- 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.
Stanley Gordon Johnstone
Kinburn, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
February 15, 2018
Vol. VII, p. 55
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale Gules and Sable a winged spur Or within an orle of roses Argent alternately seeded Sable and seeded of a heart Gules;
Motto
HERRAN PELKO ON VIISAUDEN ALKU;
Flag
A pennant per fess Gules and Sable charged with the Badge;
Badge
A rose Argent charged with a roundel per pale Gules and Sable set with a Maltese Cross Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
Red, black and white, as well as the winged spur, are the main colours and the crest of Scottish coats of arms associated with people named Johnston or Johnstone. Red is the main colour of the Johanniter Order, and black of the Order of St. John, two organizations in which Dr. Johnstone is active. The rose is the national flower of Finland and thus alludes to the Finnish heritage of Dr. Johnstone’s wife, Judith, and to his own work among Finnish-speaking congregations in Canada and Finland. The black seeds in centre of half of the roses allude to juniper berries and thus to Judith’s family name, Katajamaki, which means “juniper hill” in Finnish. The hearts at the centres of the other roses allude to the Luther rose, a white rose bearing a red heart set with a black cross, and thus to Dr. Johnstone’s ministry in the Lutheran church.
Motto
This Finnish phrase meaning “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” is taken from Psalm 111:10, and alludes to Dr. Johnstone’s vocation and to his connection with Finland and with the Church of Finland.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The Maltese cross was prominent in the badge of the Chaplain Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces during Dr. Johnstone’s career with the Branch, which he led as Chaplain General from 2006 to 2008. It also alludes to the two St. John orders in which he is active. The colours and the rose are taken from the arms.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 17, 2018, in Volume 152, page 3857 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Ilona Jurkiewicz
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual