- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario
Registration of Arms
October 15, 2006
Vol. V, p. 75
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent an eagle displayed Gules beaked, membered and charged on the breast with a Latin cross flory Or, on a chief Azure an open book proper bound Gules clasped Or between two maple leaves Or;
Crest
On a mount Vert before an oak tree a stag courant proper;
Motto
TA ΠANTA EN XPIΣΩI ΣYNEΣTHKEN;
Symbolism
Arms
The eagle, with its remarkable powers of sight, symbolizes the university’s guiding principles based on religious morality, a “heavenly vision” of Christian inspiration, also represented by the cross. The book signifies learning. The maple leaves represent the province of Ontario, where the university is located, and whose provincial government granted the University’s charter.
Crest
The stag and tree were emblems used by Senator William McMaster, founder and namesake of the University.
Motto
This Greek phrase, meaning “In Christ all things consist,” is adapted from Colossians 1:17, and refers to the University’s foundation as a Christian institution. The motto is in Greek, one of the main unifying languages used in the early propagation of the Christian religion.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 17, 2007, in Volume 141, page 587 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of the heralds at the Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh.
Painter
* Not available / Non disponible
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
University
The recipient’s emblems have been originally recorded in the records of the Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh, Scotland, 20 October 1930.