WHAT IS THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS?

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic, Irish American Fraternal Organization founded simultaneously in New York City and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania in May of 1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a parent organization, of the same name, which has existed in Ireland for over 300 years. However, while the organizations share a common thread, the North American A.O.H. is a separate and much larger organization.

The Order evolved from a need in the early sixteen hundreds to protect the lives of priests who risked immediate death to keep the Catholic Faith alive in occupied Ireland after the reign of England's King Henry VIII. When England implemented its dreaded Penal Laws in Ireland, various secret social societies were formed across the country. These groups worked to aid and comfort the people by whatever means available. Similarly, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was founded May 4th, 1836 at New York’s St. James Church, to protect the clergy, and Church property from the "Know Nothings" and their followers. At the same time the vast influx of Irish Immigrants fleeing famine issues in Ireland in the late 1840's, prompted a growth of various social societies in the USA - the largest of which was, and continues to be, the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Active across the United States, The Order seeks to aid the newly arrived Irish, both socially, politically. The many Divisions and club facilities located throughout the U.S. traditionally have been among the first to welcome new Irish Americans. Here, the Irish culture -- art, dance, music, and sports are fostered and preserved. The newcomers can meet some of "their own" and are introduced to the social atmosphere of the Irish-American community. The AOH has been at the political forefront for issues concerning the Irish, such as; Immigration Reform; economic Incentives both here and in Ireland; the human rights issues addressed in the MacBride Legislation; Right-To-Life; and a peaceful and just solution to the issues that divide Ireland.

The Order has also provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those Irish-Americans who are generations removed from their country of origin. Many A.O.H. Divisions bring children from the North of Ireland under Project Children or other programs. The Order sponsors many programs associated with promoting our Irish Heritage, such as, one year overseas study scholarships at Irish Universities and the Irish Way Program. Irish Studies programs at American universities and scholarship at universities, like Notre Dame, are also sponsored by the Order.

You may further seek admittance to the FINEST Irish Catholic Organization in the World; all we would ask is for you to live our motto of: "Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity"

THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS IN AMERICA

This organization grew up gradually among the Catholics of Ireland owing to the dreadful hardships and persecutions to which they were subjected. It is impossible to give the exact date of the foundation of the order in Ireland. Some authorities contend that the first impulse towards forming such an association was due to the publication of an edict against the Catholic religion by the Earl of Sussex (Thomas Radcliffe), who was made Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland in 1562. He prohibited all monks and Catholic priests from either eating or sleeping in Dublin, and ordered the head of each family to attend Protestant services every Sunday, under the penalty of a fine. Not only did the English begin a bitter persecution of the Catholics, they also confiscated the property of the Irish nobles. The prince Rory O'Moore with his companions took up the cause of religion and the protection of the priesthood as well as the defense of their dominions, and through their assistance the priests said Mass, on the mountains, in the valleys and glens, while "The Defenders", as they were called, acted as faithful sentinels to guard them from danger. The principality ruled over by Rory O'Moore was called Leix; it covered the greater part of Queen's County and part of County Kildare. The O'Moore's belonged to the Clan Rory of the Province of Ulster, and were descended from the celebrated hero, Conall Cearnach, who was the chieftain of the Red Branch Knights at the beginning of the Christian Era. This famous Rory O'Moore was victorious over the English forces in many battles during the reigns of Queens Mary and Elizabeth, and in consequence recovered the principality of Leix, which had been the property of his forefathers and which he governed until his death in 1578.

It is claimed that this Rory Oge O'Moore organized and founded Hibernianism in the year 1565, in the County of Kildare, in the Province of Leinster, and gave to his followers the name of "The Defenders". After the death of Rory, "The Defenders" rallied around the Irish chieftains, and after many glorious battles betook themselves to the mountains and defied the tyranny of England. In the course of time branches sprang up among the descendants in opposition to the Protestant organizations, such as the "Hearts-of-Steel", the "Oak-Boys", the "Peep-O'Day-Boys", the "Protestant-Boys", the "Wreckers", and finally the "Orangemen". The principal Catholic organizations were the "White-Boys", so called from wearing a white shirt, the "Rapparees", who received this designation on account of a half pike which they carried, and the "Ribbon-Men", so called because their badge was two pieces of green and red ribbon. In due time there arose also the "Terry-Alts" and the "Fenians". The spirit of these organizations gave rise to what is known in Ireland as the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Anyone familiar with the history of Ireland under English and Protestant domination will recognize that it was natural enough for such organizations to be formed among Irish Catholics. When the laws were made against the interests of the great mass of the people, it was the necessary to erect a barrier of defense. No doubt, some abuses were occasionally connected with the operation of these societies, but, in the main, they defended the religious and civil liberties of the Irish people.

