US Clan Gatherings

August 2023 Marchbanks Family Gathering, Greenville, South Carolina

The US Branch of the Clan Marjoribanks Society held a productive meeting on August 11th, 2023 in the Poinsett Club, Greenville, South Carolina to discuss various aspects of the clan’s heritage and future initiatives. A video of the meeting can be found here.

The gathering commenced with a stirring rendition of the national anthem by John Breazeale, setting a patriotic tone for the meeting followed by Father Chris Latham who gave the grace.

Lee Plumblee, the meeting chair, gave acknowledgements and introduced the proceedings, emphasizing the importance of the clan’s unity and shared heritage.

Carol Leake, Archivist, then took the floor to shed light on the significance of DNA in genealogical research including the female lines. She discussed how DNA analysis has contributed to a deeper understanding of the Clan Marjoribanks lineage.

Caroline Morris, Secretary,  provided updates on the family, sharing recent news and developments within the extended clan. Her insights helped strengthen the bonds within the Clan Marjoribanks community.

Kimberly Bruce, Treasurer, delivered a comprehensive presentation covering various topics, including ancestral history, family heritage, and new clan initiatives. She highlighted the exciting plans for a tartan order and shared insights from her personal research, which contributed to a richer appreciation of the clan’s past.

Lee Plumblee expressed gratitude to the participants for their engagement and contributions. Members were encouraged to join the next worldwide Clan Marjoribanks meeting on Zoom on October 15th, 2023.  With a sense of accomplishment, the meeting concluded with an optimistic outlook for the Clan Marjoribanks Society’s future endeavors.

Ron Culpepper received a medal for his service as a medic on board a helicopter during the Vietnam war. In the picture from left to right:  Carol Leake, Ron Culpepper, Pamela Evans and Caroline Morris.

The meeting ended on a positive note, demonstrating the strong sense of camaraderie and commitment within the Clan Marjoribanks community.

May 2022 US Marchbanks Family Gathering, Greenville, South Carolina

The ‘Gallabrae’ Scottish games was held at Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina in May 2022. In addition to participating in the ‘Great Scot’ Parade and the Gallabrae games, the US Clan Marchbanks Society had their a clan luncheon at Green Valley Country Club, Travellers Rest, SC. The organisers were Secretary Caroline Morris, Treasurer Carole Leake and Kimberly Bruce.

On Friday, May 27th the ‘Great Scot’ Parade on the Main Street of Greenville started at 6 p. m. Kimberly Bruce, Kevin Allec, Susan Marchbanks, James Green III, Patricia, Stuart and Jonathan Baillie Strong marched in the parade which included over 30 clans. Patricia is the Clan Marjoribanks Society chairman and was visiting from Scotland.

On Saturday May 28th the Scottish games was held at Furman University. See the Galabrae website here. The Clan Marjoribanks Society had a tent.

There was a parade of clans, massed bands playing the bagpipes, typical Scottish competitions such as tossing the caber, fly-pasts of four aircraft and three parachutists who landed in the field.

On Sunday May 29th there was a luncheon and Clan meeting at Green Valley Country Club, Greenville. 30 people attended.

Lee Plumblee was the master of ceremonies. Clan president Patricia Baillie Strong gave a speech about the Clan in Scotland. She also proposed a world-wide meeting by Zoom in the fall (Sunday 16th October 2022 at 4 pm US Eastern Standard Time).

Her husband Stuart Baillie Strong gave a talk about Marjoribanks ancestors and gave a detailed family tree to the Clan DNA genealogist James Green III. A video of their presentations can be found here. A great time was had by all.
More information on the Marchbanks, Marshbanks and Banks reunions can also be found on Facebook. Click here. To take part in the fall 2022 world-wide Zoom meeting or for more information on other future events or to participate (if you are a Marchbanks, we know you have talent) or to suggest program content, contact Caroline Watts Morris Clan Marjoribanks Secretary. 233 Merrifield Drive
Greenville, SC 29615-3342 Telephone (864)675-9548.

