FRATERNITY CREST
Sigma Gamma Chi's crest embodies the traditions and ideals of the fraternity.
The basic elements of the armor of God appear on the crest, signifying
willingness to "put on the whole armour of God" (Ephesians 6:11;
emphasis added) as admonished by the Apostle Paul. It is also designed to
incorporate the motto "service to God and country." In a revelation to the
Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord gave a challenge to stand ready and to withstand
evil by putting on the whole armor of God and being worthy to participate in
the events preceding the second coming of the Savior (see D&C 27:15-18).
WREATH
The wreath stands for leadership and achievement. Anciently, wreaths were
awarded to individuals who distinguished themselves by their outstanding
accomplishments.
STAR
The star is a reminder of the five values of Sigma Gamma Chi: recognize the
worth of a soul, growth through participation, build relationships of trust,
increase moral integrity, and promote excellence.
TORSE
Anciently, the torse was an ornamental braid that held the mantling on the
warrior's shoulders. The six loops of the torse represent the six ideals of
the fraternity: spirituality, brotherhood, service, leadership, scholarship,
and patriotism.
MANTLING
The mantling is historically symbolic of the warrior's cloak that is rent by
the scars of battle. It serves as a reminder to face the battle of life with
the determination and courage to succeed. This element of the crest also is a
reminder of Moroni's cloak, which he rent "in memory of our God, our religion,
and freedom, and our peace, our [families], and our children" (Alma 46:12). He
called this emblem the "title of liberty." As we apply these principles taught
by Alma, we will also serve the institute and campus community, always striving
to give back more than has been received.
HELMET
The helmet of salvation is a reminder that virtue should garnish our thoughts
unceasingly (see D&C 121:45) and that a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ
is essential to salvation (see D&C 131:5-6).
SWORD
The sword of Sigma Gamma Chi is symbolic of the "sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17).
GAUNTLET
The gauntlet is the glove that holds the sword. It is a reminder of taking the
sword of the Spirit and holding fast to the word of God.
SHIELD
The shield of faith protects us from the fiery darts of the wicked. Its
crimson color is a reminder of the power of the atonement of Christ, which
enables one to lay hold of eternal life.
BREASTPLATE
The breastplate contains an image of a warrior dressed in his armor and
kneeling on one knee. Historically, this symbolized knighthood, but to Sigma
Gamma Chi it is symbolic of Paul's words that after putting on the whole armor
of God, we must pray always (see Ephesians 6:18).
SCROLL
The scroll contains the name of our fraternity inscribed in Greek. It is a
reminder of the public motto, "service to God and country."
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This page is borrowed from our brothers at Weber State University
