Issue 6 - St. Andrews Society of Baltimore

The Pibroch
Official Journal
St. Andrew’s Society of Baltimore
standrewsbaltimore.org
October - November 2013 * Volume 207 Issue 6 * Stuart Blair Editor
William Wallace Memorial Ceremony * Druid Hill Park 18 August
Nisbet Cemetery Ceremony
In remembrance of Scots before us . . .
Articles on page 4
President’s Wee Word
I was a member of the Society for 20 years before I
decided to take the plunge and get involved and look
what happened. Please don’t wait that long, we need
your insight and ideas now. Our calendar of events is
listed in our Pibroch or if in doubt on the back side of our
Membership Directory. In the upcoming months of
October, November and December we have a number of
events that you can attend. For those that may have
misplaced your directory here’s a brief review: October
th
th
10 Stated Meeting, October 20 Kirkin at St. Andrews
th
Community Church, Nov. 17 Kirkin at Perry Hall
th
Presbyterian Church, November 14 Stated Meeting,
th
November 24 Kirkin at Emmanuel Episcopal Church,
th
th
Dec 5 Annual Anniversary Dinner, Dec. 7 Pearl
Harbor Remembrance/Alexandria Christmas Walk.
It’s amazing to me that the
last two years have passed
by so quickly. It seems that I
was just getting started as
your new President and now
I’ll be passing my gavel onto
your new President Herb
Glasby. It’s been fun;
attending all the Society’s
events, interacting with the
other societies in our MidAtlantic region, meeting our society’s members that I had
known as just names and now I know them as friends,
doing presentations at funerals and Kirkins’,
representing the Society at the German and Hibernian
society’s events, and presiding over our monthly board
of managers meetings. Along the way there have been
some challenges but life is full of challenges and these
only make us stronger and wiser. In my travels over the
past two years I have found that the Society is well
known to many that are not currently members and this
gives me hope that our society can continue to grow and
prosper in the years ahead. Without a doubt I thank the
Society’s board of managers and our committee chairs
that have assisted me throughout these past two years.
It has been a grand group to work with, listen to and
make decisions that continue to move our Society ahead
in our struggling economy.
I look forward to seeing each of you at our Annual
Dinner.
Slainte mhath to all
Don Kerr,
nd
53 President
Another part of our Society is our Foundation. Some of
us are well aware of the Foundation and others don’t
even know what the Foundation’s purpose is. The St.
Andrews Society Foundation was organized to provide
funding to our members in financial need and to fund our
Past President’s Scholarship Program. Fortunately we
have not needed to provide financial support to our
members or their families throughout the past two years
but we continue to monitor our member’s needs via our
Benevolence Committee. The Foundation also provides
scholarships to high school seniors that plan on
attending a four year college. I strongly urge you to learn
more about our scholarship program if you have a
college bound child, grandchild or know of someone that
is of Scottish decent that may be going to college. I know
one of the Foundation’s board members or members of
the scholarship program will be glad to give you more
details.
Trivia Question
The Gaelic word breachdan describes a part of a
Scotsman’s attire that identifies him as a family
member of a clan. What is the English word for
this Scottish component ?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Chieftain’s Bonnet
Dirk
Clan Sash
Tartan
Answer on page 7
I would like to welcome all the new members that have
joined the Society over the past two years. Do we know
you? If not I would encourage you to attend our events
and get involved on one of our committees.
-2-
Flowers of the Forest
The Almoner’s Report
Rev. Dr. George Gray Toole
Joseph George Steen
1932 – August 24, 2013
That Something Extra . . . .
At 81 years, Joe died on August 24th in Fredericksburg,
VA. As I recall, Joe was a real nice fellow and a former
member of the St. Andrew's Society of Baltimore.
Samuel Johnson wrote of
Oliver Goldsmith, "Nullum
quod tetigit non ornavit",
which translated is, "He
touched nothing that he did
not adorn." What high
praise, and well beyond
anything we might say of
most people. However,
there are many in the St. Andrew's Society of Baltimore
who have contributed to our lives through their friendship
and support.
Joseph was a 1949 graduate of Fort Hill High School in
Cumberland. Joseph served in the United States Marine
Corps during the Korean Conflict. Following his military
service, he obtained an undergraduate degree in
Education from Frostburg State Teachers College and a
master’s degree in Vocational Counseling from Virginia
Commonwealth University. Joseph retired from Maryland
Department of Rehabilitation in 2000, where he worked
for 35 years as a vocational rehabilitation engineer.
Joseph was active for more than 40 years in local
historic reenactment communities in Maryland and
Virginia, as well as being an active member of the St.
Andrew’s Society of Baltimore and the St. Andrew’s
Society of Fredericksburg, the Robert Burns Society of
Annapolis and Clan Ferguson, of North America.
In fact, I suspect that (beyond our mutual pride in our
Scottish heritage) is what is at the heart of our concern
for one another. We especially care about other
members because of what they mean to us. It is for that
reason that we contact them and their loved ones when
illness or death strikes.
I remember Joe, his wife Marge, and son Mike best as
reenactors during the Bicentennial of the Revolutionary
War in the late 1970's & early 1980's. Joe led the group
know as Ferguson's Artillery. What I really remember,
besides the firing of their canon, is the 18th century
camp they set up for our re-enactments. Marge ran the
camp with some help from several teenagers, but it was
their food preparations that reminded us of what it was
like to live in Colonial times. Joe & his family lived in
Anne Arundel County for a long time and besides being
an SASB member, he was also a member of the Robert
Burns Society of Annapolis and the St. Andrew's Society
of Fredericksburg. After retiring, Joe & Marge moved to
Fredericksburg. Bill would see them often at the
Southern Maryland Celtic Festival where they would set
up an 18th century encampment for display.
Since our last issue Linda Alcorn, Bill's wife, was
hospitalized, placed in rehab, and now is undergoing
more tests and treatment. Arthur H. Macqueen is in
rehab after having a lung removed. Jack Gordon has
had both spinal surgery with the implantation of a stent,
Bill White is undergoing medical tests, and Jack Gourlay
is battling extended illness.
In addition, former member Joe Steen died on 24 August
and after a lengthy illness, Maclean Macleod passed on
21 September.
The bonds of friendship are strong in the Society and
prompt us to contact those who are struggling. a quick
look in our new Directory will provide the information you
need to contact them.
Yours
Yours aye,
George
Bill Kommalan attended Joe's funeral service on
September 6th and was able to talk with Marge and
Mike. Joe was cremated. Since he was a Korean War
Veteran, a Marine Corps honor guard performed the
service in the chapel at the Maryland Veterans
Cemetery, Millersville, MD. At Joe's request only a
Robert Burns poem was read by family members at the
service. Joe is interred there but I noticed something
unusual, when the urn was carried out of the chapel.
The urn said "Glenlivet". Mike explained it was a
"Glenlivet" tin. Joe's instructions were to place his ashes
in the empty bottle inside the tin. What a way to go, as
Joe loved his Glenlivet. Rest in peace, Joe; we will
remember you, for many wonderful reasons and
especially for your parting gesture. Slainte, Joe.
“Converse with men makes sharp the glittering
wit, but God to man doth speak in solitude.”
. . .John Stuart Blackie
-3-
Nisbet Cemetery Ceremony
Escort to the Colors
Submitted by Russ Tagg
“E.T.C.,” the Escort to the
Colors is the unofficial “face”
of the St. Andrew’s Society of
Baltimore.
Sunday 18 August
With grey rain clouds threatening overhead, we began
our annual Nisbet Cemetery memorial service. The
Baltimore Pipe Band marched on to the cemetery
grounds in fine highland fashion. The Reverend Ernest
Smart opened the service welcoming all in attendance.
He spoke of an individual’s need to be part of a group,
with the sharing of ideas and culture.
We welcome your joining us
in the fun and camaraderie
we share, so please contact
Bob Kennick: (410-654-1021/
scotsrob2@aol.com)
Al Schudel (410-435-7725)
The greatest example would be our own Saint Andrews
Society.
Family and friends of the departed placed stones of
remembrance on the cairn. President Don Kerr read a
poem written 60 years ago by his father. A luncheon was
held after the service, and was enjoyed by all. This past
year we honored the following 9 members: Robert
Alexander, Gregory H. Barnhill, Charles S. Codd, A.
Samuel Cook, Rev. Donald Craig Kerr, Kenneth
MacDonald Jr., Stanley J. Rae and Andrew J Robertson.
William Wallace Memorial Ceremony
Druid Hill Park * 18 August
nd
The 32 annual ceremony honoring Scotland’s greatest
hero and champion of liberty, Sir William Wallace were
twenty of our lads carrying flags of prominence. Selected
speakers paid tribute to the Scottish hero with some of
our ladies and guests as observers.
The Baltimore City Pipe band played us on by playing
“Scots Wha Hae” and then a “Lament to Wallace and
then played us off. It was another outstanding day at
Druid Hill Park, with a little rain that left us before we
march on. Thanks to our speakers Don Kerr, Ralph
Wallace, Liam Flynn and our historian Rod McCaslin.
We started at 11:00 and finished at 11:30. Then it was
off to the Nisbet Cemetery. We only had one no show,
Greg Scott.
ETC Coming Events:
KIRKIN’ * St. Andrew’s Christian Community Church
Sunday, October 20 @ 8:30 AM
Veterans Day Ceremony
Monday, November 11 @ 11 AM
KIRKIN’ * Perry Hall Presbyterian Church
Sunday, November 17 @ 10 AM
Details: “Calendar of Events – Men in Kilts” INSERT
-4-
Hospitality
Wm. Hay Kommalan
Stated Meetings
St. Andrew’s Society of Baltimore
208th Anniversary Dinner
Here we are, about to enter the
fall season. I'm writing this
article while sweltering a bit in
an August evening, so I'm trying
to think "cool". I trust everyone
has had a busy & interesting
summer & the Society is glad to
welcome you back.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Timonium, MD
Cocktails @ 5:00 pm
Evening Events Begin 6:30 pm
Dinner @ 7:00 pm
Menu: Prime Rib or Grilled Salmon
Cost $$65.00
Black Tie / Highland Evening Wear
The Stated Meeting for October is the 10th and our
guest speaker will be Annelise Montone, Executive
Director of the Flag House in Baltimore. The Flag House
is the home of Mary Pickersgill, who designed & sewed
the flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the
bombardment & the Battle for Baltimore. After a night of
immense bombardment, in the morning, Francis Scott
Key wrote the poem that has become our National
Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. The life story of
Mary Pickersgill is one that is often glossed over in
history books. Because the story is so significant to our
Nation's history & more so the history of Baltimore, the
Board of Managers has decided to invite our lassies to
attend.
The Baltimore City Pipe Band will be back to
provide our entertainment and to pipe in the
honored guests, President, Past Presidents,
Chaplains, and the Haggis.
Invitations will be forth coming
Contact Ed McFarland for further details
410-882-4113
Also, the October Stated meeting is known as the
Preparatory meeting, as the slate of officers & new
Board members for the coming year is presented. The
vote will occur at the November Stated meeting.
For the November Stated Meeting, on the 14th, we will
have SASB member, Dave McKenzie, as the speaker.
Have you ever wondered the how & why the Scottish
athletic events occurred? Dave is the guy who travels to
many different Scottish Games to organize & conduct
the athletic events. He is the expert on the athletic
events. Of all things known about Scotland, the athletic
events are unique & widely photographed.
In the spring, the Board of Managers made a decision to
encourage more attendance at the stated meetings &
lowered the price for the dinner to $5.00 per person. For
the October & the November meetings the price for
dinner will still be $5.00 per person. What a deal!!! For
the October meeting, where can you take you lassie out
for $5.00, so I expect a great turnout. Please be certain
to contact Steve with your reservations, so we have a
good head count for the caterer & don't run out of food.
Aye
Bill
-5-
Scottish Immigrant
Book Review
Alexander Jardine
The Mark of Salvation
(The Scottish Crown Series, Book 3)
(Paperback)
(October 17, 1873-February 22, 1949) was a fireman
first class serving in the United States Navy during the
Spanish–American War who received the Medal of
Honor for bravery.
Author Carol Umberger combines her love of history,
romance, and God in a quartet of powerful stories set in
14th-century Scotland during the reign of Robert the
Bruce, Scotland's great hero king.
Jardine was born October 17, 1873 in Inverness,
Scotland and after entering the navy he was sent to fight
in the Spanish–American War aboard the U.S.S.
Potomac as a Fireman First Class.
He died February 22, 1949 and was buried in section 12,
site 4280 at Arlington National Cemetery Arlington,
Virginia.
Review: The Mark of The Lion continues the Scottish
Crown Series(no.3). You can read any of the books
alone, but I think it helps to read them in the right order,
if possible, because there are characters that spill over
from one story into the next. I enjoyed this book because
it has romance (love, love, love), drama (attempted
kidnappings, sword fights), intrigue (why is he so scarred
and bitter?), spiritual insights (God is faithful and good
even when our world doesn't make sense), and historical
facts(Scotland 1300's, lassies, weaving, lamb shearing).
All elements that make a good story go (and keeps me
turning the pages). The main reason I liked it, however,
was because she tells a logical story. There are reasons
that each character acts the way they do, and it makes
sense. Have you ever read a book and wondered, "Why
is the character saying this or doing that?" Well, with this
book, you won't be. If you want a well crafted book, read
this. :)
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Fireman First Class, U.S. Navy.
Born: 19 March 1873, Inverness, Scotland. Accredited
to: Ohio. G.O. No.: 503, 13 December 1898.
‘The real duty of man is not to extend his
power or multiply his wealth beyond his
needs, but to enrich and enjoy his
imperishable possession: his soul.”
USS Potomac in 1898
The President of the United States of America, in the
name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor to Fireman First Class Alexander
Jardine, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic
conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Potomac
during the passage of that vessel from Cat Island to
Nassau, 14 November 1898. Volunteering to enter the
fireroom which was filled with steam, Fireman First Class
Jardine, after repeated attempts, succeeded in reaching
the auxiliary valve and opening it, thereby relieving the
vessel from further danger.
. . . Gilbert Highet
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No.
503, December 13, 1898
Action Date: November 14, 1898
-6-
Scottish Humor
Pibroch Mailing Notice
Sleepless in Scotland
Beginning December 2013 the Pibroch Newsletter will
be mailed electronically to all persons currently listed on
our USPS mailing roster that have an email address.
Wee Shuggie is in a terrible state and goes to
see a private therapist, too terrified to go to a
doctor in case they declare him mad!
Persons that have no listed email address will still
receive the newsletter via U.S.Postal Service.
"So how can I help?" asks the therapist
"It's like this, Ah've started getting these
fears at night, and they are getting worse! I
keep thinking somebody is under the bed, so I go
down under it to look and no-one's there,
immediately, my brain tells me there's somebody
on top of it and this goes on all night - under top - under - top. It's driving me mental!"
Any person that will be receiving the newsletter
electronically that desires a hard copy, mail your request
to:
St. Andrew’s Society of Baltimore
Stuart Blair * Pibroch Editor
17 Havenfield Drive
Parkville, MD 21234-1342
The therapist thinks for a bit and says, "I am
positive I can cure you of this." "Oh great!" says
Wee Shuggie "Now, I want you to come and see
me twice a week for the next six months for a
two hour session each time." says the therapist
making some notes
Pibroch On-Line
It is a goal of the editor to have the Pibroch added to the
Society’s web-site, so keep checking
http://www.standrewsbaltimore.org where you can also find
more pictures of Society events.
"And how much will that be?" asks wee Shuggie
"£60 per session" the therapist informs him
Event Pictures On-Line
SASB select photographers have been passing the photos of
many events to the Society’s webmaster, Jim Wallace, who
has been posting them on our website:
http://standrewsbaltimore.org/. You may find these photos
under the “Photo Albums” section or by going directly to
http://standrewsbaltimore.org/photoalbum/index.html. Each
photo will enlarge if you click on it. Enjoy reliving fond
moments.
Shuggie leaves, troubled at the thought of all
that money and goes for a consoling drink at his
local.
The therapist never sees wee Shuggie again,
until one day months later he bumps into him in
the street. He is surprised to see him look so
well, not the sleep-deprived maniac he had last
seen "Why did you never come back?" he asks
Answer to Trivia Question
Tartan
Shug "At £60 a pop, twice a week for six
months? You must be kidding! The barman at the
local cured me for a tenner!" "How on earth did
he do that?" "He told me to buy a saw and cut
the legs off the bed!"
.
-7-
The Pibroch
Official Journal
St. Andrew’s Society of Baltimore
P.O. BOX 4114
Timonium, MD 21094-4114
St. Andrew's Day
. . . . the feast day of Saint Andrew. It is celebrated on the 30th of November.
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and St. Andrew's Day (Scots: Saunt Andra's
Day, Scottish Gaelic: Là Naomh Aindrea) is Scotland's official national day.
St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, as well as several other countries including
Greece, Romania, Russia and Ukraine.
According to legend a monk called Regulus brought relics of St Andrew to Scotland where
he was given land to build a church by a Pictish king. The settlement grew into the town of
St Andrew's, where the cathedral became a place of religious pilgrimage and the university,
the oldest in Scotland, was founded in 1413.
The Scottish flag, the Saltire, is based on the X-shaped cross on which St Andrew was
crucified on 30 November, 60 AD. An ancient story tells that a St Andrew's Cross was seen
in the sky on the morning of a crucial battle in 832AD between the Picts and the Angles.
The Picts were inspired by the symbol and were victorious in the battle.
In Scotland, and many countries with Scottish connections, St Andrew's Day is marked with
a celebration of Scottish culture with traditional Scottish food, music and dance. Schools
across Scotland hold special St Andrew's Day events and activities including art shows,
Scottish country dancing, lunchtime ceilidhs, dance festivals, storytelling, reciting and writing poems, writing tall tales, cooking
traditional Scottish meals, and bagpipe-playing. In Scotland the day is also seen as the start of a season of Scottish winter
]
festivals encompassing St Andrew's Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night. In Edinburgh, there is a week of celebrations,
concentrating on musical entertainment and traditional ceilidh dancing. A ceilidh is a social event with couples dancing in
circles or sets (groups of eight people). In Glasgow city center, a large shindig, or party, with traditional music and a ceilidh are
held. In Dumfries, songs are performed in the Burn's night tradition.