Canadian Priory Award Appraisal

Priory Vote of Thanks, The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (Priory of Canada)

This formal award document, dated January 31, 2008, is a 'Priory Vote of Thanks' issued by The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, specifically the Priory of Canada. The certificate is presented to Wendy M. Ryckman for 'valuable assistance rendered to further the objectives of St. John Ambulance and the Order of St. John'. The document is printed on premium heavy-stock cream paper with a gold-bordered edge. At the top is the Order’s coat of arms featuring a red shield with a white cross and central Canadian maple leaf, flanked by motto scrolls reading 'Pro Fide' (For the Faith) and 'Pro Utilitate Hominum' (For the Service of Mankind). The typography utilizes a mix of ornate blackletter/Gothic script for the title and recipient name, with red accents for emphasis. The body text is in a clear serif font. The certificate features two distinct handwritten signatures at the bottom, identifying the 'Prior' and 'Chancellor'. The item appears to be professionally framed behind glass with a thin gold-toned metallic frame. The condition is excellent, showing no visible foxing, sun-bleaching, or creasing to the document itself, while the frame shows standard reflective qualities indicating clean glass and well-preserved edges. This is a significant piece of humanitarian ephemera representing formal recognition from a Royal Order of Chivalry and the leading international organization for first aid and medical care.