Ancient Order of Hibernians History

• Harp & Shamrock History

  Harp & Shamrock, Division 1, Greenville, SC, Ancient Order Of Hibernians (AOH) in America was established on June 3, 1998 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. We began with the initiation of twenty-nine members and the installation of officers and committee chairman on that date and added an additional sixteen members on august 6 of that year we were ready to make the Irish presence known in the upstate. To this day we are still looking for new members and their ideas to become a dynamic force for Irish culture. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us in this endeavor and become a member.

• AOH History

  In the Beginning The Protestant Reformation that swept Europe in the 16th century was marked by Royal intrigues over control of the Roman Church's wealth, and conflicts over which religion could be practiced. Violence erupted in many countries. Elizabeth I declared the Church of England to be the State religion, and considered Ireland part of her state. Most Irish did not agree.

Irish History

• Who is St. Patrick

  Each year around March 17, the name of St. Patrick appears in every major publication in the civilized world - sometimes with honor and sometimes with scorn - often due to the conduct of those who celebrate his memory at affairs which bear his name. Of the many things written about this holy man, some are true, some misleading, and some false. St. Patrick was Italian; St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland; St. Patrick was the first to bring Christianity to Ireland - all of these statements are false!

• Irish-American Charlestonians and the Civil War

  Irish Charlestonians loyally supported the Confederacy, and several Charleston Irish-American companies joined the Confederate Army. The Charleston Meagher Guard named for a famous Irish-American soldier, changed its name to the Emerald Light Infantry when Meagher became a general in the Union Army. McGowan's Brigade was the first Confederate colors to enter Gettysburg. The Irish Volunteers fought valiantly in numerous battles. It is said they were the first company to volunteer for the duration of the war. William H. Ryan, a native of Charleston, served as first lieutenant of the Irish Volunteers and then as captain of the Charleston Battalion. He was a hero of the Battle of Secessionville but was killed in the brutal assault on Battery Wagner.

• The Bishop of Charleston and The Confederacy

  Bishop Patrick Lynch was the spiritual leader of South Carolina's Catholics at the time of the Civil War. Born in Ireland, Bishop Lynch immigrated to South Carolina in 1819. In 1840 he was ordained as a priest in Rome. In 1857 he was appointed vicar-general and was consecrated bishop in 1858. He was bishop in Charleston for twenty-four years, and he served as the Confederacy's special envoy to the Vatican.

• Why The Harp?

  Why The Harp? The harp is the ancient symbol of the Irish State. It is to Ireland what the bald eagle is to America. In Irish lore it is associated with Dagda, the Celtic fire-god (the good god), whose playing brought about the change of seasons. Dagda's harp played a key role in his defeat of the Fomorians when he put the opposing army to sleep.

• Irish History

  The Irish people have done much to advance culture around the world throughout the ages. This is especially true in the United States and here in the South. The State of South Carolina has a wealth of history that is directly attributable to the Irish people. The Harp & Shamrock Division is proud to acknowledge the work of the Division Historian Frank Corden. Most of the history we are presenting here is a result of his tireless work. In a note to me Frank mentions that practically all of the Irish information in South Carolina relates to Charleston.