Renison University College

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.

Waterloo, Ontario
Grant of Supporters
July 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 373

Arms of Renison University College
Arms of Renison University College
 
Arms of Renison University College

Arms of Renison University College

Blazon

Argent on a bend Vert between two maple leaves Gules a mitre between two Maltese crosses Or all within a bordure Vert charged with three buckles between three maple leaves Or;

Symbolism

These are the arms of Archbishop Robert John Renison, granted in 1935 by Ulster King of Arms, differenced by the addition of a green border charged with maple leaves and buckles. The buckles are from the arms of Canon Archibald Howard Skirving, the Chairman of the Board of Governors at the time of the grant.

Crest

Blazon

A moose’s head affronty erased Gules attired Or and charged on the neck with a passion cross Argent;

Symbolism

The moose’s head comes from the arms of Archbishop Renison. The cross on the neck is an allusion to the arms of Ian L. Campbell, the Principal at the time of the grant.

Motto

Blazon

SED COELUM SOLUM;

Symbolism

Meaning “But under one sky”, this Latin phrase was the motto of Archbishop Renison, who favoured it in the form “One sky over all”.

Supporters

Blazon

Dexter a beaver proper sinister a lion Gules, each collared Or pendent therefrom a wagon wheel composed of a cross potent Or conjoined with a saltire potent Azure surmounted by a plate bearing the letters IHS Sable, standing on a grassy mount Vert strewn with trillium flowers and maple keys Or;

Symbolism

The red lion is taken from the arms of the University of Waterloo, and thus symbolizes Renison’s affiliation with the university. The red lion is also found in the arms of Bishop D. Ralph Spence, Chancellor of the College at the time of the grant. The beaver is taken from the arms of the Anglican Diocese of Huron, the Bishop of which is the Visitor to the College. The wagon wheel is taken from the arms of the Church of the Holy Saviour, Waterloo, the founding parish of the college. The grassy green mount represents Renison’s verdant campus. The trilliums recall the college’s location in Ontario and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, because they are the provincial flower and are found in the Region’s arms. The maple keys symbolize the founders of the college and their vision that those being educated will grow and develop for the benefit of their communities.

 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on March 14, 2015 in Volume 149, page 501 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to Renison University CollegeLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to Renison University College

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Howard Rokeby-Thomas and David Bowyer (Arms); Malcolm Innes, Lord Lyon King of Arms (Crest); and D. Ralph Spence, Albion Herald Extraordinary, and Brendon Bedford (supporters), assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter

Linda Nicholson

Calligrapher

Shirley Mangione

Recipient Type

Civil Institution
University Faculty, Department & College

Other Information

The recipient's emblems were originally recorded in the Public Register of Arms, Flag and Badges of Canada, Vol. VI, page 30.