- The Governor General of Canada
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Don McLean Aitchison
Port Hope, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
July 4, 2000
Vol. IV, p. 10
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
The Crest and wreath within a Canadian belt Sable embellished and inscribed with the Motto in letters Or;
Arms
Argent a double headed eagle displayed Sable beaked and membered Gules charged on the breast with a saltire Argent grasping in each claw a cross pattée fitchée Sable on a base enarched Vert issuant from the base a demi-sun in splendour Or;
Motto
AWAKE MY SOUL;
Crest
A rooster Sable queued Vert semé de lis Or membered combed and wattled Gules beaked Or grasping in the dexter claw a feather Gules quilled Or;
Symbolism
Badge
Following the Scottish badge pattern, the crest is surrounded by a belt inscribed with the motto.
Arms
The arms, featuring a double-headed eagle, follow the basic design of those granted to Aitchison families in Scotland, Fr. Aitchison being descended from Borders Aitchisons who settled in Ontario in the early 19th century. The two crosses held in the eagle’s claws refer to Anglicanism in general and to St. Augustine of Canterbury on whose feast day Fr. Aitchison was ordained a deacon. The saltire cross on the breast of the eagle is a general reference to Scottish ancestry and a reference to St. Andrew, Scotland’s patron on whose feast day Fr. Aitchison was ordained a priest. The green base alludes to the green chiefs of other Aitchison arms and is charged with a sun in splendour, a veiled reference to the Lord and to the illuminating qualities of education, teaching and pastoral ministry of the priesthood.
Motto
The sentence is taken from the “Morning Hymn” by Bishop Thomas Ken (1637-1711). It also makes a reference to the rooster in the crest.
Crest
The crest is based on other Aitchison crests. The rooster a fitting symbol for one called to proclaim Christ to the world and to call people into a relationship with him. It is an old Christian symbol of watchfulness or vigilance. The fleurs-de-lis are also Christian symbols of the Trinity and of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here they are also subtle references to those found in the badge of the Township of Minto. Fr. Aitchison’s grandfather was for many years the secretary-treasurer of that municipality, hence also the feather held by the rooster.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 24, 2001, in Volume 135, page 937 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of David Bowyer, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
David Bowyer
Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge
Recipient Information
Individual