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New book shines bright light on Collier United's spectacular stained glass

'Our main interest was to research those stories that the windows were telling,' says Leona Appleby

Leona Appleby wasn’t content to just marvel at the beautiful colours and craftsmanship of her church’s many stained-glass windows.

So the Collier Street United Church parishioner decided to take her love of the church’s 22 visual, biblical inspirations to the next level and make a book: Stories in Glass The Stained Glass Windows of Collier Street United Church.

While COVID-19 restrictions have meant the church’s sanctuary remains empty, photos for the book by local photographer Peter Walpole bring the windows to life for parishioners and Barrie residents alike.

“Over many generations, we have memorialized loved ones at Collier by dedicating a beautiful stained glass window to their memory,” says Appleby, who has been a member of the church since 1983. “Each tells us — or reminds us — of a Bible story.”

Each of the windows has its own meaning and Appleby isn’t picking any favourites.

“It depends on the day, the mood I happen to be in and the weather outside,” she tells BarrieToday. “It’s like having children and somebody asks ‘Who is your favourite?’”

While Appleby may not have a favourite, the rose window dominates the church’s sanctuary.

“The centre circle represents Christ,” Rev. Dr. William Fritz states in the book. “The surrounding smaller circles suggest the four gospels advancing into all the world.

“The 12 spokes, or arms, represent the 12 apostles sent out into all the world proclaiming God’s word of love,” he adds. “The coloured circles denote the diverse peoples of the world. The vivid greens, yellows and mauves signify the world itself.”

Other windows are the more familiar tall pieces with all their intricate details and familiar biblical references.

“The smallest is up in the gallery and it isn’t really stained glass but it is original from 1864,” Appleby says. “Sitting there and looking at the all windows in the church reminds us of Bible stories, so our main interest was to research those stories that the windows were telling.

“There is one that depicts Martha and several of Jesus and one of Jesus knocking at the door, which is very familiar to us in Revelation.”

Rev. Hewitt Holmes states in the book that creativity, connection, community, transformation and hope are five of the seven core values of Collier Street United Church in 2020.

“Interestingly, these values are also captured in the stained-glass windows,” he says. “The creativity of the artist tells the biblical story in such sacred and graphic ways.

“These stained-glass windows keep our hope alive because of the ways faith fuels our life’s journey.”

Appleby says the project has been “exciting, challenging and very rewarding,” adding inspiration came to her to make the book and she followed through.

“I was struck with an idea: Collier windows,” she says. “I had coffee with Linda (Wallis-Dean, named as inspirer and researcher in the book’s credits) and we talked and from there the plan was to write a book with photographs.

“What does this beautiful inspiring art form say to us in this 21st century? As with any art form, we are challenged to interpret the meaning as we see it and do some research. Collier windows remind us of our history.”

To find out more about purchasing a copy of the book, call the church at 705-726-1511.