About Us
Our Purpose
The St. David’s Society of Minnesota was formed to preserve the heritage and culture of the Welsh immigrants to Minnesota.
Singing
One of the Welsh traditions is that of singing hymns in four part harmony. This is the focal point of the annual Spring Gymanfa Ganu. Many of the hymns are sung in Welsh.
Merry Evening
The Noson Lawen [Merry Evening] is a Welsh tradition where those in attendance engage in impromptu performances, such as singing, playing a musical instrument, or continuing the ancient tradition of Welsh Bards of story telling.
A Cup of Tea
The Christmas Tea is another occasion for part singing, featuring Christmas Carols sung both in English and in Welsh.
Banquet
The Patron Saint of Wales is remembered through the annual St. David’s Day banquet, typically on a Saturday closest to St. David’s Day, which is on March 1. In addition to the meal and singing, there is a program with an emphasis on Welsh heritage.
In 2008 Austin Evans gave a presentation on the Welsh in Patagonia, and in 2007 David Evan Thomas, who is of Welsh descent and a local composer of classical and sacred music, told about his work.
Fall Event
In the fall there is an event that emphasizes the Welsh influence in Minnesota. In 2007 Ruth Jones led a bus tour of the Twin Cities with a focus on things Welsh. In 2006 at a fall tea members described where in Wales their ancestors came from, where they settled in Minnesota and their contribution to the Welsh heritage in Minnesota.
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting is in June and includes an annual report on the activities of the Society, including a financial report, and the election of officers. Typically there is also a short educational program pertaining to Welsh history or culture.
In 2007, the program featured a video on the capture of a Welsh sailing vessel by a German U-Boat during World War I. The captain of the Welsh ship was the grandfather of one of our members.
Fundraising
Many years ago the Society published a history of the Society and of the Welsh in Minnesota. In 2006 the Society published a new edition of that history. As a fund-raising effort and to promote awareness of Welsh heritage, the Society sells items such as tote bags, shirts and magnetic ribbons with a logo of the Welsh Red Dragon.
National Sponsor
On several occasions the Society has served as the local host sponsor for an annual nationwide gathering of those who treasure Welsh culture and heritage, formerly called the National Welsh Gymanfa Ganu and now called the North American Festival of Wales.
Further details of the activities of the Society can be found in copies of the Society’s Newsletter.