DATE FOUNDED:
1877


MISSION:
To promote and celebrate the Irish culture in the Richmond area.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
N/A.


COLLECTIONS:
N/A.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:
Each year in March, the St. Patrick's Society celebrates St. Patrick's activities with an annual banquet and dance, St. Patrick's parade, St. Patrick's Mass, and a month-closing brunch. Other activities during the year include a sugaring-off party, corn-roast, and participation in other parades in the municipality. We also sponsor the local chapter of the "Moran Academy of Irish Dancing." In 2002, in honour of the area's many Irish and other Celtic settlers, the St. Pat's Society unveiled a splendid granite Celtic Cross in downtown Richmond.



PUBLICATIONS:
A study on the history of the Irish in the Eastern Townships, by Peter Southam (in progress).


LATEST NEWSLETTER:
Click here for upcoming events!


BUSINESS HOURS:
N/A.
For enquiries: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- c/o Richmond Hardware Store (ask for Mark): (819) 826-2535.

ENTRY FEES / MEMBERSHIP:
Individual: $5.00
Family (including kids 18 years & under): $10.00.

LANGUAGE OF SERVICE:
English / French.

Celtic Cross. (Photo: Matthew Farfan)

HOW TO REACH US:
Address: St. Patrick's Society of Richmond and Vicinity, c/o Bob Dalton, President, 370 Roy St., Richmond, QC J0B 2H0.

Tel.: (819) 826-2434 (Bob Dalton, President); or
(819) 826-2535 (Richmond Hardware Store, ask for Mark).
Fax: N/A.
Email: bob.dalton@sympatico.ca

WEB SITE:
In progess.

OTHER INFORMATION:
The St.Patrick's Society of Richmond claims to be the oldest Irish society in "Mainland Quebec," meaning in the province of Quebec off of the Island of Montreal.



HISTORY OF THE STATUE OF ST. PATRICK IN RICHMOND, QUEBEC:
In 1884, Father Patrick Quinn, the parish priest at Ste. Bibianne’s Catholic Church in Richmond, donated the St. Patrick's statue to Mont Ste. Patrice Convent, which Father.Quinn started. The convent had English & French classes for the local population. The statue was installed next to the altar in the convent chapel.

In 1948, after many years of existence and wear & tear, the statue was restored by Sister Theresa of Jesus, at the Villa Maria convent in Montreal. It was prominently placed in the front parlour, where parents visited with their children.

Later in 1989, Le Centre d'Art acquired the convent and its belongings, including the statue, which was stored inconspicously in various rooms.

Finally in 2004, St. Patrick's Society of Richmond & Vicinity requested Le Centre d'Arts give the statue to Ste. Bibianne's Church, where it would be prominently displayed. It was sent to Mde. Beatrice Martel, of Warwick, who restored it to its natural elegance. Now, it graces the church, and is close to the side altar, for all to view.

On Sunday, March 12, 2006, after the St. Patrick Society annual Sunday mass, a first ever picture was taken of many members of the Society, gathered around the statue, with our pastor, Fr. O'Houde. Truly, a memorable event!