By The Preaching of The Word

Always rather liked Glasgow's Coat of Arms. It's on buildings all over the city, but this one in particular can be found over the main entrancce to St. Andrew's in The Square church. it appears in original condition, other than the noticeable repairs to either side.

Somewhat surprisingly, the City of Glasgow did not have a coat of arms until the middle of the 19th century. In 1866, the Lord Lyon King at Arms gave approval for one which incorporated a number of symbols and emblems which had been used on official seals up until then - all of which were associated with St Mungo. St Mungo (who was named originally Kentigern) is said to have preached the sermon containing the words "Lord, let Glasgow Flourish by the preaching of the word." The thrusting Victorian city truncated its motto into the more secular "Let Glasgow Flourish" which is still in use today.

"There's the tree that never grew,
There's the bird that never flew,
There's the fish that never swam,
There's the bell that never rang".