While we have no authentic information as to when the Ancient Order of Hibernians was formally established under that title in Ireland, we know that, in 1836, certain Irishmen in New York, who desired to establish a branch of the organization in America, communicated with their brethren in Ireland, and received the following reply:

Brothers, Greeting: Be it known that to you and to all whom it may concern that we send to our few brothers in New York full instructions with our authority to establish branches of our society in America. The qualifications for membership must be as follows: All the members must be good Catholics, and Irish or of Irish descent, and of good and moral character, and none of your members shall join any secret societies contrary to the laws of the Catholic Church, and all times and at all places your motto shall be: ‘Friendship, Unity, and True Christian Charity'.

This letter concluded with the date: "This fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord, 1836", and it is signed by fourteen officers representing the organization in Ireland, Scotland, and England. The association rapidly increased in membership, but, after a few years, factions arose. They vainly attempted to heal the breach by consultation among themselves, and then referred their difficulties to the present writer, who was selected as arbitrator. Mr. P.J. O'Connor, of Savannah, Georgia, was national president of the faction called, "The Ancient Order of Hibernians of America", and Rev. E. S. Phillips, of the Diocese of Scranton, national delegate of the other faction, called "The Ancient Order of Hibernians of the Board of Erin". The arbitrator, after several months' deliberation with the principal leaders of both organizations successfully adjusted all difficulties, and the unified body became henceforth known as "The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America". This union was ratified at the national convention held at Trenton, New Jersey, from 27 June to 1 July, 1898. Preamble of constitution revised and adopted at the national convention held at Indianapolis, Ind., 21-26 July, 1908:

The members of The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America declare that the intent and purpose of the Order is to promote Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity among its members by raising or supporting a fund of money for maintaining the aged, sick, blind and infirm members, for the payment of funeral benefits, for the advancement of the principles of Irish nationality, for the legitimate expenses of the Order, and for no other purpose whatsoever.

The motto of this Order is Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. Friendship shall consist of helping one another and in assisting each other to the best of our power. Unity, in combining together for mutual support in sickness and distress. Christian Charity, in loving one another and doing to all men as we would wish that they should do unto us.

(1) This Order is to be formed exclusively of practical Catholics. Therefore, each member is expected to comply with all his Christian duties. (2) Should any of the members fail in the above, and instead of giving edification and encouragement, become a stumbling block and a disgrace to the Organization, such a one, after proper charitable admonition, unless there be an amendment in his conduct, shall be expelled from the Order. (3) In order, however, that all may be done with justice, Christian charity and edification, there shall be in each county a Chaplain, appointed by the Ordinary of the Diocese, to be consulted by the Division before determining anything relating to morality or religion. (4) The Chaplain in each county shall see that nothing is done or countenanced within his jurisdiction which is contrary to the laws of the Catholic Church, the decrees of the Plenary Councils of Baltimore, and the Synodical Constitutions of the Diocese. In any difficulty or doubt which he may not be able to solve, he shall consult the Ordinary of the Diocese. (5) All Divisions of this Order shall adopt the foregoing preamble, and their special Constitution and By-Laws shall be in harmony with the Constitution and By-Laws of this Order.

The constitution of 1908 gives full directions regarding the government of the organization and the manner of joining it. Article XXXV, sect. 1, treats of the place of joining the order: "Members of this Order shall join and belong to a Division in the city or town in which they reside if the Order exists therein or in the nearest locality in which a Division is located."

The membership of the A.O.H., according to the annual report for the year ending 31 Dec., 1908, is 127,254, distributed over the United States, including Hawaii, and the Dominion of Canada. The immense good done by the order can be estimated from the amount of funds expended during the past twenty-four years. During that period, about $8,000,000 have been paid for sick and funeral benefits and for charitable purposes over $4,500,000. Among some of the noble works of the order may be mentioned the endowment of a $50,000 Gaelic chair at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., and a donation of $40,000 towards their members who suffered in the San Francisco earthquake. The order also made generous gifts to the Gaelic League and established scholarships in colleges and academies to encourage the study of Irish literature and history. It was likewise instrumental in having Congress appropriate $50,000 towards the erection of a monument at Washington, D.C., to perpetuate the memory of Commodore John Barry, "Father of the American Navy".

THE PIN IN MY LAPEL

Written by Brother Denis P. McGowan
A.O.H. Division 22, Kings County, New York
January 1987 on the 117th Anniversary of A.O.H. Division 35

In the lapel of my tweed jacket, there's a pin of brightest gold.
No bigger than my thumbnail, but its worth cannot be told.

'Tis the Emblem of an Order, of Irish folk proud of their land.
And their glorious religion, under the Lord's command.
In friendship we are gathered, we strive for Unity.
To serve our Church and brethren, in Christian Charity.

We maintain Christ's own teachings, we guard the Irish race.
We help the sick and fallen, with the aid of God's own grace.

Proud to be called Hibernians, from Erin's ancient Latin name.
By defending Catholic priests and nuns, we earned undying fame.

This Ancient Order of whom I speak, I proudly wear their pin.
As did my loving father, and his father before him.

That Emblem of the Order, I think is simply grand.
Has ancient Irish symbols, to remind us of our land.

