The Cross and Crown is a traditional Christian symbol (a cross passing through a crown), appearing in many churches (especially Roman Catholic), that has also been used in heraldry.[1][2] It is often interpreted as symbolizing the reward in heaven (the crown) coming after the trials in this life (the cross) (James 1:12).
The symbol appears in the seal of the Church of Christ, Scientist, where it is surrounded by the words "Heal the Sick, Cleanse the Lepers, Raise the Dead, Cast Out Demons", from the Gospel of Matthew, 10:8. In this symbol the crown stands for victory over death.
It is also featured in the early publications and memorabilia of the Bible Students. First appearing on the cover of the January 1881 issue of Zion's Watch Tower,[3] the cross and crown were surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves. They also used the symbol on lapel pins, buttons (metal and celluloid) and pendants of various designs. Not all of its uses by the I.B.S.A. included the wreath of laurel leaves. The Watchtower Society later discontinued using the cross and crown some years after the death of C.T Russell, viewing it as a "pagan symbol", although his gravesite is marked by a pyramid memorial erected by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society itself[4][5] that pictures a Cross and Crown. Their current doctrine is that Jesus was not crucified, but hung on an upright stake.
The symbol is associated with Freemasonry, specifically the Knights Templar branch of Freemasonry.[6][7][8][9] It is a modern Knight Templar group (which does not claim a heritage from the medieval order) symbol. It is thought, however, that it was never a prominent symbol of the historical military order (see Knights Templar Seal). Many military orders during the Crusades adopted Coats of arms prominently featuring a cross (often a Maltese cross) in various contexts.
The Cross and Crown symbol also appears on the cover of The Power of the Cross, by Tim Lahaye.
The Royal Black Preceptory uses the Cross and Crown over a motto scroll featuring the words In hoc signo vinces (Latin for 'By this sign thou shalt conquer') as the symbol for their organization.[6]