Our diocesan shield and the symbolism behind it.
- The color blue represents our Scottish history and is the color you will find on the Episcopal shield.
- The star symbolizes the star of Texas.
- The cross represents Jesus AND the Churches of England and Scotland.
- The chasuble is a symbol of the bishop.
- The miter represents the Holy Spirit.
- The keys represent the Keys of St. Peter.
- The crozier symbolizes the shepherd’s crook related to the office and work of the bishop.
- The “rope” on the coat of arms is a cord that descends from a wide-brimmed hat, known as a galero (usually flat and low-crowned) that was once worn by clergy in processions. (Historically, it became a specific indicator of rank within ecclesiastical heraldry.)
- The longhorn is in remembrance of our first, foundational gift from a cattleman traveling with a herd of cattle down Texas Avenue, where the cathedral is now located. He asked what they were building. Upon learning it was going to be the Cathedral, he generously grabbed one of his steers, cut off the longhorn, and donated the steer to the church which funded the cathedral.
