The Pibroch
Official Journal
St. Andrew’s Society of Baltimore
standrewsbaltimore.org
December - January 2015 * Volume 209 Issue 1 * Stuart Blair Editor
Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans
During the months of October and November the St. Andrew’s Society of Baltimore participated in three Kirkin’s. The Kirkin’s were
conducted at St. Andrew’s Christian Community Church, Perry Hall Presbyterian Church, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Towson.
Articles on the Kirkin’s are reported in “Escort to the Colors”
Photos shown above are fron the Kirkin’ conducted at St. Andrew’s Christian Community Church, October 19.
*Photos Courtesy Dave Zimmerman
President’s Wee Word
December is front-loaded with events: the Anniversary
Dinner on Thursday 12/4, the Christmas Walk in
Alexandria, VA on Saturday, 12/6, and the Pearl Harbor
Remembrance onboard the USCGC Taney in the Inner
Harbor on Sunday 12/7. The big event for January is
our Burns’ Nicht Supper at the Maryland Club on
Saturday January 23, 2015.
May best wishes to all for a blessed Christmas and a
healthy and happy New Year.
As the first year of my
term in office closes I
have great appreciation
and thanks for the
trustees, committee
chairmen, and board of
managers who meet
monthly and quarterly to
carry on the Society’s
business. These men
also organize and run the
Society’s events
throughout the year, so you can find them marching in
the ETC, participating in parades and Kirkin's, at formal
meals and Stated meetings. Their participation, behind
all that we do, is because they want to see the Society
prosper and they enjoy having fun. On behalf of the
membership, I want to thank them all for their efforts and
dedication. THANK YOU!!
Yours aye,
Herb Glasby, III
th
54 President
Ph: 410-437-0848
email: [email protected]
th
This issue of the Pibroch begins our 209 year and the
second season of my Presidency. Where has the time
gone?? Lame duck? No way. The Feast of St.
Andrew, Patron Saint of Scotland, is held every year on
th
November 30 . Our Society was founded on that feast
day and our anniversary dinner is held on a date near it
th
to honor him. As with the National Tartan Day, April 6
of each year, Greetings are sent between St. Andrew’s
Societies. I wish for our membership the warmest of St.
Andrew’s Day Greetings and the best of health and
prosperity in the following year.
2015 Past Presidents’ Heritage Scholarships
The Benevolence Committee of the Society has learned
that the Society Foundation will make available $5,000 in
funds for 2015 Past Presidents’ Heritage Scholarships as
follows: (a) $2,500 to the first place winner; (b) $1,500 to
the second place winner; and (c) $1,000 to the third place
winner.
Several of us participated in the Maryland Irish Festival
by manning a SASB booth. The location was not very
good, but we did enjoy speaking with those who stopped
by. If we are invited again, we will seek to get the word
out about the benefits of volunteering as a non-profit:
50% discount on drinks and food. Irish beer on tap like
Harps, Smithwicks, and Guinness for $2 a glass can’t be
beat.
These 2015 Past Presidents’ Heritage Scholarships will be
available to qualified high school seniors of Scottish
descent planning to attend an accredited four-year college
or university in the United States or Scotland starting in
the fall of 2015. To compete for one of these scholarships,
please complete a 2015 Scholarship Application which
must be postmarked by March 15, 2015. For
requirements, additional information, and to download an
Application, please see the Society Website
(www.standrewsbaltimore.org/Scholarship Information).
At its November meeting, the Board of Managers
approved the purchase of an Automatic External
Defibrillator (AED) for the Society. Dr. Jack is looking
into the registration requirements and the paperwork
necessary for our having it available in case of
emergencies. In the meantime, CIRCLE Tuesday
evening JAN. 6, 2015. From 6p.m. to 8p.m. there will
be CPR & AED training in the fellowship hall at Ernest
Smart’s St. Andrew’s Christian Community Church, 5802
Roland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland. This will be during
the two hours just prior to the January Board of
Managers meeting. Remember, the life you save just
might be your own!
The following Society members serve on the Benevolence
Committee and will review Scholarship Applications
following receipt in the spring of 2015: Ernie Brandt, Sr.;
Angus M. Burton; William K. Jenne; Kenneth E. Pennell,
Committee Chair; Greg W. Scott, Past President of the
Society; and Christian B. Wilson.
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The Almoner’s Report
Flowers of the Forest
"Nowhere beats the heart so kindly
as beneath the tartan plaid."
Louis B. McCaslin, Jr
Rev. Dr. George Gray Toole
Died November 18. He will be
buried in Lake City, South
Carolina. Our family will be
organizing a memorial for him in
our area sometime after the
holidays. Lou was a member of
the Fleet Reserve of Annapolis,
the Robert Burns Society of
Annapolis and the St. Andrews
Society of Baltimore.
Reflecting on the nature of his
countrymen, Scottish lawyer and
poet W. E. Aytoun (1830-1865)
wrote those words to his friend
Charles Edward at Versailles.
We would like to think that his
appraisal is true. But it's
accuracy can only be verified by
the actions of every Scot.
Louis was born on Oct. 29, 1925 and served in the U.S.
Navy. He joined the SASB in 1975 as a member of Clan
Buchanan and served our Society as President from
1991 to 1993. Our thoughts and prayers are with his
wife Mary Alice Cook and Lou’s extended family.
A kindly heart reveals itself in so many ways, but one
way in particular is impressive: the caring of one Scot for
another. That's what we try to do in the St. Andrew's
Society of Baltimore as we lend our prayers,
encouragement and support to one another.
Don H Kirkley, Jr
Here are some folk who would be gratified by having
contact from you. That kindness would mean so much to
them.
Died Nov 13, 2014
A Memorial gathering was held at Witzke Funeral Home
Columbia.
Wayne R. Kirn has recovered well from a stroke that
temporarily affected his eyesight. Angus McPhee Burton
had foot surgery. Arthur H. Macqueen fractured his
femur and underwent surgery.
Don was born on 11/3/1934, served in the U.S. Army,
retired from the University of Maryland as a Professor
Emeritus, was in the Clan Wallace, and joined SASB in
th
1984. This month Don celebrated his 80 birthday and
30 years in SASB. He will be missed
August V. B. Millard (wife, Elizabeth) died as did
Christopher Wade McClusky, the son of Philip M.
McClusky. They will be missed. On a happier note, Bill
and Debbie Kommalan are over the moon on the birth of
their new grandchild, Matheson Harris Hoffman. we
celebrate with them.
May our kindness to all of them . . .
"beat beneath our tartan plaid."
Trivia Question
Yours aye,
George
Robert Burns lived a very short but eventful life.
When he died, his interment was given the greatest
of dignity in a Mausoleum at:
Encouragement
a.
b.
c.
d.
Something about you that I truly admire,
Words from your mouth often inspire.
Glass is half-full, you clearly see,
Your positivity brings joy to me.
-3-
Alloway Gardens, Scotland
St. Margaret’s churchyard, Ayrshire, Scotland
St. Michael's churchyard in Dumfries, Scotland
Wikkiam Burnes’ Estate at Lochlea, near Tarbolton,
Escort to the Colors
ETC Coming Events
Change to ETC "Sign Up" Notification
“E.T.C.,” the Escort to the
Colors is the unofficial “face”
of the St. Andrew’s Society of
Baltimore.
We are restructuring the procedure for signing-up for
ETC Events. No longer will we have a "Calling Tree" or
"Sign-up Sheets". Instead, it is requested that you use
the following procedure. --- When you receive your issue
of the "Pibroch", and come to the "Calendar of Events"
page, place a mark beside all of the events in which you
will be taking part. Then, either send me an e-mail [email protected] --- or call me --- 410-654-1021 --and leave your name and a list of these dates. This way,
you will be spared what some gentlemen in the past;
have referred to as "annoying phone calls". I am asking
for your complete cooperation in this matter, so that the
proper amount of equipment will be available at the
event, be it a parade, "Kirkin' " or Memorial Service. -Thank you.
We welcome your joining us
in the fun and camaraderie
we share, so please contact
Bob Kennick: (410-654-1021
[email protected])
Al Schudel (410-435-7725)
Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans
St. Andrew’s Christian Community Church
October 19
The Kirkin’O’ the Tartans with Pipes, Pomp and
pageantry in a beautiful decorated church, started
off with the playing of Highland Cathedral with Pipe
and Organ led by Piper Ed McFarland. Our Pastor
Rev. Ernest Smart led the way with Sermon, Life,
Love and Laughter. The tartans were blessed and
the closing hymn, Onward Christian Soldiers was
sung. Our Piper played Scotland the Brave, to
retired the colors, 15 of our Lads were present.
Yours Aye,
Bob Kennick
Alexandria Christmas Walk
Saturday 6 December
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony
Sunday 7 December
Honoring America’s Veterans
Details: “Calendar of Events – Men in Kilts” INSERT
Tuesday, November 11, Veterans Day-2014
St. Andrew’s Society of Baltimore sent 5 men to the
Maryland Korean War Memorial at Canton in Baltimore.
th
We lined up with the 11 Engineer BN.,
USMCR with our flags, USA, USMC, USN, USAF and
USCG. The Mariners remembered their fallen comrades
and then left for the day.
John Ross, Bob Kennick, Stuart Blair, Dave McCombe
and Al Schudel were present.
