Annual St. Andrew's Charity Dinner
Saint Andrew was born in Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee and was the brother to Simon Peter, the first Pope. Andrew and his brother were fishermen by trade, but eventually became one of the 12 Apostles of Christ. Andrew is known as Prōtoklētos, or “first called” and was told that he would become “a fisher of men.”
Not a great deal is known about the early life of Andrew other than he was instrumental in spreading the Gospel of Christ throughout the world. It is not certain where he preached the Gospel or where he is buried, but it appears he traveled great distances to spread the word, and it may be this which links him with Scotland. One legend builds upon Andrew’s travels, claiming that he came to Scotland and built a church in Fife, which became St Andrews, and this church became a center for evangelism, and pilgrims from all over Britain came to pray there.
Saint Andrew was martyred in 60 AD through crucifixion. It is said that he believed himself unworthy to be crucified on a cross like that of Christ, and so he met his end on a ‘saltire’, or X-shaped cross which became his symbol. The supposed anniversary of his martyrdom is 30 November, and it is this date that is honored as his feast day each year.
His cross, is white on a blue background, remains the proud symbol of Scotland today and forms a central component of the flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
St. Andrew has been celebrated in Scotland for over one thousand years, with feasts being held in his honor as far back 1000 AD. However, it wasn’t until 1320, when Scotland’s independence was declared with the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath, that he officially became the Patron Saint of Scotland. Since then, St. Andrew has become an integral part of Scottish society.
Although St Andrew stood as Scotland’s patron saint for so many years, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the popular celebration of his feast day became commonplace. What might surprise you even more is that the tradition of celebrating on 30 November was not started in Scotland, but by a group of Scots in the USA who were keen to reconnect with their Scottish roots.
It all began with the creation of the ‘St Andrew’s Society of Charleston’ in South Carolina, which was founded in 1729 by a group of wealthy Scottish immigrants. The organization is the oldest Scottish society of its type in the world. They became famous throughout the region for their work assisting orphans and widows in that area. This was followed by another society, this time in New York, which was founded in 1756. ‘The St Andrew’s Society of the State of New York’ is the oldest charity of any kind registered in New York and was founded by Scotsmen who were looking to relieve the poor and distressed in the town.
To honor the Patron Saint of Scotland the Krewe Of Sgian Dubh holds an annual charity dinner to give back to our community. The Krewe sponsors The Saint Andrew’s Dinner every November or December, as close to the Feast Day of the saint as possible. This event holds traditional Celtic music and food to include bagpipes and haggis. Most of the funds raised come from the silent auction in which local businesses donate goods and services that are then sold to the highest bidder with all of the proceeds going to the charity organization being sponsored that year. The local beneficiary charity is one that does not receive subsidies from a national establishment; this way all of the money we raise and donate to that charity remains in Central Louisiana and is used as the charity sees fit to benefit the clients and patrons they serve. In the past, the Krewe of Sgian Dubh have donated to Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 6-6 (2019), The Fostering Community (2021), and Manna House (2022). This year, we are pleased to make The Family Justice Center our chosen beneficiary.
To learn more about The Family Justice Center, click on their logo.
