With the advent of the MacIain Chiefs genealogy a great deal of interest
was expressed in bringing together family members and those who had contributed
to the project. To date, the gatherings have been held where MacIain Chiefs
had its genesis, in Guysborough Co, Nova Scotia. The following is a brief record
of past gatherings, and what is planned for the future.
The first gathering of the MacKean descendants was held in Sherbrooke,
Guysborough Co, Nova Scotia. The event was chaired by Wilma (MacKeen)
Powell and was successful in bringing together approximately 200 members
of the family. At this gathering it was decided to attempt a reunion
every five years.
Family members were invited to this family reunion at Melrose, Guysborough
County, Nova Scotia on July 29-30, 1995. The agenda was as follows.
Saturday, July 29th
9:00 am Greenfield Sports Centre Visitor registration
All Day Greenfield Sports Centre Canteen available. Fun and games for all ages,
ball games and other outdoor sports, weather permitting.
6:00 pm Greenfield Sports Centre Supper - Nova Scotia lobster or cold meats with salad,
strawberry shortcake. Price $10.00 each
Evening Greenfield Sports Centre Social evening, sing-song, games, cash bar,
and dance. Photographer on hand for individual or
group pictures.
Sunday, July 30th
11:00 am Kirk Memorial United Church Ecumenical church service
12:00 am Greenfield Sports Center Social hour and lunch
Afternoon Around and About Conducted tours of three cemetaries which hold a
great number of MacKeen ancestors
Wilma (MacKeen) Powell chaired the gathering and approximately 250 family
members attended.
Family members were invited to gather at Melrose, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia
on July 29-30, 2000. The agenda was as follows.
Saturday, July 29th
9:00 am Greenfield Sports Centre Registration
11:00am -3:00pm Greenfield Sports Centre Canteen available
1:00 pm Greenfield Sports Centre Photo/video session
3:00pm-5:00pm Greenfield Sports Centre Social time
6:00 pm East River Fire Hall Dinner. Keynote Speaker: Mr. John MacKeen
9:00 pm Greenfield Sports Centre Social Time, bar open,Ceilidh with music
and other entertainment.
Sunday July 30th
11:00 am Kirk Memorial United Church Church Service, Kirkin' of the Tartan and
dedication of Family Crest. Rev.
Jim Forbes and St. Mary's Male choir.
12:30 pm Greenfield Sports Centre Canteen
1:30 pm Greenfield Sports Centre Slide Presentation, by Aleaha Lomas
3:00 pm Around and About Cemetery Tours, with Alice Sutherland
Wilma (MacKeen) Powell again chaired the gathering which saw approximately 325 family
members attending. At this event Harold 'Sandy' McKeen presented a stained glass window
in the design of the MacIain Crest, which was dedicated at Kirk Memorial. In addition,
a Memorial Book for recording the names of deceased family members was installed.
Family members gathered at Aspen, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia
on July 30-31, 2005. Two days of fellowship were enjoyed at the
Kirk Memorial church, built by Benjamin McKeen in 1878, which
welcomed visitors from as far away as South Carolina, Texas, and
Hawaii.
Linda McKeen of Aspen, Guysborough County, chaired the gathering.
More information about the event, and the participants,
can be found at the meeting website
A reunion will be held in 2010 and will take place at East River St. Mary's, Guysborough
County, Nova Scotia, on July 17th and 18th. Visit the Reunion Website .
The organisers can be contacted at mackeenreunion2010.gmail.com.
|
