The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew

As I complete my third term as President of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew in its 199th year, my thoughts go to the many experiences that our Scottish ancestors have dealt with over these two centuries. It was a far different world in 1825 when this organization was formed, and a far different world when the FSSA experienced its centenary in 1925. Indeed, the world in which we find ourselves today, as we approach our bicentennial in 2025, differs greatly from even the last decade. Covid has cost all of us dearly.  Our Society, like others, was forced into isolation and distant relationships through email and Zoom calls. Thank heavens we are back to experiencing in-person meetings and gatherings. Technology has its benefits, but personal interactions are far more important and consequential. My thanks go to all those who have helped to keep the FSSA viable during the past few years. Maxine Campbell has been the institutional memory of the organization and a major force in ...

Fredericton Society of St. Andrew 200th Anniversary Commemorative Piping and Drumming Composition Competition  The Fredericton Society of St. Andrew is pleased to announce a Piping and Drumming Composition Competition in honour of our 200th anniversary. The competition is open to all members of the FSSA pipe bands. Instructions and contact information are posted below.  The winning pipe tune and the winning drum score will each receive a $300 prize - as well as the honour of having their tune be played in perpetuatity by the FSSA Pipe Band.  Instructions to Enter the Competition:  (1) Pipe Tune. The pipe tune must be an original composition of a two-parted march. The name of the tune should reflect the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the FSSA or the 1825 to 2025 period. Please submit your composition to Sandy Gordon and cc Heather Wishart at the email addresses below by January 31, 2025 .  Once all pipe tune entries have been received, we will arrange ...

Come join us for a delightful celebration of Scottish heritage at the Fredericton Motor Inn! This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the music of the FSSA Pipe Band, along with Highland dancing by the Saorsa Studio Highland Dancers. Your ticket includes a buffet-style full course dinner, as well as yummy haggis, tatties and neeps! Mark your calendars and get ready for the Feast! Don't miss out on this near 200-year-old tradition in Fredericton - see you there!  Tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/feast-of-st-andrew-2024-tickets-1071812914279?aff=oddtdtcreator

As the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew is approaching its bicentennial in 2025, we are offering biographical articles featuring some of the more prominent persons who have been members of the FSSA. The previous article highlighted John Babbitt McNair, Premier of New Brunswick from 1940 to 1952. This article features Supreme Court Justice Oswald S. Crocket who was the first recipient of the FSSA scholarship.  Oswald Smith Crocket (1868 – 1945) Lawyer, Politician, Supreme Court Justice by Ian Andrews  In 1883 the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew established a scholarship for a deserving student of demonstrated Scottish origin who was enrolled in the University of New Brunswick. The Society gave the University the sum of $1,000 that was to be invested with the yearly interest paid to the worthy recipient. The original scholarship was offered for a three year period, but this was subsequently changed to an annual stipend. This scholarship continues to this day, with bursar...

As the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew is approaching its bicentennial in 2025, we are offering biographical articles featuring some of the more prominent persons who have been members of the FSSA. The previous article highlighted John Simpson, the first Mayor of Fredericton. This article features John B. McNair who served as Premier of New Brunswick from 1940 to 1952.  John Babbitt McNair (1889 – 1968) Scholar, Lawyer, Politician, Premier, Judge, Lieutenant-Governor by Ian Andrews  On Waterloo Row in Fredericton, across from the Saint John River, stands a well-appointed structure, built in the 19th century, and identified by a plaque on the front as the Quartermain House Bed & Breakfast. Since becoming a B&B over a decade ago, the Quartermain House has more than once received the designation as the #1 Bed & Breakfast in North America. This place previously served as the home of John Babbitt McNair, a convenient short walk from the Provincial Legislature where ...

Come show your Nippy Knees and Rosey Cheeks!  On Saturday January 27 the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew and Fredericton Region Museum are honouring Robbie Burns Day by celebrating everything Scottish in Officers’ Square.  Come join in the fun of a Canadian tradition! Don your best tartan and come out for a free skate on the wonderful new skating surface at Officers’ Square.  Hot chocolate, shortbread cookies, and haggis burgers will also be waiting for you at the Fredericton Region Museum!  Register in advance here - and receive yours for free!