- 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.
Gerald Herbert Churley
Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, with differences to Ernest Edward Churley, Kevin Andrew Churley, and Philip Robert Churley
December 17, 1996
Vol. III, p. 131
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules a cross nowy wavy Argent charged at the centre with a coronet rim set with roses and thistle heads Gules between first and fourth three bezants two and one second and third a mason's square chevronwise Or;
Crest
A beaver sejeant erect Azure winged Argent semé of squares embattled on all sides Azure gorged with a cord pendant therefrom a fleur-de-lys its sinister forepaw resting on a harp with a maple leaf finial all Or;
Motto
SERVIO;
Differenced Arms for Ernest Edward Churley, great-nephew of Gerald Herbert Churley
The Arms of Gerald Herbert Churley debruisd by a three-point label Argent; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death;
Differenced Arms for Kevin Andrew Churley, great-great nephew of Gerald Herbert Churley
The Arms of Gerald Herbert Churley debruised by a five-point label Argent;
Differenced Arms for Philip Robert Churley, great-nephew of Gerald Herbert Churley
The Arms of Gerald Herbert Churley within a bordure Or charged above centre chief with a crescent Gules;
Symbolism
Arms
The three discs or bezants allude to golden coins to represent Mr. Churley’s profession of accounting. The L-shaped device indicates a builder’s square, symbolic of Mr. Churley’s service to freemasonry, specifically as a past District Deputy Grand Master and as an Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Vancouver Masonic Service Bureau. The coronet is composed of English roses and Scotch thistles representing his father’s English heritage and his mother’s Nova Scotia birthplace. The wavy white cross at the centre of the shield symbolizes Mr. Churley’s oceanic connections as he was born in Saint John, New Brunswick and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Crest
The harp is a visual reminder to Mr. Churley, a veteran of the Second World War, of his proud association with the Canadian military and specifically his bond with the Irish Fusiliers of Canada. The fleur-de-lis, the official world scouting symbol, is suspended from a cord around the neck of the beaver and refers to his long standing commitment and service with the Boy Scouts of Canada. The square indented pattern on the wings of the beaver reflects Mr. Churley’s hobby, stamp collecting.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “I serve.”
Differenced Arms for Ernest Edward Churley, great-nephew of Gerald Herbert Churley
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Kevin Andrew Churley, great-great nephew of Gerald Herbert Churley
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Philip Robert Churley, great-nephew of Gerald Herbert Churley
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 22, 1997, in Volume 131, page 3589 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert Létourneau
Calligrapher
Suzzann Wright
Recipient Information
Individual