The Sanctuary

The sanctuary of Collingwood is typical of the turn-of -the century square plan, based historically on the Byzantine equal-armed cross.  Collingwood is the only church in Toledo in which the dome, arched vaults and pendentives of the Byzantine style are suggested.  The rusticated stonework of the exterior  and the great rose windows are Romanesque.  The east, west  and north rose windows are part of the original sanctuary.  The south rose was obscured by the old parish house roof, and was exposed when the new Community House was built. 

The firm which installed the original rose windows was able to duplicate the design,
but could not match their pre-war glass,
which had been imported from Europe.
The lower windows are gifts and memorials.
 The quatrefoils on the front walls are of gold leaf on masonite, and were designed and executed by Toledo artist Dan Woodward.
The four in the chancel represent the Hand of God, the Law, the Burning Heart and the Holy Spirit descending as a Dove.  Those on the angle walls show the shields, or symbols,
of the Twelve Apostles.  The ceiling is made of 240ct  Belgian
Linen.  Linen was used because the lightweight material
would not put strain on the roof or structure. 

In 1955 the sanctuary underwent a complete remodeling which included repair of the narthex, installation of a new organ,
pulpit, reading lectern and  communion table.  Up to this time there had been a solid block of pews in the center of the
sanctuary, with an aisle on either side and then a
narrow row of pews with an aisle at each outside wall. 

At the front of the sanctuary is a large
carving done in Appalachian white oak of
the Last Supper.  The carving was done by Joseph Walters.  It is housed inside an oak
table built by the Sauder Mfg. Company
and was placed in the sanctuary in 1955 when the renovation was done to move the balcony.  There is a plaque in the Narthex with more information on the Last Supper Table.