New Brunswick Branch - for United Empire Loyalists

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At our meeting on March 27th the nine motions to amend the Dominion Council By-laws were discussed
also final plans were formulated for our big day and the founding of Saint John the Loyalist City on May
18th, 1785.
The annual meeting of the New Brunswick Branch was held on the afternoon of May 18th. Reports of the
Annual Convention on May 11th were discussed and plans made for our Branch participation in The
Loyalist Days Celebrations July 24th to July 28th. The Nominating Committee was unable to find anyone
willing to serve as President so Mr. Carl M. Oliver accepted for another year. We elected a new Vice-
President, Mrs. I. B. Murray. All other officers remained the same as last year. We will not be holding
another meeting until the Fall.
1975 Spring
T
he New Brunswick Branch, Saint John, at its December 7 meeting proposed it work together with the
City of Saint John in planning three bicentennial observances in the 1980's.
Common Council referred to city staff a letter from the New Brunswick Branch of The U.E.L.
Association, signed by Mr. Carl M. Olive, President. Mr. Olive noted that the 200th anniversary of the
end of the American Revolutionary War and arrival of Loyalists in New Brunswick will be in 1983.
The following year marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of New Brunswick, he added, and in
1985, the City of Saint John as Canada's first municipal government will be 200 years old.
"We would be pleased to cooperate with the city in formulating plans to ensure fitting observances were
conducted for these three events and await your advice," said Mr. Olive.
The New Brunswick Branch decided to increase its annual branch dues and put aside the extra monies for
a fitting celebration.
Plans were also made for May 18 parade and for Loyalist Days celebrations during the week of July 23 –
27.
1976 Autumn
E
arly in the year our Branch determined to do something about lagging membership and to induce
prospective members to become involved and active.
Programs of interest were designed to encourage members to renew their interest in genealogy and in the
historical sites of this city which require attention. One project taken under study is to prepare a
booklet for tourists on the Loyalist Burial Ground, which holds a predominant place in the centre of the
city.
Membership is increasing gradually due to the emphasis on Loyalist history in Saint John. A number of
new members have been attending meetings and others are in the process of joining. Our meetings were
scheduled monthly but unscheduled storms interfered with attendance. However, plans were laid to
increase each year, some type of project leading, and drawing attention to the bicentennial in 1983. On
May 18th a flag-raising ceremony took place at the site of the Loyalist landing, followed with a Civic
Church Service to which our members were invited.