| The Ancient Order of Hibernians is Catholic,
Irish Fraternal Organization founded on May 4, 1836 in New York City.
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
AOH 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 King Henry VIII. When England implemented its dreaded
Penal Laws in Ireland, various secret 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
was founded May 4, 1836 at New York's Saint 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 the be, the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Black Jack Kehoe, Division 4, was
founded and chartered in 1986. Over its twenty year history, the
members of Black Jack Kehoe have been involved in providing aid
and comfort to those in need. Black Jack Kehoe is active many charities
including the Hibernian Hunger Project, Kehoe's Coats, and support
of the Mother's Home in Darby, as well as providing hot dinner to
the less fortunate during the Holiday season.
The Black Jack Kehoe Scholarship fund was
started to allow needy families to provide a Catholic education
in the Catholic High Schools of Delaware County. The division also
was active in raising funds for the IPPCH (Irish Political Prisoners
Children's Holiday), which allowed children of Political prisoners
to spend some time in America.
Black Jack Kehoe participates in the St.
Patrick's Day parades in both Springfield, PA and Jim Thorpe, PA.
Our members are active in our community and
work tirelessly to promote the ideas of
Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity
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