The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adopted its current seal and symbol in 1985, following the 1983 reunion of the northern United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. and the southern Presbyterian Church in the U.S. into a single denomination. The General Assembly commissioned graphic artist Malcolm Grear to create a seal that would honor historic Reformed symbols while providing a fresh identity for the new church. The seal and symbol are registered trademarks designed by Malcolm Grear & Associates and approved by the 197th General Assembly in 1985.[1][2]
Design and History
The official symbol of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is composed of several components representing the cross, Scripture, a descending dove at the upper part of the cross, and flames on either side of the lower part of the cross. The official seal combines this symbol with the denomination’s formal name, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), encircling it.[1]
Malcolm Grear Designers, a graphic design firm based in Providence, Rhode Island, created the seal in 1985.[3] The firm later redesigned the denomination’s website in 2001, applying a streamlined, contemporary look with better use of color and photographs.[3]
Meaning and Symbolism
The basic symbols in the seal are the cross, Scripture, the dove, and flames. The dominant structural and theological element is the cross, which represents the incarnate love of God in Jesus Christ and his passion and resurrection. Because of its association with Presbyterian history, the Celtic cross was chosen as a model for this contemporary rendering of the ancient symbol.[4]
In experimenting with the basic lines and shapes of the cross, the contour of a book emerged in the horizontal section, and the two center lines of the cross became the representation of an open book. This integration highlights the emphasis the Reformed tradition has placed on the role of Scripture as a means of knowing God’s word.[1]
The slightly flared shape of the Celtic cross transforms the uppermost section into the shape of a descending dove. As a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the dove affirms the role of the Spirit in both inspiring and interpreting Scripture. The dove also symbolizes Christ’s baptism by John and the peace and wholeness his death and resurrection bring.[1]
Beneath the image of the book is the suggestion of a lectern or pulpit, capturing the important role of preaching in Presbyterian worship. Integrated into the lower part of the design are flames that form an implied triangle, a traditional symbol of the Trinity. The flames convey a double meaning: a symbol of revelation in the Old Testament when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, and a suggestion of the beginning of the Christian church when Christ manifested himself to his apostles at Pentecost.[1]
The triangle also suggests the nature of Presbyterian government, with its concern for balance and order, dividing authority between ministers of the Word and laypeople and between different governing bodies.[1]
Viewers may also discover additional fused elements. In the shape of the descending dove, one might discern the form of a fish, an early Christian sign for Christ. For some, the overall design evokes the calligraphy of Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, while others have seen a baptismal font or a communion chalice.[1]
Typography and Design
The seal is designed with a simplicity that enables the viewer to retain the image in the mind’s eye. The clean, carefully measured lines and shapes can be readily recognized as a distinctive symbol, even when reduced in size. At the same time, the complexity of the seal stimulates the imagination and suggests several levels of meaning.[4]
A color palette has been established as part of the church’s visible identity program. The primary colors are specified as PMS 072 (blue), PMS 032 (red), and PMS 423 (gray), with white also integral to the primary colors. Approved color combinations are illustrated in the official seal download materials.[1]
The design and proportions of the symbol must not be altered, except the size may be changed for use on stationery, signs, banners, and similar items. The symbol may be used alone or as part of the official seal with the words “Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)” encircling it.[1]
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