Céad Mile Fáilte
Father Jeremiah F. Trecy Division of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians
The Hibernians are the most prominent Irish Catholic charitable and fraternal organization in the country with membership throughout the U.S. The American organization was founded in 1836 in New York and traces its roots to 16th century Ireland. Since its inception, the Hibernians have been at the forefront of promoting Irish Catholic culture and causes in the States. The group's motto and primary mission is to promote "Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity." Membership is available to males age 16 and over, who are Roman Catholic and Irish by descent or birth. We hold monthly meetings. If you are interested, please click on "contact us" and send us an e-mail.
Membership is available to males over the age of 16 who are Roman Catholic and Irish by descent or birth. For additional information, please view the following file
Below is information on our division's namesake: Father Jermiah F. Trecy:
On October 10, 1860, Father Jeremiah F. Trecy came to serve in the Diocese of Mobile. Father Trecy, born in Ireland, had been ordained a priest in Dubuque, Iowa in 1851. He served outpost in Iowa, gathering congregations and building churches. He requested a transfer in 1860 to the South because of health problems. He assisted Bishop John Quinlan and was sent to establish a parish in Huntsville. The cornerstone of the church was laid in 1861. An article in the Huntsville Advocate, September 13, 1872, gives a public notice as drawn by J. J. Donegan, May 1861, requesting the community's support in raising funds to build a Catholic church. Since there were such a few Catholics, a list of supporters and their contributions followed. The oral history says that the original parish consisted of eleven Catholic families who worked very hard to the build the church.
The church was built of native stone from nearby Monte Sano Mountain hauled by mule cart and wagon. The Civil War halted work on the church. Father Trecy and parishioners were very involved in preparing hospital facilities and tending the wounded of both sides during the conflict. Father Trecy later served as chaplain to General Rosecrans until 1868 and was present on the battlefields of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River.
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