- 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.
Bradley Dana Smith
Keene, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
May 20, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 93
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Paly Gules and Sable a plough, in chief three Canterbury crosses Or jewelled Purpure;
Motto
HANDS TO THE PLOUGH;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A Canterbury cross Or jewelled Purpure its lower limb ancré;
Symbolism
Arms
Red is the colour of the Canadian Army, in which Canon Smith serves. Black is the colour traditionally associated with the clergy. The two colours together are found in the arms of the Faculty of Divinity of Trinity College, in Toronto, of which Canon Smith is a graduate. The vertical stripes represent a field, referring to his family’s agricultural heritage and his childhood on a farm. The plough is also a symbol of agriculture, and the idea of tilling the ground and planting seeds often occurs as a metaphor in the Bible, thus referring to Canon Smith’s vocation as a priest. The Canterbury crosses mark a pilgrimage he has made to Canterbury in England. The purple jewels represent the amethyst, his birth stone and the mineral symbol of Ontario, his home province. Purple is also the colour of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, in which Canon Smith is an officer.
Motto
This phrase alludes to the plough in the Arms, and is another reference to Canon Smith’s family background and to scriptural references to agriculture. It also reminds him of the naval command “Hands to stations,” a call to readiness. It is a reminder that hard work is necessary, but should not distract us from God.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The Canterbury cross is taken from the Arms. The anchor alludes to Canon Smith’s past service in the Royal Canadian Navy.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 29, 2022, in Volume 156, page 5124 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bradley Smith and Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Palina Klimava
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual