Two-hundred years ago, the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean came with no guarantee of safety or survival. Families travelling from Scotland and Ireland to North America in the 1800s had to be prepared for the fact not all of them would make it.
Some of those fractured families landed in New Brunswick and wound their way across the rough landscape to reach Fredericton. They often arrived with no support, little money and possibly the grief of a recent loss.
A group of citizens in the capital city wanted to help those immigrants, eventually forming a society that is celebrating two centuries of activism and tradition this year.
“Many benevolent societies developed in the colony at that time because people were arriving in such destitute states,” said Cynthia Wallace-Casey, president of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew. “It was founded by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to help people who were arriving with nothing.
“There were widows literally living on the street.”
The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew was officially founded in 1825, providing relief mainly to people from Scotland. In the past 200 years the organization has expanded its mandate to celebrating and preserving Scottish and Celtic culture, hosting numerous events like Robbie Burns Night and kilt skating.
“There’s a rich history behind all the ceremonies,” Wallace-Casey said. “It sparks a person’s imagination. There’s a draw and allure there like none other when you hear the bagpipes.”
Wallace-Casey, who is stepping into the presidential role this year, joined the society as a university student. She notes the celebration of Celtic culture can expand beyond Scotland as groups from France, Spain, England and more shared in those traditions throughout history.
“It’s part of my New Brunswick identity to understand my Scottish roots,” she said. “What we celebrate as part of Scotland is not solely in those geographic boundaries. Perhaps that’s the draw as well; it touches on so many people. It brings us all together.”
The society will kickstart its 200th birthday celebrations with the Kilt Skate at Officers’ Square in Fredericton at 1 p.m. on Jan. 25.
Other anniversary events this year include a gala at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery on April 6, the New Brunswick Highland Games in July, walking tours at the Old Burial Ground in the summer and St. Andrew’s Day in November.
“We’ve been preparing for our bicentennial for about four years,” Wallace-Casey said. “We’re planning on planting a commemorative stone for John Simpson, who was the first treasurer for the organization and was the first mayor of Fredericton.
“Fifty Scottish settlers in the Old Burial Ground. Each in their own way made a mark on Fredericton society.”
As the society steps into its next century, Wallace-Casey said their goal remains the same: sharing Scottish culture.
“I feel honoured to be called upon to help with the organizing committee,” she said. “It’s not just me. The fact the organization has existed so long is admirable.
“There have been hard times. We struggled during COVID like other organizations. The fact we were able to recover from COVID is also something to celebrate. We’re proud we’re keeping the organization going and contributing to the community.”
