Anglican Parish of St. Mark

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Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Grant of Arms
October 15, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 409

Arms of the Anglican Parish of St. Mark
Arms of the Anglican Parish of St. Mark
 
Arms of the Anglican Parish of St. Mark

Arms of the Anglican Parish of St. Mark

Blazon

Azure above three bars wavy a winged cougar passant holding in the dexter paw a Canterbury cross Or;

Symbolism

Blue represents the parish church’s proximity to the sea. The winged cougar is a British Columbia version of the traditional symbol for St. Mark, the winged lion. The Canterbury cross is a form of the cross especially associated with the Anglican Communion and one regularly used at St. Mark’s. The wavy gold bars at the base represent the sun on the water moving on the shoreline. The three bars also refer to the Holy Trinity, as well as to the arms of the Province of British Columbia, the location of the parish.

Crest

Blazon

Issuant from a circlet the upper rim set with salmon hauriant respectant Or a demi cougar Azure winged Or;

Symbolism

The circlet of fish has a triple meaning: it refers to the name “Qualicum”, derived from the Pentlatch word “Squal-li” meaning “chum salmon”, as well as to the fish, an ancient Christian symbol. The four salmon also refer to the four Gospels, one of which is that of St. Mark. The winged cougar repeats the symbolism of the arms.

Motto

Blazon

I HAVE PREPARED A LAMP;

Symbolism

I HAVE PREPARED A LAMP (Ps. 132: 17) indicates a core part of the parish’s mission to be a beacon of Christian witness in the community. It also ties into the gold of the design and the power and majesty of God.

 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 689 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Anglican Parish of St. Mark, Qualicum BeachLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Anglican Parish of St. Mark, Qualicum Beach

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

Painter

Linda Nicholson

Calligrapher

Doris Wionzek

Recipient Type

Civil Institution
Local (church, synagogue)