Saint John's Parish Church

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.

Cambridge, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
June 15, 2001
Vol. IV, p. 124

Arms of Saint John's Parish Church
Arms of Saint John's Parish Church
Badge of Saint John's Parish Church
 
Arms of Saint John's Parish Church

Arms of Saint John's Parish Church

Blazon

Per saltire, first Azure charged with an eagle's head erased and nimbed Or, second wavy Azure charged with two piles wavy reversed in point Argent, third and fourth Argent each charged with a cross patté fitché Gules;

Symbolism

The division of the shield by the saltire partition lines evokes the Greek letter chi, the initial letter of the name of Christ in Greek. Blue is a colour associated with St. John the Evangelist, whose traditional emblem is the eagle shown with a nimbus. The parish has long used an eagle as its symbol. The bottom portion was inspired by the fountain (Preston Springs) found on the assumed arms of the former Town of Preston, where the parish is located. The spring or flowing water has a Christian significance as a baptismal symbol. The crosses in the flanks of the shield, red on white, refer to the red cross on white of Anglicanism and to the two church buildings, the original parish church erected in 1890 and the present one built in 1953.

Motto

Blazon

IN THEE ARE THE SPRINGS OF OUR LIFE;

Symbolism

This phrase comes from a prayer used at the dedication of the present church in 1953. It is based on Psalm 36:9 and refers to the famous Preston Springs.
Badge of Saint John's Parish Church

Badge of Saint John's Parish Church

Blazon

On a cross patté quadrate, the limbs nowed inward at the ends Azure and charged with four isosceles triangles, an eagle's head erased Or;

Symbolism

The cross in the badge is based on the carved cross on the front of the high altar, with the addition of the eagle of St. John. The gold rays are a symbol of the divine.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on February 22, 2003 in Volume 137, page 517 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to Saint John's Parish Church, CambridgeLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to Saint John's Parish Church, Cambridge

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of David Bowyer, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

Painter

David Bowyer

Calligrapher

Karen Mackay

Recipient Type

Civil Institution
Local (church, synagogue)