Parish Banners

The banner of Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill was approved by the Vestry in June 2013. 
It features elements that represent the history of Immanuel, as well as our commitment to outreach and mission:

• The star immediately below the words "Immanuel Church on-the-Hill":  Immanuel - a sign that foretells "God is with us". 
• The Jerusalem Crosslet:  a recognized symbol of mission with Christianity spreading in all four directions.
• The seven pumpkins:  a symbol of our commitment to community and outreach.
• The logo of Virginia Theological Seminary (representing Aspinwall Hall):  recognition of our founding by -- and deep connection to -- the Virginia Theological Seminary.

The banner design was developed by Wipple & Co., providers of church furnishings since 1789, based on initial concepts of parishioner Linda Serabian and Interim Rector the Rev. Canon Mary Sulerud.

A second banner, donated by a parishioner, carries the seal of Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill. 
This banner was designed and produced by Trevor Floyd and Company for Immanuel.

Immanuel Crosses

The beautiful nine-foot cross that graces our services in Immanuel Chapel, and the scaled-down matching cross that crowns the sanctuary at Zabriskie Chapel, were gifts from a parish family, and the result of thoughtful design work by Immanuel parishioner and architect Tom Kerns.

​The crosses are made from wood salvaged from the old Immanuel Chapel at the Seminary following the 2010 fire. Indeed, one can see burn marks upon close inspection of the wood.

Parish Seal

​The Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Parish Seal was approved by the 2014 Vestry on January 27, 2015.

​The Vesica (the overall shape of the seal, on which the name of the organization, location, and date are shown) is oval, which by tradition indicates a church. The Canterbury Crosses at top and bottom of the Vesica link our church to the Episcopal Church of the United States and to the global community of the Anglican Communion.

The Shield is the lower portion of the seal. This Shield simply but boldly represents key elements of the identity of our church.  It reflects the blue of our church banner, with the Holy Hill of Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) in green and Immanuel’s Celtic processional cross high on the hill.  The Bethlehem (Immanuel) star, also from the church banner, is shown in the sky.  Use of a cross on the shield echoes the Calvary Cross on the VTS seal.

The Crest is the upper portion which sits on top of the shield. Immanuel's Crest depicts the Book of Scripture, with the words “God with us,” as a translation of “Immanuel” as well as a statement of God being with us in all our activities. The lettering of “God with us” is based on hand written script used by Celtic monks. Behind the book are pumpkins and pumpkin blossom vines to reflect our church’s fundraiser and strong commitment to Outreach.   The book sits on a stylized wreath of gold and green, pulling the Holy Hill color and the gold metal color from the Shield.

​The shield was designed by heraldic artist George Cannizzaro, of Cardinal Custom Heraldry, in consultation with Rector Randy Alexander and the Parish Seal committee (Wardens Hance Haney and Sara Fein, the Rev. David Crosby, Dr. Elaine Davies, Tom Kerns, and Kerry Kelly).  Mr. Cannizzaro presented the seal and explained it to the parish at a Forum Hour on February 8, 2015.