choice.

Bill passed away in 2014. Charlotte asked for, and was granted, permission to create a window in his honor. Making stained glass windows is time consuming work, but it was finished at last. The window space outside of the Chapel and Columbarium seemed to be the ideal choice for its location. Formal dedication will be at the convenience of the family.