- 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.
The Toronto School of Theology
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Flag
March 1, 2001
Vol. IV, p. 106
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a cross Azure between four oak leaves fructed Vert, overall an open book Argent bound Sable inscribed with the Greek word ÓYNEPÃOYNTEÓ;
Motto
The Greek word ÓYNEPÃOYNTEÓ;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
The basic colours, blue and white, are those of the University of Toronto, with which the Toronto School of Theology (T.S.T) is affiliated. The cross is the principal symbol of the Christian religion, taught in all the partner colleges in the T.S.T. The oak leaves are an allusion to Queen’s Park, around which the partner colleges are situated, and to the oak tree crest of the University of Toronto. Each leaf has seven lobes, signifying the seven founding colleges of the T.S.T. Being four in number, the leaves indicate the four gospels pointing to Christ (here represented as the cross), and they are placed in a circular shape alluding to eternity and to the crown of life (Rev. 2:10). The green colour indicates liveliness and new growth, and the acorns signify the work of education “bearing fruit” in the minds, lives, and hearts of the graduates. The book refers to the Bible and, by its open position, to the spirit of inquiry and study.
Motto
This is taken from 2 Corinthians 6.1: “We work together with Him”. Another translation is the simple word “Co-worker”.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 3, 2001, in Volume 135, page 4057 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert Black, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Suzzann Wright
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
University Faculty, Department & College