A statue of Saint John the Baptist, which money for the gift was anonymously donated to the St. John the Baptist Catholic church in Howell, was dedicated on Sunday in front of the parish. 

The statue, which took two years to complete, is the work of Michigan artist Ginger Hadd of Ypsilanti and is in honor of the memory of Father Ferdinand Wolber from Detroit, who passed away in 2009.

The Rev. Francis George of St. John the Baptist church says several members of the church knew Father Wolber from his many years of service. 

"There’s a lot of people in this parish who knew Wolber or were friends with Wolber or who were baptized by Wolber,” George said.

The decision was made to purchase a statue in Wolber’s honor and George researched several local artists before deciding on Hadd.

“I wanted something unique, something one-of-a kind and something that really kinds of portrays John in a whole different way,” George said. “And I really think she (Hadd) got it.”

The statue, which shows John the Baptist stepping out of water holding an ocean shell, which represents baptism, is a strong depiction of the man who, according to the scriptures, was the first to make a profession of faith to Jesus Christ.

“I wanted something that really kind of showed his inner strength,” George said. “He was really a strong person with the preaching he did. 

The 900-pound statue, which was installed on May 30, has already generated plenty of positive feedback from parish members, according to George. 

The new addition stands proudly outside the church entrance and Hadd hopes that people enjoy the “inviting” factor of the statue.

"I hope people feel the urge, when they see him," she said. "And like his face and like his invite."