- 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.
George Gardiner McNeillie
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms
May 20, 2011
Vol. VI, p. 52
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Tierced in pale Or Azure and Or three swords points in base, a chief ogivy all counterchanged;
Crest
Issuant from a Loyalist civil coronet Or, a dexter cubit arm vested Sable cuffed Argent, the hand proper holding a mullet Argent;
Motto
TO BE A PILGRIM;
Symbolism
Arms
The swords represent the military background of Mr. McNeillie and his family. The Gothic division line and cruciform position of the swords allude to the many generations of clergy in his family.
Crest
The coronet indicates Mr. McNeillie’s descent from United Empire Loyalist settlers. The arm vested in the style of a 17th century English Puritan represents Mr. McNeillie’s direct descent from four Mayflower passengers. The star is taken from the emblem of the Zeta Psi Fraternity of North America and represents the fact that Mr. McNeillie served as the organization’s president.
Motto
This is taken from a hymn by John Bunyan, which first appeared in The Pilgrim’s Progress. This relates to Mr. McNeillie’s descent from the Mayflower passengers, who were also known as the Pilgrims.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 12, 2011, in Volume 145, page 3516 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of George McNeillie, Kevin Greaves, and Cathy Sabourin, Fraser Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual