A St. Patrick's Society was founded in Saint John, New Brunswick, in 1819 to provide assistance to new immigrants from Ireland. It ceased to exist in the 1880s but was reorganized and held its first regular meeting on 31 January 1910. Daniel McMullin, K.C., presided at the first meeting and the following officers were selected: Hon. R. J. Ritchie, lawyer, president; George McKean, clerk, 1st vice-president; George Carvell, barber, 2nd vice-president; Frank E. Williams, president of Frank E. Williams & Co., Ltd, Consul to Cuba, 3rd vice-president; Frank McCafferty, city editor of "Evening Times", recording secretary; Edmund S. Ritchie, lawyer, corresponding secretary; and W. J. Parks, treasurer. There were also 3 trustees appointed: D. Mullen, K.C., lawyer; John Sealy, merchant; and Dr. J.B. Travers. The St. Patrick's Society's Board of Management executive members were: Dr. J.P. McInerney; Dr. H.P. Travers; W.H. Barnaby; John E. Moore; Dr. Lunney; W.E. Sculley; John Russell, Jr. and John McGoldrick. William J. Magee was marshal.

The object of the St. Patrick's Day Society was to promote harmony and goodwill amongst Irishmen, to render assistance when necessary to persons of Irish birth or descent in the City of Saint John and especially to immigrants and to ensure the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, the patron saint of Ireland. In 2002 the society is still in existence. The presidency alternates between a Protestant and a Catholic each year, and the society remains an all-male organization. In addition to its annual St. Patrick's Day banquet, the society has become more active in recent years in community endeavours and charitable fundraising.