The origin of the society in Belfast was due to the efforts of two Scotsmen, or Scotchmen as they liked to call themselves then, David Taylor from Perth and John Arnott from Auchtermuchty. They arrived in Belfast in the early 1860's and together founded Arnotts Stores, well known for many years. Subsequently John Arnott proceeded southwards to found another business in Cork. In due course, David became Mayor of Belfast and John, Mayor of Cork and they were both subsequently knighted. Together they proposed the formation of a society of Scotsmen in Belfast for charitable and social purposes. David Taylor became its first president and John Arnott its first patron. The first minutes of the Society were recorded in the Belfast Anthenaeum, then a private library standing in what is now 22 Castle Place, Belfast, on 14th November 1867. Thus was the Belfast Benevolent Society of St Andrew inaugurated. From an initial membership of 79. the Society eventually reached a record of over 200 members. The Society's benevolence in the past covered a wide range. Apart from the payment of rent to beneficiaries, the Society regularly provided coal allowances and sent gifts at Christmas time. Help in the past was also given to provide spectacles, purchase of boots, buy workmen's tools out of pawn and find places for beneficiaries in Hospital. With the passage of time the calls on the Society's benevolence have gradually changed. Since WW2 with the creation of the National Health Service direct calls for aid have decreased and the Society has been able to assist more with other projects, events and charitable causes.