Arms of Bradley Dana Smith
Arms of Bradley Dana Smith
Blazon
Paly Gules and Sable a plough, in chief three Canterbury crosses Or jewelled Purpure;
Symbolism
Red is the colour of the Canadian Army, in which Canon Smith serves. Black is the colour traditionally associated with the clergy. The two colours together are found in the arms of the Faculty of Divinity of Trinity College, in Toronto, of which Canon Smith is a graduate. The vertical stripes represent a field, referring to his family’s agricultural heritage and his childhood on a farm. The plough is also a symbol of agriculture, and the idea of tilling the ground and planting seeds often occurs as a metaphor in the Bible, thus referring to Canon Smith’s vocation as a priest. The Canterbury crosses mark a pilgrimage he has made to Canterbury in England. The purple jewels represent the amethyst, his birth stone and the mineral symbol of Ontario, his home province. Purple is also the colour of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, in which Canon Smith is an officer.
Motto de Bradley Dana Smith
Blazon
HANDS TO THE PLOUGH;
Symbolism
This phrase alludes to the plough in the Arms, and is another reference to Canon Smith’s family background and to scriptural references to agriculture. It also reminds him of the naval command “Hands to stations,” a call to readiness. It is a reminder that hard work is necessary, but should not distract us from God.
