Christ Church Cathedral is rebranding with a new logo.
Introducing the new symbol in her sermon on Nov. 26, Dean Beth Bretzlaff spoke about how the name of that feast day, the Reign of Christ, has changed over the years with the tides of history.
“An effective brand acts both as a mirror reflecting us to ourselves and as a window offering a transparency to others to see us. And just as our words and names of feasts evolve and change over time, so is a brand meant to evolve and change over time,” she said. “So, as we begin a new church year this Advent, our Cathedral Council has heartily endorsed a new way to tell the story of this vibrant and diverse community that glorifies God and welcomes all people.”
Directing everyone’s attention to the new logo on their order of service, she pointed to some familiar themes from the Cathedral’s West Window, heraldic crest and the diocesan brand and logo. “The circle is composed of blue wavy lines which represent the confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Rideau rivers. The fuchsia central lines represent our episcopal foundation and nature,” the dean explained. “The open space at the center creates a welcoming hub in the shape of a Celtic cross. The red lines reaching out show our cathedral’s ministry to society beyond our walls.”
The dean also introduced the new logo in the Cathedral’s newsletter Ex Cathedra in the traditional annual Church Mice story. Not unlike diverse parishioners, each of the four church mice expressed different responses to logo and opinions of it, as you can read in these brief excerpts:
Mr. Lecternmouse said he liked “the bits facing outward as it looks like us reaching out. And all my non-church friends will like it as it is modern and open.”
Ms. Bishopmouse was concerned that she did not see the heraldic crest and asked, “Are we getting rid of it?” with some acidity. ”Of course not,” replied the dean. “It remains our crest and will be used, especially for formal occasions like a state funeral or on official documents.”
Mr. Deanmouse noted that the Celtic cross is formed by the negative space. “It has the feel of a pathway or labyrinth.”
Ms. Bishopmouse was still wrestling with a lot of mixed feelings about it, but finally said, ‘Well, the straight central lines reflect our foundation, and you say that the colour is episcopal. So I can live with it,” she pronounced.
“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.”