The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew

🎉 In celebration of National Tartan Day, join us for two special events!  Thursday April 2, 12 noon – Flag raising at City Hall  Monday April 6 - Gathering of the Clans at O’Hickey’s Pub - 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  Highlights of the evening event will include an induction of three new Society members, as well as a Celtic Kitchen Party featuring the music of the Fredericton Society of St Andrew Pipe Band Unplugged (playing with their small pipes).  AND!  Your ticket will include the bonus feature of Haggis Pizza provided by Melda’s Pizza!  Ticket options:  $40 - Single Ticket (including a 10-inch Haggis Pizza)  $50 – Couple’s Ticket (including a 10-inch Haggis Pizza to share)  $25  – Donation (Come for the music and fun… pass on the pizza)  Gluten-free pizza options are available upon request.  Tickets can be secured by e-transfer to the Society: frederictonsocietyofstandrew@gmail.com  Or online via Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com...

The 2025 Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew Scholarship was awarded on November 28, 2025 to Luke McLaren during the Society's annual Feast of Saint Andrew. Luke McLaren is a fourth-year student in Environment Management at the University of New Brunswick. Not only does he possess Scottish heritage, Luke was born in Dundee, Scotland!  Luke's maternal grandmother’s family emigrated from Lochaber, Scotland in 1835 and settled in the Mabou area of Cape Breton Island. Luke moved to Canada with his family when he was a toddler and became immersed in the Scottish culture of Cape Breton, taking step-dancing lessons at St. Ann’s Gaelic College and attending ceilidhs throughout the local communities.  While studying at UNB he has also volunteered at the New Brunswick Highland Games, held on the grounds of Government House.  Bursaries have also been awarded to Austin O’Neill, Sara Hughes and Cadence Theriault-Morley - all students at UNB.  The Fredericton Society of Saint Andr...

Come join us for the 200th Anniversary celebration of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew! November 28 at the Crowne Plaza Fredericton - Lord Beaverbrook Hotel. Your (65$) ticket includes a full course dinner, awesome music and dancing, as well as yummy haggis and neeps! Special guests will include Her Honour Louise Imbeault, OC, ONB, Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick; the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew 200th Anniversary March (composed by Piper Brent Webb and Drummer Justin Gallant) will be premiered by The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew Pipe Band. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Fredericton Region Museum, via e-transfer at frederictonsocietyofstandrew@gmail.com , or on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/4p85vvF

H. George MacGillivray (1920 – 1984) was a dedicated member of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew. He served as President from 1965 to 1966, and was an avid volunteer for the Society. In honour of his service, the H. George MacGillivray Memorial Award was established in 1985. This award is presented during the Feast of Saint Andrew to an individual or group who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Society during the preceding year. The award trophy is displayed each year at the Feast of Saint Andrew, and consists of a Georgian Pewter Mug mounted on a circular wooden base, decorated by i ndividual engraved plaques displaying the names of past recipient. The recipient receives a smaller Pewter Mug with bearing the recipient’s name, date of the award, and inscription: “The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew H. George MacGillivray Memorial Award.” Do you know of a deserving Society member/s to be nominated for the The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew H. George MacGilli...

On October 25, 2025 the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew will be hosting a Curling Funspiel at the Capital Winter Club.   What better way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Scottish heritage in the City than by playing the game the Scots invented!  The Fredericotn Society of Saint Andrew and the Capital Winter Club have a great deal in common! It was in 1854 that John Neill, along with fellow Society members, decided that Fredericton should have a curling club.  Mr Neill had immigrated to New Brunswick from Whitburn (West Lothian Scotland) in 1842, and by 1854 was a well-established merchant in the city, who operated the hardware business of Stewart & Neil. He was also a member of the Society, having joined in 1847 — and serving as Secretary (1847 – 1852), First Vice-President (1857 - 1858), and Second Vice-President (1871 - 1872).  As John Neill later recalled, the Scottish tradition of curling was very foreign to Fredericton prior to 1854. Perhaps it was...

