Presbyterian Symbols

 

After receiving a number of enquiries, and also due to general interest in commonly used symbols used within the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, we have provided the following examples showing general designs and colours (although colours often varied).

For other examples of the Presbyterian Church official Symbol used over the years, including explanatory notes, please click Here. Examples of the two newer versions appear below.

We are able to provide a larger version of each symbol for printing purposes via Email, please enquire.

Presbyterian Church Official Symbol

(c.1970's to date). A variety of colours have been used however the style has remained the same.

Presbyterian Church Official Symbol

(1916 to 1980's). Usually printed in blue or black, an official multicoloured version does not appear to have been used.
 

Bible Class Union.

Background navy or cobalt blue, yellow/gold highlights with white center, upper lettering optional.

The Bible Class Union badge was originally designed by Mr Ad Howitt for the St John's Young Men's Bible Class in Wellington around 1900. The Young Men's Bible Class Movement officially took over the badge in 1902. It was later adopted by the Young Women's Bible Class Movement and, with a change of colouring, by the Bible Class Movements of other denominations.

According to the Rev W Bower Black in his booklet "Our Badge"(1928), blue stood for Loyalty, white for Purity, and gold as a symbol of the Divine - of God. Rev Black called on members to be Heralds - to wear the badge because of having something to proclaim, to be Covenantors - as having entered into a solemn covenant with Jesus Christ our Lord, and as Crusaders - to go out and win fellow converts and to 'fight the good fight' in the World.

 

Bible Class 25 year Service Badge

In 1918 the Bible Class Union Executive Council adopted the above badge for presentation to those members who had given 25 years of service. Designed in gold and enamel by one of their members, Mr Ad Howitt, the badge was supplied "at cost" to branches who desired to make a formal presentation to any of their long-serving members. Shortly after the initial approval the Executive Council decided on a modification of the badge to be awarded to members for 10 years or more of distinguished service, the badge bearing the number of years service on its face. Sadly, no examples of either badge can be located.

Presbyterian Womens Missionary Union

(Single colour version).
 

Presbyterian Womens Missionary Union

Multi-coloured version). Centre white background, gold coloured background and edging, orange cross, cobalt blue outer circle. Inner designs of sunrise, scroll and burning bush.

Girls Auxiliary of the Presbyterian Womens Missionary Union.

Busy Bees.

Designed in 1949 by Miss Edna Lambert, (born 1914, died 2002) for a Busy Bee membership and enrolment card. Edna was involved for 40 years in Sunday School and Busy Bees work as well as being a member and later first woman Elder of Kelburn Presbyterian Church Wellington.
 

Deaconess Association.
(gold highlights, cobalt blue background, white cross)
 

Association of Presbyterian Women.

Gold highlights, centre background all navy blue, red detail, inner stylized "APW" monogram.
 

Christian Endeavour Society

(Affiiliated with the Presbyterian Church). Single colour version - various colours were used however black on white appears most often.
 

Christian Endeavour Society "Expert" Badge

(Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church). Stainless steel edging including the stylized "CE" in centre, navy blue background. NB : a "normal" members badge was simply a stylized "CE" only (as in centre of badge above) made of cut out stainless steel with no background.