- The Governor General of Canada
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St. James Presbyterian Church
Stouffvile, Ontario
Grant of Arms
December 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 342
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure on a saltire Argent an open book also Argent edged Or bound Sable, on a chief Or a bush enflamed proper between two escallops Gules;
Motto
SHARING GOD'S LOVE;
Symbolism
Arms
The white saltire cross on blue is known as the cross of St. Andrew and it indicates the Scottish and Church of Scotland heritage of the founders of the congregation. The open book represents the centrality of the Bible in the church’s life, and the burning bush is the traditional symbol of Presbyterianism. The scallop shells are the attribute of St. James the Greater, inspired by the shells worn by pilgrims to his shrine at Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Motto
The Motto is a summary of the church’s mission throughout its history.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2005, in Volume 139, page 687 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Gordon Macpherson, Niagara Herald Extraordinary, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Gordon Macpherson
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Local (church, synagogue)