The City
of Atlanta in 1858 was a bustling place; deeply engrossed in taking its
rightful position as the trade center of the South. Many people of alien
birth and extraction had come to Atlanta, seeking their fortunes but
jobs for foreigners were difficult to find. A group of merchants, most
of Irish birth, decided to form an association to offer aid to their
fellow countrymen. This was the beginning of the Hibernian Benevolent
Society.
View the list of
past presidents here.
Historically this
organization located jobs and when necessary offered financial aid to
widows, orphans and other distressed Irishmen. Socials were held where
these "strangers in a strange land" could meet, talk about
current events in the old country and discuss their participation in the
affairs of their growing city and nation.
Today the aims of the
Hibernians are similar. To quote from the charter: "The Hibernian
Benevolent Society has for its objectives the social harmony of its
members; the maintenance of a cultural attachment to the mother country;
the aid of distressed members and their descendents; ... and the
cultivation of good fellowship and the practice of charity."
Our most publicized
activities center on the annual observance of St. Patrick's Day.
Activities include a
Mass, celebrated by the
Archbishop and local Irish priests. This is followed by the
St.
Patrick's Day Parade down Peachtree Street. This is the oldest parade
held in Atlanta and among the oldest in America. A wreath is laid at the monument to
Father Thomas
O'Reilly at City Hall. The
Hibernian Ball
is also part of the
St.
Patrick's Day festivities.
The
Annual
Christmas dinner for adult members and
guests is held in December at a local restaurant.
The
Oakland Cemetery Day
is an occasion to
remember Father O'Reilly and those buried in the Hibernian plot. A
large contingent of Irish gather to honor our ancestors and share an
enjoyable day with our fellows. This is definitely a family event for
young and old.
Other
social events are held on a regular basis.
Monthly meetings are
held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM. Membership is open
to anyone at least eighteen years of age. For additional information,
please contact one of the Officers.
