The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew

In honour of our 200th anniversary the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew recently unveiled a new commemorative exhibition in the Fredericton Region Museum entitled “Celebrating 200 Years of Scottish Benevolence in Fredericton.” The opening took place on May 25, with Her Worship Kate Rogers (herself a proud descendant of Scottish immigrants to Fredericton) officiating. Mayor Rogers spoke of the significant contributions of Scots to the formation and growth of Fredericton as a City.  Celebrating 200 Years of Scottish Benevolence  The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew was established on November 30 1825, as a benevolent organisation intended to provide "relief for Distressed Natives of Scotland and their Descendants.” The first President was Peter Fraser, who among his many roles of provincial significance, was the financial backer of the Bank of New Brunswick. Other founding members included John Simpson (first Mayor of Fredericton) who served as Secretary, artist George N ...

The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew is very pleased to announce the winner of their 200th anniversary bagpipe tune competition: a 2/4 march by piper Brent Webb.  Brent Webb began learning the bagpipes in 1998 when he was nine years old. He soon became a talented member of the Fredericton Junior Pipe Band, and gained the honour of Pipe Major, playing with the Band as they progressed in musical ability from a grade 5 to a grade 3 band. Subsequently, Brent played and competed with the senior Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew Pipe Band at both grade 2 and 1 levels.  Brent was also highly successful as a solo competitor, culminating in 2022 as recipient of the combined Grade 3, 2, and 1 Hornpipe-Jig prize at the Antigonish Highland Games. During those same games he earned the honour of Champion Supreme for the Atlantic Region in the hornpipe-jig category. Brent's last year of competing solo was 2022 when he lost his sight, although he continued to play with the senior ban...

We're Celebrating  200 Years!  The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew is very pleased to announce a special commemorative event taking place at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery (Harrison McCain Pavilion) on April 6, 2025 (6 to 8 pm) . In honour of the 200th anniversary of our benevolent organization, we invite you to don your tartan and join us for an evening of Celtic music and dance! Featured performances will include the Fredericton Society of Saintt Andrew Pipe Band, as well as the Shanachie Dancers, and Celtic fiddler Keegan Manson-Curry. A special tribute will also be made to Honorary Piper Samuel Lean (1873-1953) who was one of the founding members of the Society's pipe band.  2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew (FSSA). Our Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been in existence since 1825. Our original role was "to afford relief to indigent Natives of Scotland, their Widows, and all connected w...

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