Scottish Humor
As a Christmas present one year, the Laird
gave his gamekeeper, MacPhail, a deerstalker
hat with ear-flaps. MacPhail was most
appreciative and always wore it with the flaps
tied under his chin to keep his ears warm in
the winter winds. One cold, windy day the
Laird noticed he was not wearing the hat.
Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans
Perry Hall Presbyterian Church
November 16
Perry Hall Presbyterian Church hosted a Kirkin O’ The Tartan. Ed
McFarland and his Baltimore City Pipe Band played us in and the
closing. Our own Rev. Dr. George Gray Toole gave a first-person
sermon, “Meet David Crockett” which was enjoyed by all. President
Herb Glasby presented the Tartans for their blessing. Concluding the
service, the Baltimore City Pipe Band presented a medley of favorite
Scottish song for the congregation’s listening pleasure. Alice Wilson
and her ladies put out a wonderful spread of food and drink that was
also enjoyed by all. Bob Kennick, Ken Pennell, Herb Glasby, John
Weiss, Bill Kommalan, Stuart Blair, Bud Howe, Don Kerr, and Al
Schudel were the proud flag bearers.
"Where's the hat?" asked the Laird.
"I've given up wearing it since the
accident," replied MacPhail.
"Accident? I didn't know you'd had an
accident."
"Yes. A man offered me a nip of whisky and I
had the earflaps down and never heard him."
-4-
Hospitality
Wm. Hay Kommalan
Allow me to use this podium to say for the last 4 years, I
have enjoyed putting on a lot of varied subjects for the
program at these Stated Meetings. I'm stepping down
as chair as of this event and my long time good friend
Jack Gordon will take over. Understand it's not because
I've run out of program ideas, but I believe in rotating
responsibilities in an organization such as ours. As you
all did for me, please offer any program thoughts you
have to Jack. I have many of you and others to thank for
your help over the 4 years, especially Steve Grant at the
door, Mike Betts and Rick Warrington with the raffle, Al
Schudel for the opening ceremonies, Ron Eck, the
caterer and his staff, plus the American Legion Hall, all
of whom made my job easy. My only disappointment
was not being able to increase attendance consistently.
Including our lassies at the meetings was helpful in
keeping attendance up and a pleasure to have, as many
of them I count as really good friends, plus being lovely
supporters of the Society. May every one of you stay
well and strong. Debbie and I will see you at our many
upcoming events.
Our last Stated Meeting for 2014
was held on November 13th. As
proscribed in our Society Bylaws, it was also election night of
officers and new board members
for the coming year. They will
assume their responsibilities as
of December 1st.
Congratulations to Herb Glasby
and his team as we look forward
to another robust year of activity.
The program for the evening was performed by Robert
Pelletier, a Society member and an international Curling
competitor. Bob & his wife, Sarah Jo came equipped
with a car load of items to inform and demonstrate to us
the Olympic game of Curling. With videos and a board
to try your skills at curling, we learned the sport has its
origins in Scotland, dating back to medieval times. It
seems to me, curling is older than another sport that has
a small white ball which one hits it with a stick, originated
in Scotland too. Curling has a real following in Maryland,
where Bob & Sarah Jo belong to a curling club in Laurel.
As a competitor Bob has travelled often to Canada,
Scotland and in the USA.
Aye
Bill Kommalan
Hospitality Chair
Burns Supper
Honoring the 256th Birthday of
Robert Burns
T
The rules and strategy are like combining a chess match
with shuffle board or a dart game. The stone in the
center (Bulls eye) wins but the name of curling comes
from the technique of sending the stone down the ice
with a very delicate spin or "curl". The sweeping in front
of the stone is unique too, as it assists the path and the
curl to be n target to collide with competitors stones or to
get to the Bulls eye. Bob invited anyone to contact him
and come to the Laurel club to try it for real.
The Maryland Club
Saturday January 24, 2015
Details enclosed insert
I went onto the web to find other videos of the sport.
Just google curling and on You Tube, you will find videos
on how the stone is made, (the granite is quarried from a
small island Ailsa Craig in the Irish Sea, off the coast of
Ayrshire), 10 top (amazing) shots, international
champion "Jennifer Jones' best in curling.”
-5-
Scottish Immigrant
"Albannach Cuideachd"
Membership
David Torrence * Jurist
Born Edinburgh, Scotland,
March 3, 1840;
died Derby, Connecticut,
September 5, 1906
was a soldier, lawyer,
politician, and Chief Justice
of the Supreme Court in
Connecticut.
Well the renewal period is
almost over. If you have not
sent your dues please send
them now. If you are under 70
years of age please forward
your $50 dues payment, 70
years old or over please
forward your $35 dues
payments. If you have not
heard from me by phone you
will be receiving a reminder
call in the very near future.
Torrance's widowed mother
emigrated to the United
States in 1849 with her five
children, settling in Norwich,
Connecticut. Torrance worked in cotton and paper mills
to support his family, receiving little formal education. In
1862 he enlisted in the Union army as a private, but he
rapidly rose in rank. He was captured at the Second
Battle of Winchester and spent time in Libby Prison, but
was soon paroled. In January 1864 he was
commissioned a captain in the 29th Regiment U.S.
Colored Troops, commanded by William B. Wooster, a
lawyer in New Haven. By the end of the war Torrance
was lieutenant colonel under Wooster.
On a more upbeat note the Society has recently created
a new conditional membership category, Conditional
Membership. This is a way to pass on our common
heritage and future membership within the Society to
your children and grandchildren. For the small onetime
fee of $20 you may purchase a Conditional Membership
for your descendants. Your sons, daughters, grandsons
and granddaughters will receive a Conditional
Membership certificate with your name, their name and
their date of birth (suitable for framing). This certificate
will assure them full membership in the St. Andrew’s
Society of Baltimore upon attainment of the age of 21 or
later; so long as they meet the other requirements for
membership in the Society at the time of application.
Please see the insert in this newsletter; it will be
available online at our website in the near future.
Hope to see you in the near future at one of our
gatherings.
Torrance began to study law under Wooster during the
war. Torrance married Annie France in 1864; when the
war ended, he and his wife, settled in Derby; they had
three children.
During that time he studied law with Wooster. In 1868
they formed the lawfirm of Wooster & Torrance and
remained in practice with each other until
Torrance became a judge in 1885.
Greg Scott
Membership Vice President
nd
52 President
Torrance represented Derby in the General Assembly in
1871 and 1872. In 1879 he was elected Secretary of
State, serving until 1881. In 1881 he was appointed
Judge of Common Pleas in New Haven County; in 1885
he was appointed to the Superior Court, and in 1889 to
the Supreme Court. He was appointed Chief Justice in
1901 and served until his death in 1906. Chief Justice
Torrance was in failing health for some years, but
resolutely continued to discharge the duties of his office
until a few months prior to his death. His last opinion was
filed June 8th, 1906.
"Our Society was founded in 1806, in the city of
Baltimore, not long after the American Revolution. The
purpose was to raise and keep money available to help
Scottish immigrants, seamen and descendants of Scots
in times of need; and to maintain Scottish heritage and
traditions. Our Society has upheld that purpose by
contributing to community activities, offering assistance
to Scots and by displaying our Scottish traditions and
heritage in many forms throughout Maryland and the
neighboring states.
He was awarded an honorary M.A. by Yale in 1883; he
became a law school instructor there in 1893 and a
professor in 1898.
He brought from his native country those traits of logical
discrimination and philosophical inquiry which especially
characterize the Scotch people; and they were
developed and strengthened by a liberal education here,
which he gave himself.
-6-
Book Review
“Stiùradair” (Quartermaster)
“The White Company”
Stuart Blair 410-665-6440 or email:
[email protected]
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Published by London Smith, Elder & Co. 1903
Do you have these items? If not, we do!
Shoulder patch
Badge
Lapel pins
Decals
Review
It is not Sherlock Holmes, but it is a fun book to read. Sir
Arthur Conan Doyle did not think his books about
Holmes were his best work. He felt The White Company
was his best effort. The story is about the adventures of
two monks (Alleyne and John) who at the request of a
veteran archer join the White Company. Sir Nigel Loring
leads the company as they follow Prince Edward
during the 100 Years War in 1366. Doyle puts together
a very accurate picture of life in the 1300s and the code
of honor that knights lived by. I enjoyed reading about
the jousting tournaments, engagements between knights
and the battles in France and Spain. It is available at
Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Ed McFarland
SASB Flashes
BB Cap (choice of colors)
Golf Shirt
Specialty items by request
Specials
20 oz Etched SASB Pub glasses 2 for $10
SASB emblem pattern (dress shirt) Tie $25
Baseball Cap (embroidered emblem) $12
BOOK
Christopher T. George chronicles the colorful story
of Scots in Maryland and the growth of the St.
Andrew’s Society of Baltimore the first 200 years.
“Scots in Maryland”
History of the St. Andrew’s Society of Baltimore
1806 – 2006
*Hardback
ONLY $10 plus shipping
Pinroch via Email
Many SASB members will be receiving the newsletter by email.
If you still desire a hard copy of the Pibroch, contact:
Stuart Blair 410-665-6440
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.
Answer to Trivia Question
St. Michael's churchyard in Dumfries, Scotland
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