It bears the letters "A.O.H.," its shape is like a shield.
It bears our famous Irish harp, upon a shamrock field.

The two hands clasped in friendship, in the centre of this crest.
Reminds each A.O.H. man, that brotherhood is blessed.

Rising o'er the hills of Ireland, in the crest is the sunrise.
'Tis the dawn of Irish freedom, 'Tis the cause that never dies.

The four largest green shamrocks, symbols of the Trinity.
Remind us of the provinces, of Erin's antiquity.

Four mighty Irish kingdoms, proud and most beauteous lands.
One breaks the heart of Ireland, remains in sasanach hands.

Yes, shining bright in my lapel, of which I'll proudly tell.
'Tis the Emblem of the A.O.H., worn in my heart as well.

THE HISTORY OF A.O.H. DIVISION 51 - FISHTOWN

A.O.H. Division 51 - Fishtown received its charter on June 4th, 2001. Our Division Home is Holy Name of Jesus Parish, located at Gaul and Berks Streets in Fishtown. Our meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Parish Hall at 7:30 PM. New members are always welcome; but you must be an active member of your Catholic Parish. Anyone interested in becoming a member of A.O.H. Division 51 - Fishtown should come to the next meeting, and complete the necessary application, and pay your first years dues of $25.00. Our doors open early so new members can talk to someone about joining our Division.

Our Chaplain is Francis P. Groarke, Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Monsignor Gregory J. Parlante serves as our Chaplain Emeritus. Monsignor Greg graciously opened the doors to Holy Name to our group, and he helped to establish one of the fastest growing A.O.H. Divisions in the U.S.A. Brother Leonard Rhoads, F.S.C., serves as our Deputy Chaplain.

Since our founding, Division 51 has been active in many Community Concerns. One of our biggest projects has been the Anti-Drug Movement in our neighborhood. Several times a year our members will go out and "occupy" a problem corner to prevent the sale of illegal narcotics in our neighborhood. We continue to work closely with other community organizations, local politicians and law enforcement officials to make our neighborhood a safe place for all to live.

On September 11th, 2002 Division 51 culminated its first major undertaking as an organization with the completion and dedication of the Shrine to Our Lady of Knock outside Holy Name School, across from Holy Name Church. The Shrine was planned, financed, built and maintained by Division 51 members.

On March 16th, 2003 Division 51 marched in the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade along with our newly formed Ladies Division. That day quickly became our Division’s finest hour to date, when we were awarded the Monsignor Thomas Riley Award as the Best Fraternal Marching Unit in the 2003 parade, which we proudly repeated in the 2004 parade.

In 2007 the Division was honored to be awarded First Place, the Honorable James H. J. Tate Award as the unit that best exemplified the "Spirit" of the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Division 51 continues to grow and continues to be active. Our members are actively involved in the Hibernian Hunger Project. In March of 2004, in cooperation with Holy Name School, we collected over 300 items of canned goods, which were donated to the Archdiocese’s “Project Manna” Drive. Since June of 2004 until the present we have collected over 50 shopping carts of canned goods, etc. and raised $7,500 to aid the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service & Education Center during our FILL THE CART – HELP A VET IN NEED collections.

In May of 2007 we held our 5th Annual FISHTOWN SUPPORTS OUR TROOPS RALLY at the Cione Recreation Center. Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Major Jon Cavaiani was our Guest Speaker. We also helped to organized two Philadelphia River Wards Troop Rallies held in Campbell Square in Port Richmond.

Each year in January we have our annual Division Communion Mass and Breakfast. Our first Guest Speaker in 2004 was Jim Murray, the former General Manager of the Philadelphia Eagles and Founder of the very first Ronald McDonald House. Other Guest Speakers have included Captain Patrick Dugan (U.S. Army / AOH Division 40), City Councilman James Kenney, CBS 3 News Anchor Larry Mendte, and Judge James Murray Lynn. The proceeds from the Communion Breakfast go to our Hibernian Scholarship Fund. Each year Division 51 presents a partial scholarship to two deserving graduating 8th graders who are attending an area Catholic High School.

Division 51 members were active with the Philadelphia visit of the Irish Famine Ship Jeanie Johnson, the dedication of the Irish Memorial at Penn’s Landing, the John McNicholl and Pete Black cases, and many other Irish Causes in the Delaware Valley. We have also provided manpower to such worthwhile organizations as the Philadelphia Special Olympics and the Police Athletic League.

In 2005 and 2006 the Division sponsored a charity boxing exhibition between the members of the Sacred Heart Boxing Club, from South Armagh, Northern Ireland and a All-Star Philly Boxing Team. All proceeds from the events went to our Division's Charity Fund.

The Division has been actively involved in the anti-drug programs in the neighborhood. We have taken to the streets in mass to occupy alleged drug corners, and have provided manpower and financial support for the What Ever It Takes Program started by Division 51 member A.J. Thomson.

The members of Division 51 are proud of their Division, the Organization, their Irish Heritage and their Fishtown roots.