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Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, with differences to Andrea Ellen MacLean, Rachel Jessica Johnson and Timothy Colin Miller Johnson
August 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 435
Arms of Colin Robert JohnsonBlazonGules two Tau crosses in pale their crossbars to the centre, all between 1st and 4th a dove close holding in its beak a sprig of olive and 2nd and 3rd a rose Argent; SymbolismRed and white are the main colours of the arms of the Anglican Church of Canada. The Tau cross is an ecclesiastical symbol of particular importance to Archbishop Johnson, and its “T” form also refers to Trinity College and to Toronto. The doubling of the symbol alludes to the double-traversed cross of an archbishop and thus to his status as Metropolitan of Ontario. The dove, which appears in the arms of the Diocese of Toronto, also alludes to the name Colin, which means “dove” in Scots Gaelic. The white roses recall the historical name of Toronto, York, and indicate that Archbishop Johnson once held the title Archdeacon of York. |
MottoBlazonFOR THE LEAST OF THESE; SymbolismThis phrase, from Matthew 25:40, is an important expression of the social teaching of the Gospel for Archbishop Johnson. |
Differenced Arms for Andrea Ellen MacLean, daughter of Colin Robert JohnsonBlazonThe Arms of Colin Robert Johnson debruised of a three-point label Or during her father’s lifetime This individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his death; SymbolismThe three-point label indicates that she is the eldest child and will inherit the arms. |
Differenced Arms for Rachel Jessica Johnson, daughter of Colin Robert JohnsonBlazonThe Arms of Colin Robert Johnson charged at the fess point with a lozenge fesswise Vert bearing a lamb couchant Argent; SymbolismThe lamb refers to the name Rachel, meaning “lamb” in Hebrew. |
Differenced Arms for Timothy Colin Miller Johnson, son of Colin Robert JohnsonBlazonThe Arms of Colin Robert Johnson charged at the fess point with a pomme bearing a trillium Argent; SymbolismThe trillium flower alludes to his love of the outdoors, especially the natural life of Ontario. |
Crest of Colin Robert JohnsonBlazonIssuant from a circlet of trilliums Argent, a bookwheel Gules its books Argent; SymbolismThe bookwheel, a 16th century invention for consulting several books at once, alludes to the Johnson family’s love of books and learning. The trillium flowers refer to Ontario, as well as to the fact that Archbishop Johnson’s father served as a member of the Ontario Legislature. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 14, 2015 in Volume 149, page 502 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterDavid Farrar CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeIndividual |