Welcome to the Saint Andrew’s Society of San Francisco
A Very Abridged History
In the colorful early days of California’s Gold Rush (1850s), Scottish people gathered in San Francisco, as they so often have done across the world, to preserve and further their traditions and culture and to aid Scots in distress. The crossroads of the place and time brought together those who longed to hear their native language, the skirl of the bagpipe, and the music and poetry of Scotland they left behind. Over time, a small group of Scottish immigrants in San Francisco recognized the need for a Saint Andrew’s Society. However, it wasn’t until 1863 that the society was formally organized, with 80 members present at its inaugural meeting. Despite the city’s population being only 59,800 at the time, the society quickly gained traction. By August 1865, it was officially incorporated under the laws of California, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to serving the Scottish community.
Shortly after this gathering, as the group grew larger, some members proposed to the membership that our Society should celebrate their heritage by organizing an annual Highland Gathering and Games. This proposal brought much discussion and derision, resulting in a clear vision to focus on preservation and benevolent aid. From this discussion, a separate sister society was born, The Caledonian Club of San Francisco, which was founded in November 1865 and goes proudly on today. Over the years, the Society weathered seismic events such as the 1906 earthquake, which destroyed its building but provided an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen its financial portfolio.
At the first Annual Banquet on November 30th, 1863, Peter Donahue, a declared Irishman, presented the “Traditional Society Ram’s Head” as a gift we colloquially nicknamed Snuffy. It has been a great source of sneezing for our members, providing a pinch of snuff to the brave hearts in attendance!
In 1971, the Society found a new home in the old Native Sons Building on Mason Street, where it struggled with dwindling attendance and the need for a larger meeting space, sometimes opting to meet at the Edinburgh Castle Pub. After considering various options, including properties in the Presidio and Masonic halls, the Society ultimately settled into its current location at 1088 Green Street, a decommissioned firehouse. This historic building, acquired in a fortuitous turn of events, now serves as a prominent symbol of the Society’s enduring presence in San Francisco.
Today, the St. Andrew’s Society of San Francisco continues to thrive, hosting a range of events throughout the year to celebrate Scottish heritage and foster fellowship among members. With a diverse membership representing various professions and backgrounds, the Society remains committed to its founding principles of preserving Scottish culture, supporting those in need, and building community ties that transcend generations.
OUR PURPOSES
Our Society joins persons of Scottish birth and those of the same heritage in a bond of cultural and benevolent purpose, the latter best expressed in our motto:
“Our Ain llls Aye Hae Strength to Bear,
Anither’s Aye Hae Heart to Feel.”
Aiding people of Scots origin or descent in distress remains an important function to us. We cooperate frequently with the British Benevolent Society of San Francisco, organized in 1846.
Our Board of Student Assistance helps students of the same background who are from Northern California or Scotland, who are in their last two years of college or are in graduate study. In terms of cultural promotion, encouragement in tangible form is given to bagpipe bands, Highland dance groups, and Celtic music study.
Our Society maintains contact with other Scottish organizations on a state-wide and national basis, and exchanges greetings annually with a hundred societies around the world. Our “Hospitality Tent” is a feature of the Highland Games held at Pleasanton over the Labor Day weekend.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
Our year’s events begin with the annual Robert Burns Supper, with a celebration of his “Immortal Memory” in February. In April, we pay tribute to Scottish-born John Muir, the famous naturalist who left a lasting mark on North America with his exploration and writing. In his honor, we hold an outdoor picnic gathering at the beautiful grounds of the John Muir Mansion National Historic Monument. In September, we hold a dinner in honor of our Past Presidents and our Patron Members. On St. Andrew’s Sunday in November, we maintain the “Kirkin ‘o’ the Tartan” church service observance to commemorate the wearing of tartan, so long forbidden following the defeat of Prince Charlie and the clans at Culloden in 1746. Every month, we hold a Virtual Whisky Tasting to raise funds for the Saint Andrews Society Foundation.
Our Society’s major social occasion is our annual Saint Andrew’s Banquet and Ball late in the year, a joyful full Highland dress occasion with a full complement of pipers, Highland dancers, and singers. Our head table is graced with distinguished guests and speakers, frequently notable people from the Mother Country.
We have held receptions for visiting dignitaries and groups on other occasions during the year, including several distinguished noblemen and clan chiefs. We have been honored by visits of the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other cities, heads of ancient universities such as St. Andrews and Aberdeen, and delegations from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
OUR MEMBERS
Our memberships include people from all walks of life, business persons, technicians, doctors, educators, high technology experts, lawyers, engineers, specialists in banking and investment, and active and retired military personnel, all with a special interest in Scottish culture and heritage.
Our ranks have included Governors Henry Haight and James M. Rolph, Jr., Samuel Irving, the prominent early San Francisan for whom Irving Street was named, John McLaren, whose vision gave us the world-famous thousand-acre Golden Gate Park, and such honored holders of the Order of the British Empire as past presidents Dr. Donald Campbell, James Smith, and Norman Macleod.
- James F. Stewart, our first President in 1863.
- John McLaren, a well-known Gardner, who joined in 1893.
- James Rolph, Jr., also known as “Sunny Jim,” who served as Mayor of San Francisco in 1901 and later became Governor of California.
- Judge Robert L. McWilliams, who presided over the Circuit Court in Northern California, joined in 1943.
- Donald M. Campbell, MD, OBE, became a member in 1962.
- Past President Norman Macleod, OBE, whose outstanding contributions to our society were recognized with an Order of the British Empire.
Our Society had one of the most unique honors such an organization could have when our member Dr. Dan M. Reid carried our St. Andrew’s flag to the summit of Mount Everest. He was a member of the three-man mountaineering team that conquered for the first time ever the East Face of the world’s highest mountain. This was the second attempt, after the first try with a team including our members Scot MacBeth and Bruce McCubbrey. The flag occupies a treasured place among our memorabilia.
PUBLICATION
We publish a newsletter, principally for our membership roster, which also includes nearby Scottish societies and organizations. We like to give information on upcoming events and share it with those interested.
OUR LIBRARY
Our library is housed in the meeting room of our old San Francisco firehouse. There is a great collection of works on Scottish history, art, and culture, and it reflects some generous gifts from members and friends of our Society. We encourage members and those requesting permission to browse and withdraw books of interest to them.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
Membership applications are open to anyone interested in Scottish culture. Prospective members must provide information about their connection to Scottish heritage or culture and be proposed by two current members in good standing. Annual dues vary based on membership type. Applications, accompanied by a $35.00 application fee, must indicate the name of two members in good standing proposing and seconding the applicant. Annual dues are currently $125.00.
Address all correspondence to:
St. Andrew’s Society of San Francisco
1088 Green Street
San Francisco, CA 94133-3604
www.saintandrewssociety-sf.org