In March of 2014, John C. "Jay" Barker, President of the Licking County Courthouse Lighting Committee passed away from a brief battle with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. After Jay's passing and with the permission of Jay's wife Beth, and son Spencer the John C. "Jay" Barker Memorial Carillon project came to fruition. Funded completely through community donations, on October 5th the John C. "Jay" Barker Memorial Carillon was dedicated. Throughout the Holiday season it was Jay's wish that Downtown Newark would be filled with Holiday music and the carillon system fulfills Jay's dream for Downtown Newark.
A group of community members and donors for the dedication of the John C. "Jay" Barker Memorial Carillon. Photography by Juliet Connolly