Scots Charitable Society of Boston facts for kids
The Scots Charitable Society is a very old group in Boston, Massachusetts. It began in 1657, making it the oldest charity in the Western Hemisphere. Its main goal was to help Scottish people in the area who needed support, after checking their situation. This society was the first of its kind for Scots in America. It also became a model for many other charity groups that formed later in the United States.
History of the Society
How It Started (1600s)
The Scots Charitable Society was founded by a group of Scottish men in 1657. They included Robert Porteous, William Cossar, and Alexander Simson, among others. They decided to create a "box" (a fund) to help themselves and other Scottish people.
They agreed that new members would pay a small fee to join, and then a little bit every three months. They decided not to use any money from the fund for the first seven years. This was to let the fund grow. They also chose a trusted person every three months to collect money and gifts. This person would then pass the money to the next chosen collector. The society also decided that children of members could join when they grew up. If someone didn't pay their fees for a year, they would lose their benefits from the fund.
This society was formed only 27 years after Boston was founded. Why was it needed so quickly? In 1652, a ship called the John and Sara arrived in Boston. It carried 272 Scottish men who had been captured by Oliver Cromwell. To deal with them quickly, they were sent to the colonies to work for a period of time. These men needed help, so the original members of the society decided to give money "as God shall move our hearts." Their goal was to help themselves and any other Scottish people they saw a need to support.
One member in the 1600s was George Jaffrey.
Helping Others (1700s)
By the early 1700s, a big part of the society's work was giving long-term help to older people. This was like a pension. For example, in 1718, James Maxwell asked for help. He had contributed to the society when he was able. Now, in his old age, he needed support. The society voted to give him 20 shillings right away and 10 shillings every three months after that. Another person, Eliza Wilson, received help from the society for 23 years until she passed away in 1756.
In 1785, the society officially became a corporation. This meant it was recognized as a legal group. Some of the people who signed the official papers were John Scollay, William Erving, and James Swan. Other members in the 1700s included bookbinder Andrew Barclay and John Smybert, an artist.
Growing and Celebrating (1800s)
On St. Andrew's Day in 1857, the group celebrated its 200th anniversary. They had a big dinner at the Revere House hotel. The society's president was walked from his home by members. Some, including the president, wore traditional Highland costumes. Pipers walked in front of them, playing Scottish songs. The meeting was very exciting, and the president gave a great speech.
Many important people spoke at the event, including the British Consul, Mr. Henry Grattan. Sir Charles Fox, who built the Crystal Palace in London, also spoke. The president of the Irish Charitable Society, Mr. John C. Crowley, was there too. Poems were read, and Scottish songs were sung by members and the Caledonia Club. Famous people like Dr. Holmes sent letters saying they couldn't come but wished the society well. After singing 'Auld Lang Syne' and dancing, the celebration ended.
In 1869, the society opened "St. Andrew's Home" at 73 West Concord Street. This home helped Scottish people who were struggling. They were cared for there until they could find a job.
By 1889, the society was spending about £300 (around $1,500 at that time) on charity each year. They helped 306 people who asked for assistance. During that year, several Scottish people who couldn't find work and had no money were sent back to their homes in Scotland. The society also had a "permanent fund" of about $16,225. They also ran the "Scots Temporary Home" (a shelter in Boston) and owned a plot of land in the Mount Auburn Cemetery.
See also
- Philanthropy in the United States
