St. Andrew's Society (Detroit, Mich.)

The St. Andrew's Society of Detroit was organized in 1849 by William Barclay and a number of Scottish residents of the city. The three main objectives of the Society are: to relieve Scots who are in need, both overseas and in the United States; to foster and encourage a love of Scotland, its history, literature, music and national games; and to promote friendly and social relations among its members and among all persons of Scottish ancestry. In addition to providing assistance to Scots in Detroit and in Scotland, the Society participated in a program of raising aid for British soldiers wounded or imprisoned during World War II and for the widows and dependents of British soldiers killed in action. Among the annual social events sponsored by the Society are the Robert Burns Concert and Ball in February, the Highland Picnic and Games in August, and a St. Andrew's Day Banquet in November. The St. Andrew's Society is open to all Scotsmen and their descendants. The elected officers of the Society are the president, two vice presidents, the financial secretary and a librarian. The appointed officers include a chaplain, a bard, an organist, and others. The general business meetings of the Society are held monthly and are open to all members.The Society is governed by an elected seven-member Board of Trustees which has general control of financial affairs. The Board receives all money turned over by the treasurer and invests it in the name of the Society. It also manages the Society's property and the St. Andrew's Hall. Throughout the years, this Hall has been the meeting place for many organizations in the city. The hall on E. Congress St. was closed in 1994. The Ladies Auxiliary of the St. Andrew's Society was formed in 1910. The Auxiliary is open to mothers, wives, sisters and daughters of members of the Society in good standing. The St. Andrew's Highlanders are the Pipe and Drum Corps of the Society. All members of the Society in good standing are eligible to join the Highlanders.