- 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.
Darin Joseph MacKinnon
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
November 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 228
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or on a cross quadrate Azure between 1st and 4th an oak leaf and 2nd and 3rd a birch leaf Vert, a boar’s head erased Or holding in its mouth a deer’s shank bone Or;
Crest
A cubit arm proper holding a quill Argent and issuant from a demi-tower proper;
Motto
GOD’S KINDNESS IS ONGOING;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A Celtic cross Azure enfiling an ancient crown Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The cross alludes to Mr. MacKinnon’s role as a minister in the United Church of Canada. The boar’s head with the bone is taken from arms used by Scottish MacKinnons. The oak leaves refer to the oak trees in the arms of Prince Edward Island, symbolizing Mr. MacKinnon’s roots in that province. Together with the birch leaves, they allude to the forest around his family home in Forest Hill, Prince Edward Island.
Crest
The quill alludes to Mr. MacKinnon’s writings about history and religion. The forearm is inspired by an element in the arms of the MacKinnon clan chief, a right hand grasping a cross. The tower is taken from the badge of the Scottish MacLean clan, and thus represents Mr. MacKinnon’s descent from his paternal grandmother Georgina MacLean.
Motto
This phrase is based on Isaiah 54:10 in the Bible and alludes to God’s enduring love.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The cross symbolizes Mr. MacKinnon’s vocation as a minister in the United Church of Canada. The crown is taken from the arms of his alma mater, Queen’s University at Kingston. The points of the crown resemble fleurs-de-lis, a heraldic version of a lily. The lily is a symbol of Saint Joseph, Joseph being Mr. MacKinnon’s middle name.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Katherine Golightly
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual