Diocese of Port Elizabeth

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of South Africa : Ecclesiastical heraldry

DIOCESE OF PORT ELIZABETH

Denomination : Anglican

Official blazon:
Arms: Argent, on a cross Gules, between in dexter chief an anchor, in sinister chief a cross moline, in dexter base a clay pot and in sinister base a triangle Sable void of the field, a lamb couchant proper, the shield ensigned with a mitre proper.

Origin/meaning :
The arms were officially granted on April 28, 1978.

The diocese was created in 1970 as a division of the Diocese of Grahamstown.

The red cross is the emblem of St George, patron saint of England and the diocese. The anchor is taken from the arms of the diocese of Grahamstown, which is turn is taken from the arms of the diocese of Cape Town. It also signifies steadfast in the faith and is also a link with the harbour of Port Elizabeth, whose arms also have an anchor.

The cross in the second quarter is taken from the arms of the town of Uitenhage. The clay pot is a symbol of fellowship and a reminder of the large number of black members of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth.

The triangle symbolises the Trinity, but also alludes to the Donkin Memorial, the pyramid erected on the Donkin Reserve, at the heart of Port Elizabeth’s historic Central Hill area. The pyramid can also be seen in the arms of Livingstone Hospital, and Pearson and Lawson Brown high schools.

The lamb is the Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God. It also symbolises the vast farming areas of the Karoo included in the diocese, as well as the textile (wool) industry of Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage.

Literature: Images and information by Mike Oettle