St Andrew Society

[fortcollinsjerry]

Lots of links on the web to many State related organizations but little info about what the society is and what it does? Is there a main house web site for this?

[Riverkilt]

Probably not. I just got the new issue of The Highander Magazine and it lists "all" the Scottish Societies in this issue and there's no listing for any overall society...just by state and province...unless I missed something.

Ron

[macwilkin]

Lots of links on the web to many State related organizations but little info about what the society is and what it does? Is there a main house web site for this?

While some St. Andrew's/Caledonian/Scottish or Burns Societies and Clubs are affiliated with international organizations such as the World Burns Federation, the Saltire Society, etc., others are not; the reference to the "first-called" apostle is one similar to the St. George's Society for English expatriates, St. Patrick for the Irish, etc.

Regards,

Todd

[fortcollinsjerry]

OK .. .. .. but is it a social, fraternal, curtural or philanthropic association? What do they do? What is the reason for membership?

[macwilkin]

OK .. .. .. but is it a social, fraternal, curtural or philanthropic association? What do they do? What is the reason for membership?

Yes...all three...social, fraternal (some are men-only in membership, but not all) and charitable. Many St. Andrew's societies were originally immigrant aid societies in the late 18th and 19th century, but have evolved into heritage organizations dedicated to preserving the contributions of Scottish immigrants to their adopted countries.

Regards,

Todd

[McMurdo]

This is from the front page of the St. Andrews Society Toronto website:

From 1836 to today
The City of Toronto was established in 1834. Two years later, in 1836, the St. Andrew's Society of Toronto was born. Scots who had already found their feet in this new city set out to assist immigrant Scots just arriving here. Over the years the St. Andrew's Society has maintained a keen interest in its people and its mandate. These days we have expanded our charitable endeavours through the legacy of our St. Andrew's Charitable Foundation. Each year we provide grants to help organizations across Toronto. Our Grants Committee takes a hands-on interest in our recipients and their work.
The St. Andrew's Society holds quarterly meetings for our membership to address aspects of our Scottish heritage here and overseas, as well as topics of other interest to the members. We meet in the historic Officers' Mess of the 48th Highlanders of Canada. Our long association with this valiant Canadian Regiment is a source of pride.
We also reach out to touch other cultural organizations within the Scottish-Canadian community.
The St. Andrew's Ball, co-hosted with the 48th Highlanders of Canada, is perhaps our best-known public expression. For over one hundred years, many, many citizens of Toronto, and from elsewhere, have danced the night away to the skirl of the pipes in gowned and kilted splendour.
What a great way to raise some funds for our charitable work. (See our "St. Andrew's Ball Page" for more details).
We invite you to consider joining us in our cultural endeavours and our hands-on community support.

[wvpiper]

Washington, DC

The Saint Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C., with origins dating back to 1760, is a charitable and social organization of men of Scottish birth or ancestry. It is not affiliated with any religious institution. The Society succeeds in the national capital area the old Saint Andrew's Society of Alexandria, Virginia, founded about 1760.

The objectives of the Saint Andrew's Society are to afford charitable and educational assistance to Scotsmen, lineal descendants of Scotsmen, and to their widows and orphans, to perpetuate Scottish traditions and culture, and to promote social activities among its members. The Society maintains permanent trust funds for its charitable and educational purposes.

The Society sponsors a series of annual events that are open to the public, including the Burns Nicht Dinner (January), Winter Ceilidh (February), Kirkin' o' the Tartan at the National Cathedral (April), Tartan Ball (November), and the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk (December.) In addition, the men of the Society provide the leadership for a number of other events that are not directly sponsored by the Society but are closely affiliated. These include National Tartan Day activities, Virginia Scottish Games , and the Alexandria Scottish Heritage Fair.

[Fedgunner]

To the best of my knowledge there is no national or international HQ of the St Andrew's Society.

In the Minneapolis St Paul area our prime function is as a contributor to the various local Scottish groups. Our "fun" functions are a bit more "dressy" (i.e. Burns Night)
We support the local groups and act as a clearing house for funding as we are a 501-3C (Non Profit)

www.standrewssociety.org/whatis.aspMight be helpful

[fortcollinsjerry]

Sounds like a worthwhile organization. I'll look into it.

[Colonel MacNeal]

The Anglican Church in America also has an Order of Saint Andrew ( a men's lay society). There is the Russian Order of St Andrew (a chivalric order headed by the Grand Duchess Maria). There is also a self styled order of St Andrew out of Germany (not advised). I think there is also a Military Order of St Andrew (a military confraternity) based in Texas.