- 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.
John Wesley Metcalf
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms
May 20, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 490
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a chevron Gules between three calves passant Sable;
Crest
A porcupine sejant Sable embellished Argent holding a sheaf of leaves Gules;
Motto
SERVITIUM IN FIDE;
Symbolism
Arms
The basic design of three black calves on white is the coat of arms of Metcalf of Nappa Hall, Wenselydale, co. York, which makes a canting reference to the name. To make this design unique to Mr. Metcalf, a chevron has been added. This shape can indicate a propped-up open book, appropriate for Mr. Metcalf’s work as a writer and editor.
Crest
The porcupine is a Canadian animal, a fitting choice to mark Mr. Metcalf’s role as Senior Editor of the Porcupine’s Quill Press. Because its back is set with multiple quills, the animal can serve as a metaphor for the many writings of Mr. Metcalf. The leaves in its paws allude to another aspect of Mr. Metcalf’s work, that of anthologizing, or collecting and assembling diverse writings, the leaves here indicative of pages.
Motto
Meaning “Service in faith”.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 29, 2005, in Volume 139, page 3450 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual