Presidents Message
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The Pibroch Official Journal of St. Andrew’s Society of Baltimore standrewsbaltimore.org December - January 2013 * Volume 207 Issue 1 * Stuart Blair Editor Kirkin’ of the Tartans . St. Andrew’s Christian Community Church Submitted by Al Schudel On a brisk but sunny day 17 of our members and 5 of their ladies enjoyed the 5th annual blessing of the Tartans. Our Chaplain, Rev. Ernest R.D. Smart guided us through the service and during the sermon touches on Alexander Graham Bell and his contributions to mankind. Our Piper Ed McFarland piped several times in concert with the organ which was very well received by all. Ed piped in the Tartans and Rev. Smart blessed them. President Don Kerr brought those in attendance up to date with St. Andrews activities suddenly the Service was over. Thanks to Dave McCombe, Henry McDonald, Stuart Blair, Ed McFarland and Bob Kennick for helping Rev.Smart put the shields, Tartans and Flags in place on Saturday afternoon. Thanks also to our Ladies for attending and helping with the clean up, Bernadine, Diana, Carol, Ann and Marjorie. The no shows were Chris Wilson, Bill White, Roderick Alexander, Doug Boyd, and Bruce Copeland. President’s Wee Word The members that participate in carrying the colors, banners and Scottish tartans need your assistance. The demographics of our Their ranks are dwindling and are in need of younger Society are changing. As members that can carry on the tradition to represent our the average age of our Society to the Baltimore community. If by chance you members increases the would like to participate but don’t have a kilt, don’t worry, number of members is give Al Schudel, Bud Howe or myself a call and I’ll bet decreasing. This has we can get a kilt, hose and bonnet for you to wear. definitely been the case this past year. One year Like many organizations today we have an active ago we had 385 members website that lists all of our events, pictures, articles and and now at the end of 2012 announcements. Each time we have an event we post we have 301 members. current pictures on our website for you to see. I Some of our active encourage those of you that are interested to take a look members have asked; where did these members go?, at the website for more information. some retired and moved out of state, some have lost their jobs and are not able to continue their membership Slainte mhath to all status, some are home bound and not able to attend our meetings and social functions and have therefore Don Kerr decided not to rejoin, some live in assisted living facilities 53rd President that are not convenient to the Baltimore area, some have passed on to the land of the “forever young”, and some haven’t responded to our letters, post cards and calls. So what are we to do? If you know of a member that needs our assistance- let one of our board members know, if you know of someone that has not renewed their membership-give them a call, if you would like to assist in contacting those members that have not renewed their membership, please let me know, and most importantly, if you know of a potential member between the ages of 21 & 51 get them a new member packet. 2013 Past Presidents’ Heritage Scholarships I would like to thank the St. Andrews Community Church for inviting the St. Andrews Society of Baltimore to their The Benevolence Committee of the Society has learned church service for our annual Kirkin’ of the Tartan on that the Society Foundation will make available funds for November 4th at which time our Chaplin Reverend 2013 Past Presidents’ Heritage Scholarships. As of this Ernest Smart delivered a moving sermon. Looking writing, the exact amount had not been finalized; around the congregation I saw many familiar faces and it however, the exact amount is expected to be finalized in was a pleasure to be here once again with all the December, 2012 and posted on the Society website reminders of our heritage: tartans, banners, flags, pipers, shortly thereafter. society family members and members of our society. Likewise on November 18,we had a Kirkin’ of the Tartan 2013 Past Presidents’ Heritage Scholarships will be at Perry Hall Presbyterian Church with our Chaplin available to qualified high school seniors of Scottish Reverend George Toole delivering a sermon along with descent planning to attend an accredited four-year the Baltimore Pipe Band under the leadership of Pipe college or university in the United States or Scotland Major Ed McFarland. starting in the fall of 2013. To compete for one of these scholarships, please complete a 2013 Scholarship November and December are active months for our ETC Application which must be postmarked by March 15, [escort to the colors] with our November Stated Meeting, 2013. For requirements, additional information, and to Veterans Day Memorial, Kirkin of the Tartans, our download an Application. annual anniversary dinner, the Christmas Walk in Old Please see the Society Website Town Alexandria and the Pearl Harbor Memorial. (www.standrewsbaltimore.org/Scholarship Information). - 2 - The Almoner’s Report Flowers of the Forest Rev. Dr. George Gray Toole A.Samuel Cook passed away on 30 October 2012. He was 91. A member of SASB since 2006, Sam was also a member of "St. Andrew's Christian Community". His memorial service was held at "The Church of the Redeemer" with a reception at "The Baltimore Country "True friendship is like Club" that featured a Dixieland Band. Sam and his wife sound health; Bernie are members of "The Paint and Powder Club" so the value of it is seldom there was plenty of music and singing. Sam planned known until it is lost." everything to be a joyous celebration of life. Charles Caleb Colton Sam was an attorney and worked at Venable Law Firm. A Nationally known labor lawyer carved out a notable career representing management in labor negotiations We are often and in many ways reminded what we need Kenneth MacDonald (Scot) Died on October 13, 2012 to do to preserve our "sound health". However, Colton at age 79, active member of S.A.S of Baltimore since reminds us that there are also things we need to do to 1997. Ken was always so fun loving and had such a preserve our friendships. positive attitude about everyone and everything. He took great pride in his Scottish heritage and instilled that in us I have always viewed the St. Andrew's Society of compassion for others. Ken left a lasting impression on Baltimore as a group of friends bonded together by the me as someone I could always look up to for advice. He high regard in which we hold our Scottish heritage. always had a positive, can do attitude that made Caring for one another is the glue that keeps that everyone around him comfortable and happy. Our friendship strong. If you have ever received a note, deepest condolences to Ellen, Vera and all of us who phone call, or email from a member during your time of knew him. God Bless illness or grief, you know how supportive and important that contact was. Below are those who would benefit from your concern. I urge you to contact them and make Andrew J. Robertson On Friday, October 19 2012, the friendships we share even stronger. Andrew J. Robertson, a SASB member sonce 2001, passed away. Born in Scotland on April 19, 1926 to the Our condolences are extended to Vera MacDonald on late John and Clara Fairley Robertson. Andy was a US the death of her husband Kenneth, to David D. Gilliss Navy Veteran 1943 to 1952 and worked as a and Edward J. Gilliss on the death of their mother Cryptologist for the National Security Agency from where Mickey, to Bernie Cook on the death of her husband A. he retired. Andy was predeceased by his wife Gloria in Samuel Cook, and to Mary Scanlon on the death of her 1999. father Andrew J. Robertson. Also keep in mind and prayers Philip Krista as he Scottish Trivia Question recovers from triple by-pass surgery. The flora of Scotland known as Calluna is a low- Through your personal contacts the friendships of the growing perennial shrub found widely in Europe and on Society will be renewed. acidic soils in open sunny situations and in moderate shade. Various populations of rare plants exist, although Yours aye, the impact of 19th century collectors threatened the George existence of several species. Conservation of the natural environment is well developed and various organizations Preserving Friendship play an important role in the stewardship of the country's flora. Numerous references to the country's flora appear Depart from me not my dearest friend in folklore, song and poetry. The common name of this My feelings for you are to the end Scottish Flora is: Many boundaries broken, much trust gained has created one of the best friendships ever obtained Gladness fills my heart when you are near a) Forsythia bush I express, I confess, and have nothing to fear b) Thistle My mind becomes open, the dark veils lift c) Raspberry Bloom My poetry becomes real, my passion, my gift d) Heather I owe it to you, many answers I could not find Your words have lit a torch to awaken my darkened mind *Answer on page 7 I shall guide you as you shall guide me and friends forever, we shall always be - 3 - Escort to the Colors ETC Coming Events: “E.T.C.,” the Escort to the Colors is the unofficial “face” Alexandria Christmas Walk of the St.