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.
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badges
October 15, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 407
Arms of The Faculty of Divinity of the University of Trinity CollegeBlazonQuarterly Sable and Gules on a cross Argent between four stags trippant reguardant Or attired and unguled Argent, an open book Argent edged Or, bound and inscribed BUT IF THE SALT in letters Sable; SymbolismThe shield resembles a design assumed by Trinity University between 1889 and 1904, and carved as such on the east side of Henderson Tower at the college building. It uses, as a reference to the founder, the Rt. Rev. John Strachan, the form of a stag used in the grant to the University of Trinity College in 1988. Trinity University was a body established in 1889 by the University of Trinity College to grant degrees in seven faculties. The degree-granting powers in six faculties were eventually surrendered to the University of Toronto, but the fact that the Faculty of Divinity continues to grant degrees makes it the remnant of Trinity University, a situation reflected in this design. These arms recognize the venerable student tradition of “red and black” as college colours, with predominance given to black as a traditional clergy colour. At the centre, the open book makes a reference to the Holy Bible. |
MottoBlazonBUT IF THE SALT; SymbolismBUT IF THE SALT is taken from Matthew 5:13 (“but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted”), and forms an apt reply from the Faculty of Divinity and its students to the undergraduates at Trinity College, whose student cry, based on a phrase in the same biblical verse, begins with the words “We are the salt of the earth”. Following a tradition in academic heraldry, the motto is placed on a book that is part of the shield design. |
Badge of The Faculty of Divinity of the University of Trinity CollegeBlazonA stag trippant reguardant Or attired and unguled Argent supporting with the dexter foreleg a staff terminating in a cross Or flying therefrom a pennon Argent charged with a cross Gules; SymbolismThe first badge is patterned after the Agnus Dei, a Christian symbol of a lamb bearing a cross and banner, but uses instead the stag from the arms. The flag serves to denote “bearing Christ” but in this particular form is also an historical reference to the flag of the Church of England and thus to Anglicanism. |
Badge of The Faculty of Divinity of the University of Trinity CollegeBlazonOn a roundel per fess Sable and Gules, an altar cross Argent; SymbolismThe second badge uses the colours and a representation of the cross used on the altar of the Lady Chapel of the college. This cross has been used continuously since the earliest years of the college. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 689 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert Black, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterLinda Nicholson CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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