July 2021 Annual US Marjoribanks Family Gathering, Greenville, South Carolina

The US annual Marjoribanks Family Gathering was convened by Secretary Caroline Morris on July 31, 2021 in the Green Valley Country Club, Greenville, South Carolina, USA with 27 family members and guests attending.
Caroline spoke of Laodicea Langston Springfield, an ancestor of several local Marchbanks family members and mother of 24. Kimberly Bruce then gave her research on Penelope Stout, a founder of the state of New Jersey. Kimberly’s great grandmother Lula Jones Marchbanks is directly descended from Penelope Stout, who survived an Indian attack by hiding in a hollow log. Penelope died at 104 despite her wounds from Indian spears when she was young. .
Jim Scott then presented his book on Highway 25, showing how the highway impacted Marchbanks lands and the County of Greenville. A lively discussion ensued. Caroline then read out a greeting from the Chief Andrew Marjoribanks and asked those present to send any family news to Stuart and Patricia Baillie Strong for the clan newsletter. The family then gathered for group photos.
In closing, Alex Klaes read an excerpt from “How Green Was my Valley” by Richard Llewellyn and Patti Foy led the group singing “Blessed be the tie that Binds”. Finally, Carol led the group on a tour round the Reedy River Cemetery.

July 2019 Annual US Marjoribanks Gathering, Greenville, South Carolina

The 2019 Annual Marjoribanks Gathering was held at the Green Valley Country Club, 225 Green Valley Road in Greenville South Carolina on July 27th, 2019.
The program included a talk by the renowned historian, Durant Ashmore “Major John Marjoribanks, the British Hero of the Battle of  Eutaw Springs” 
The program was:  11.00 a.m. – Social hour and short business meeting;  12:00 – Lunch  featuring Southern Cuisine of Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad bar, Cobbler and Ice cream, tea and coffee; Followed by a tour of historical properties.
 

May 2019 Clan Marjoribanks Society tent at the Greater Greenville Scottish Games, South Carolina

The Clan Marjoribanks Society usually hosts a tent at the Greater Greenville Scottish Games & Highland Festival (Gallabrae), South Carolina in May of each year.  This is a particularly special event for our clan, since the location is adjacent to the Marchbanks family lands.

At the 2019 Games there was a Clan Marjoribanks Society tent manned by volunteers on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th May.  You may find more information about the Greater Greenville Scottish Games & Highland Festival here.

Marjoribanks Stand, Greenville Games - volunteers

 
 

August 2013 Annual US Clan Marjoribanks Society gathering, Greenville, South Carolina

On August 11th, 2013. Carol Hightower Leake, US Treasurer and her mother, Frankie Hightower hosted the 2013 annual US Marjoribanks Clan Gathering for 40 clan members at Reedy River Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina.  One lady, Kay Macdonald had flown all the way from Texas to attend. Caroline Morris, Secretary of the Clan, extended a welcome from the Chief and President and encouraged those in attendance to join the Clan Marjoribanks Society.
The US branch of the Clan Marjoribanks announced that they were forming an association which would publish a quarterly newsletter featuring news of the cemetery conditions and requirements as well as biographical vignettes of the families buried in the cemetery.  This has proved useful to genealogists and generate interest in the maintenance of the grounds.  
After lunch, the meeting finished with a medley of songs from the World War II era.
 

Marjoribanks family gathering SC

October 2010 US Marshbanks Family Reunion, Mars Hill University, North Carolina 

The Francis Marion and Martha Sammons Marshbanks Family had their annual reunion on October 10, 2010 at the Bentley Fellowship Hall on the campus of Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, North Carolina. Francis Marion is the oldest son of Stephen Perry Marchbanks of Travelers Rest, South Carolina.

For more information on future events, please contact Nancy Randolph Silvers on Facebook. Click here.

July 2010 US Marchbanks Family Homecoming, Greenville,  South Carolina

The Marchbanks family held a homecoming on Saturday, July 17, 2010 from  09:00 – 15:00 at the  Travelers Rest, 871 North Highway 25 Bypass, Greenville, SC, USA All descendants and their families of Stephen and Rebecca Marchbanks were invited to attend this gathering at Reedy River Baptist Church. At 9:00 AM the Assembly Room was opened to display pictures, books and relics.

At 10:00 AM there was the Registration and Reception and the Adult Assembly Room  was opened at 12:00 PM. At 1:30 PM lunch was served in the Family Life Center.

At 2:30 PM there was a program in Church Sanctuary, featuring historian Mann Batson.

This was followed by a walk down the Swamp Rabbit Trail to the home of Stephen and Rebecca Marshbanks.  The current owners gave a tour and shared how they were using the home.