Commencing Wednesday July 9 -  The The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew, in parnership with the Fredericton Region Museum and the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew Pipe Band are offering a full line-up of weekly performances on the museum’s scenic Balcony.  Stop by to enjoy a featured piper every Wednesday afternoon (from 12:15 to 12:45):  July 9 - Sandy Gordon  July 16 - Colton Patterson  July 23 - Andrew Rogers  July 30 - Eric Horncastle  August 6 - Brent Webb  August 13 - Brent Webb  August 20 - Andrew Rogers August 27 - Brent Webb  While there, you can also order lunch!  Picnics on the Balcony   Undoubtedly, the Fredericton Region Museum offers one of the best views of Officers’ Square. What better way to round off (or simply begin) your summer afternoon museum experience than to enjoy a delicious healthy lunch on our balcony!  All for just $20–25 (including museum admission), you can come for the music, and stay...

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

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! 

The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew scholarship was established in 1883 to be presented annually to a deserving student of Scottish birth or ancestry who is studying at the University of New Brunswick. We wish to thank Barb MacKinnon and Ian Andrews for their assistance in the selection process.  This year’s winner is Leah Morrison , a fifth-year mechanical engineering student at UNB, originally from Sydney on Cape Breton Island, whose family tree contains strong Scottish lineage on both sides.  Because her great grandparents spoke Gaelic, Leah decided to take Gaelic lessons in elementary school, as well as to attend Gaelic Immersion sessions at The Gaelic College  in St. Anns (Nova Scotia). To celebrate her Scottish heritage she has also attended many ceilidhs and taken seven years of fiddle lessons.  Leah has consistently performed at a high level in her studies at UNB and she currently possesses a 4.0 grade point average. Her transcript is filled with cou...

The Annual General Meeting of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew was held on October 3, 2023 at the City Club in Fredericton. It was nearly 200 years ago, on Saint Andrew’s Night, November 30, 1825 that the FSSA was founded. By an Act of the New Brunswick Assembly the Society was incorporated in 1845, over two decades before the Confederation of Canada. Planning has already begun to celebrate our bicentennial.  Before the culminating Celebration at the Feast of Saint Andrew in 2025, we hope to have several significant events designed to celebrate our Scottish heritage. From a whisky tasting evening under the direction of Frank Scott to a kilted skate on the new oval at Officers’ Square, the publication of a history of the FSSA and a special issue of Officers’ Quarters (the publication of the York-Sunbury Historical Society), featuring articles related to our organization – these are some of the ways in which we plan to celebrate... Read our newsletter.

Come one come all!  Join the Fredericton Society of St Andrew, FSSA Pipe Band, and the Nicole Odo School of Highland Dance for an evening of celebrating Scottish Culture. November 30, 2023 7 pm Picaroons Roundhouse Featuring Haggis and Neeps Tickets can be purchase online via   Eventbrite or Facebook    

by Ian Andrews -  President, Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew -  In 2023 the city of Fredericton is celebrating the 175th anniversary of its incorporation in 1848. The Fredericton Region Museum has prepared a special exhibit to commemorate this important milestone in the history of New Brunswick’s capital city. The first Mayor of Fredericton was John Simpson, a prominent citizen of Scottish origin who had been actively involved in the life of his chosen community.  Since John Simpson had been a founding member of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew in 1825, the FSSA decided to research and produce a short monograph on this “citizen of Fredericton”. The booklet was edited by FSSA members Ellen MacGillivary, John Ross and Wallace Brown and was published in 1987 under the title John Simpson: First Mayor of Fredericton and the First Secretary of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew . The following biographical sketch of John Simpson is adapted from this source....

“We Rise Again” is the slogan used this year by the Cape Breton Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to indicate they plan to successfully return to their winning ways after suffering through several forgettable seasons. They are taking this theme from the popular Cape Breton anthem written by Leon Dubinsky and performed by the Rankin Family - designed to emphasize the fighting spirit of a people who have suffered through adversity but intend to overcome these past hardships.  After three years of Covid-19 restrictions, the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew plans to “rise again” as we approach our 200th Anniversary in 2025. Established on Saint Andrew’s Day in 1825 our organization has undergone its ups and downs over the years, but we intend to persevere. We invite all members to suggest ways in which we can celebrate this milestone... Read our newsletter