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Foreword
The erection of a monument
at Scotchfort to commemorate the arrival of the first Scottish Catholic
immigrants in Prince Edward Island, is an event that deserves more than
passing notice. So closely is it connected with the best traditions of
Catholicity in this Country, that it deserves to be enshrined in the
memory of all, who are impressed with the influence the Catholic Church
has exercised in the destinies of the Province.
For this reason the
Committee in charge of the matter deemed it advisable to publish a
"Memorial Volume" containing an account of the entire proceedings, and at
the same time setting forth the aims and aspirations, crystallized in the
Scottish Catholic reunion of July 19th, 1922.
The volume thus presented
to the public contains in detail the story of the first Scottish Catholic
emigrants. It recounts the trying circumstances that forced them to leave
their native land, and come to seek homes in Prince Edward Island. It
describes the conditions they met on their arrival and the subsequent
trials and difficulties they were forced to undergo. The brightest page in
the volume tells of the heroism and devotedness of the early Missionaries,
who with the constancy of Martyrs stood at their post of duty, and labored
to preserve the Faith, amid incredible privations.
While the monument standing
at Scotchfort will speak to the passerby of things wrought for God and
Country, this little volume will bear the same story of devotedness
throughout wider areas and to larger numbers. This is the object of the
"Memorial Volume" this the wish of
The Committee.
Charlottetown,
July 19th, 1922
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