- 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.
George David Parson
Stratford, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Flag
June 20, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 287
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale Gules and Argent three Canterbury crosses counterchanged;
Crest
Issuant from a circlet of maple leaves Gules, a swan naiant Argent charged with a Canterbury cross Gules;
Motto
GROW IN GRACE;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
Red and white are the colours of Canada. The three crosses refer to the Holy Trinity, to the three sons of Mr. Parson's father, John, David and Mark, and to Mr. Parson's three children, Christopher, Sara and Katherine. The Canterbury cross is associated with Anglicanism, and therefore refers to Mr. Parson's identity as an Anglican Christian and his editorship of the Huron Church News.
Crest
The maple leaves symbolize Mr. Parson's Canadian heritage, the swan, his residence in and contributions to Stratford, Ontario, and the cross links the crest to the arms design. Swans are a feature of the Avon River in Stratford, and three appear on the coat of arms of Stratford.
Motto
GROW IN GRACE is a phrase used by the Bishop of Chicago at Mr. Parson's confirmation service.
Flag
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 December 20, 2003, in Volume 137, page 3982 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of George David Parson and Arthur Potts, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual