The following quotes are from Parish Priests throughout the years at St. Margaret of Scotland in Broad Cove.
Rev. Michael J. MacAdam, 1975
"I take great pleasure in joining the Parishioners of St. Margaret's in this joyful occasion. I say to the pioneer Pastors and people "Well done, good and faithful servants," and to the present Parishioners I say, "Keep up the good work so well done." May the parishioners of today become more Diocesan and Parish minded every day, following the great example of their forefathers. May God in His Infinite Goodness and Love shower down His Graces on the Church, the Parish and Parishioners of St. Margaret's. May St. Margaret's Church long remain for the greater Honour and Glory of God and the good of the people."
Rev. Stanley MacDonald, Summer 2006
"I was appointed Pastor of Stella Maris and St. Margaret's in the summer of 1973. It was my introduction to the western side of Cape Breton Island. I had no idea of the beauty of Inverness county. I have a vivid memory of the first day I drove into this area. I was fascinated with the green fields, low lying hills, the beaches, the sunsets and the people, especially the people. I soon realized that the Celtic culture was strong here. It was alive. It pervaded the whole county.
I had heard about the Broad Cove Concert and was proud to know that I would now be playing a part in the organization and presentation of the "granddaddy of all Scottish concerts." I knew several artists, fiddlers, singers, dancers and other performers who would consider it a great privilege to be on the program for the Broad Cove Concert. I learned about the history of this annual event and how it all started as a simple Parish Ceilidh inspired by the then Pastor, Fr. Michael McAdam. I soon came to a realization of the work that was involved in staging this event and how the leaders poured their hearts into its planning and organzation. As the concert date came closer, Parishioners rallied to sell tickets, prepare the grounds, make sandwiches and tune the piano and the fiddles. I heard about how Inverness County people working out of the provience planned their vacations so they would be home for the concert. I heard stories about how it never rains on the Broad Cove Concert even if it rains all around.
The day of the concert I saw a crowed that I could not believe. People joke that no one ever knows how many are there are at this event. People came from everywhere. There is a spirit amoung this concert crow that I don't see anywhere else. Many old friends use this as a once a year occasion to meet and ceilidh. During the long afternon and evening people begin to dance on the field. They dance alone, they dance with a partner and they dance in groups. Children dance; eldely people dance; people who never danced to Scottish music before dance on this special occasion. It is a time to let go. Fr. John Hugh MacEachern who was MC for many years used to encourage the crowd by hollering out "Ma Thogair." He would repeart this many times during the course of the afternoon and evening. It is Gaelic and it means, "Who cares." It encouraged people to let go of their worries, to let their hair down. My Scottish blood responded to all the music, fiddling, dancing and cheer.
Over the years I heard and saw the very best talent. I also heard and saw children who were just getting started and who have since become outstanding performers. The Broad Cove Concert has made a major contribution to our Celtic culture by keeping it alive and by providing an opportinunity for everyone to celebrate who we were and who we are. I will forever be in admiration of the leaders who year after year dedicate their time and efforts into making this event one of best in eastern Nova Scotia. I congratulate the people of Broad Cove who have kept our Scottish culture alive.
"I take great pleasure in joining the Parishioners of St. Margaret's in this joyful occasion. I say to the pioneer Pastors and people "Well done, good and faithful servants," and to the present Parishioners I say, "Keep up the good work so well done." May the parishioners of today become more Diocesan and Parish minded every day, following the great example of their forefathers. May God in His Infinite Goodness and Love shower down His Graces on the Church, the Parish and Parishioners of St. Margaret's. May St. Margaret's Church long remain for the greater Honour and Glory of God and the good of the people."
Rev. Stanley MacDonald, Summer 2006
"I was appointed Pastor of Stella Maris and St. Margaret's in the summer of 1973. It was my introduction to the western side of Cape Breton Island. I had no idea of the beauty of Inverness county. I have a vivid memory of the first day I drove into this area. I was fascinated with the green fields, low lying hills, the beaches, the sunsets and the people, especially the people. I soon realized that the Celtic culture was strong here. It was alive. It pervaded the whole county.
I had heard about the Broad Cove Concert and was proud to know that I would now be playing a part in the organization and presentation of the "granddaddy of all Scottish concerts." I knew several artists, fiddlers, singers, dancers and other performers who would consider it a great privilege to be on the program for the Broad Cove Concert. I learned about the history of this annual event and how it all started as a simple Parish Ceilidh inspired by the then Pastor, Fr. Michael McAdam. I soon came to a realization of the work that was involved in staging this event and how the leaders poured their hearts into its planning and organzation. As the concert date came closer, Parishioners rallied to sell tickets, prepare the grounds, make sandwiches and tune the piano and the fiddles. I heard about how Inverness County people working out of the provience planned their vacations so they would be home for the concert. I heard stories about how it never rains on the Broad Cove Concert even if it rains all around.
The day of the concert I saw a crowed that I could not believe. People joke that no one ever knows how many are there are at this event. People came from everywhere. There is a spirit amoung this concert crow that I don't see anywhere else. Many old friends use this as a once a year occasion to meet and ceilidh. During the long afternon and evening people begin to dance on the field. They dance alone, they dance with a partner and they dance in groups. Children dance; eldely people dance; people who never danced to Scottish music before dance on this special occasion. It is a time to let go. Fr. John Hugh MacEachern who was MC for many years used to encourage the crowd by hollering out "Ma Thogair." He would repeart this many times during the course of the afternoon and evening. It is Gaelic and it means, "Who cares." It encouraged people to let go of their worries, to let their hair down. My Scottish blood responded to all the music, fiddling, dancing and cheer.
Over the years I heard and saw the very best talent. I also heard and saw children who were just getting started and who have since become outstanding performers. The Broad Cove Concert has made a major contribution to our Celtic culture by keeping it alive and by providing an opportinunity for everyone to celebrate who we were and who we are. I will forever be in admiration of the leaders who year after year dedicate their time and efforts into making this event one of best in eastern Nova Scotia. I congratulate the people of Broad Cove who have kept our Scottish culture alive.