ASA Annual meeting

The bylaws of the Association of Seguin of America state that a general meeting be held each year. In this year 2006, the meeting took place on June 25 in Embrun, Ontario, during the 150th anniversary festivities of Saint-Jacques parish.

Embrun is located in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell in Southeastern Ontario, some 30 kilometers from Ottawa.

In the middle of the 19th century, the lands of Quebec were overcrowded. There are many families. Several young people are therefore tempted to emigrate to the United States. A parish priest from Saint-Jacques-l'Achigan in Quebec then suggested that young people go and settle in this part of Ontario still covered with forests. You get there by the Castor River. Seeing the beauty of the trees, we assume that the land that nourishes them is bountiful. Everything has to be done to live there. How brave! In 1855, Simon Séguin, the ancestor of the Séguin d´Embrun family, was already established there.

Fortunately, the Séguins of America have accepted the invitation of the Séguins of Embrun to hold their gathering and annual meeting. The Knights of Columbus Hall is the gathering place. The approximately 200 Séguin from Ontario, Quebec and those from Connecticut in the United States, Nova Scotia and Windsor are happy to meet and fraternize.

Mass takes place in the magnificent Saint-Jacques church so called because of the origin of the first inhabitants. The mass of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, patron saint of French Canadians, is sung. The parish priest, Ernest Léger, in his homily, presents the precursor of Jesus to us as an energetic and courageous man. His courage to speak the truth cost him his life, didn't it?

Noteworthy is the St. John's Day parade to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the parish.

Just over 80 floats represent the theme "From the past to the future". As it is an agricultural parish, horses are paraded, harnessed to various carriages. In the past horses were of immense service.

Then the old agricultural machines show the beginning of mechanization. Between the thematic floats, bodies of Scottish bugles and bagpipes were inserted. At the last float, the little Saint-Jean-Baptiste, despite his young age, seemed in good shape.

One tank that caught our attention was that of the Séguins of America built by the Séguins of Embrun. Since the ancestor Simon owned a sawmill, the chariot was constructed from unplated planks like those that were to come out of the ancestor's sawmill. The round saw placed at the back of the chariot symbolized well the profession of the ancestor Simon. It was one of the most beautiful floats; congratulations to the members of this committee.

The primary purpose of the annual gathering is to hold a general assembly.

The president, Pierre-Paul Séguin # 368, welcomes everyone and asks for a minute's silence for the members and friends who have left us during the year.

The treasurer, Raymond Séguin # 002, gives us the statement of income and expenses. This year's income is a little smaller because of deaths and especially because of those who forget to pay their membership. A very simple way to avoid this problem would be to become a member for life; a gesture that does not cost a fortune and that allows you not to forget. The president deplores the lack of administrators. To his surprise, a little later, two members were added.

They are Nicole Séguin # 253 from Trois-Rivières, QC and Patricia Séguin-Smith # 293 from Dunrobin, ON.

From their presentation, these two ladies seem determined. Long live the board.

Our genealogist, André Séguin # 006, published a second edition of the Séguin genealogical dictionary last year. This edition includes around forty additional pages. Several copies of this jewel remain. It would be a great gift to give to his children, he suggests.

We were pleased to learn that the current president has agreed to return for a few years.

The day ended with a delicious spaghetti dinner and a blazing fireworks display.

To organize such an event, you have to rely on a solid and well-established team. The chairman of the festivals, Jean Brisson, surrounded himself with two energetic women: Ginette Rivest, organizer of the Saint-Jean parade and Chantal Crispin, organizer of the 150th anniversary and many others. Congratulations to the whole team.

I allow myself to add a personal note. I was very pleasantly surprised to find myself in a French-speaking environment. I pay tribute to the ancestors and parents of today for leaving their children with pride and love of the French language. All my congratulations and hold on.

Next year, the meeting may be held in Sainte-Adèle, in the Laurentians.

Goodbye.