The St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal

[paddyscar]

Following up on Currie’s post http://talkingscot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10797 about The St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal, I’ve just had a very informative read through the site. These booklets are available in PDF format to read on the site, or download. http://www.standrews.qc.ca

A snapshot of the history of the Society’s charitable, civic and social endeavours blends with the arrival and plight of Scots, as they arrived to face a challenging new life in Canada. References to names of both members and those they assisted are quick and easy to search. Each of the following booklets are only a few pages long, but may provide the key to open another door.

Register of Emigrants The St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal assisted Scots who were in need upon their arrival in Canada. Immigrants given shelter in the Society’s ‘home’ June 27, 1857 through February 15,1904, are recorded with: Date of Admission, Name, Age, Marital Status, Profession or Trade, Parish of Birth, Sailing Date, Port Sailed From, and Ship and Captains Names.

St. Andrew's Society of Montreal - A Brief History of the Society's Burial Sites describes the society’s acquisition of cemetery plots and includes a nominal list of burials in those sites, complete with age and date of death and plot location. This booklet is searchable by name.

Membership List 1835-1899 names members and provides their date of entry, identifying each as an annual, life or honourary member.

Society Handbook The four chapters outline the history of this benevolent society.
Chapter 1 The Founding Years: Scots businessmen living in Montreal founded the St. Andrew’s Society to preserve Scottish tradition and to aid Scots immigrants who were arriving in Montreal. It describes the Society’s activities, and describes its contribution to the development of Montreal.
Chapter 2 Traditional Celebrations: Preserving the Scottish culture, music, and dance; the society seems to have had excellent celebrations for Burns’ Day and St. Andrew’s day, the end of the wars and historical anniversaries. Reads like the society pages.
Chapter 3 Charitable and Educational Endeavours: The society assisted refugees from the Clearances and famine with transit to their final destinations, shelter, health care, starting businesses, education and even burial.
Chapter 4: First President, Hon. Peter McGill; Legends of St. Andrew; List of Past Presidents

While you're there have a look at the Society Journals which are posted from 2003 to present.

Hope you find these as enjoyable and informative as I did.

All the best,
Frances

[Anne H]

Hi Frances,

Many thanks for the information on the St. Andrews Society. I've only been able to have a quick look at one of the PDF documents for now but I've bookmarked the site for later when I have more time to go through everything. Thanks again

Regards,
Anne H