Birmingham state herald., 1897-03-18
SEVENTEENTH OF MARCH.
Entertains Birmingham's Contingent In Happy Style-Music, Songs,
 Speeches the Order.

Some of the members of Divisions No. and 8, Ancient Order of Hibernians of this city, took the Ensley dummy at $50 yesterday morning for Pratt City, and were met at the depot by Division No l, of Pratt City. With the Columbian brass band, preceded by the American and Irish flags the three divisions marched to St. Catherines church, where the Rev.L. H. Galland celebrated mass at 10 o'clock and preached a beautiful sermon on the life of St. Patrick The choir was at It's best and dispensed ap- propriate music during the celebration. The choir is composed of the following talent: Mrs. A. J. Reilly, Mrs M. J. Sherclin, Mrs. J. J. Breslin,s Miss eJnnie Oracle Hannigan, Miss Ella Travis, MT. A. J. Rielly, MT. Michael Duggan, MT. HIom Duggan, MT. Wm. Hannigan and MT. M. J. Shevely.
 After mass the members marched to the city hall, where the following young ladies were preparing grand banquet for the members and their friends: Misses Maggie Hannigan Agnes Duggan, Rose Valleley, Mary Brodie, Katie Crawley, Mary Ann Gallagher Sarah Carlin and Ellen Duggan.
 President Wm. H. Grady then called for order and stated that as the Rev. Father O'Rielly and the Rev. Father Henry, of Birmingham would arrive on the 1 o'clock dummy the banquet would be postponed until that time, but in the meantime the band would dispense American and Irish airs and songs appro priate to the occasion would be the or der.
 Mrs. A. J. Reilly, who was loudly ap- plauded, stepped on the platform and presided at the piano. The band struck up America" followed by "St. Patrick's Day. Michael Duggan was called for a song and responded with T Wish That Old Ireland Was Free" Mrs. John liar kins sang that beautiful ballad "Kil- 1arney." Hugh Harvey sang Erin Machree. J. J. Sullivan delighted the audience with "Old Ireland Free Once More" Ed Dawson There Never Was a Coward Where the Shamrock Crows" Mrs John Ford, "No One Like Mother to Me-
 The chair announced that 1t was near dummy time. and appointed the following members, Tom Duggan, Frank McGin- ty and John Harkins, to meet Fathers O'Rielly and Henry and escort them to the hall. As the committee, with Father O'Rielly and Father Henry came up the steps to the hall, the band played 'St. Patrfck's Day." and amidst applause struck up the Last Rose of Summer"
 Chairman Grady, in his own happy manner announced that the banquet was ready, and it took only a glance to see that the tables were set and groaing with the weight of the many things in sea son to tempt the appetite.
 At the conclusion of the banquet the chaiSnan tapped for order and stated that the Rev. Father OtRielly would say something on the life of St. Patrick, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Fath- CT O'Reilly then came forward and spoke of the life of St. Patrick, telling of the good he had done for the cause of re- hgion and civilization.
 Other saints there were, who by Gods appointment, converted people and na- tfons to the true Christian faith. but we cannot find one who met with such un- qualified success and whose work, shows faith so well at this present day as the saint whose festival Irelands children delight in celeb1e ting.
 After several other remarks. which called forth great applause, Father O'Reilly spoke on the Hibernian society, and congratulated those present on their organization, with special reference to union No. 1, Pratt City.
 Father Henry, of Birmingham, fol- lowed Father O'Reily. He said T am honor to our patron saint. Through out the Christian world the 17th of March is celebrated by the church of God. We have reason to be proud as Irishmen, when we know that today in the old land our relatives and ancestors are hon. bring St. Patrick, and know at the same time that we in this land of liberty are doing the same"
 MT. John w. O'Neil sang the "Wearing of the Green" MT. John Ford sang Larry McGee." MT. Hugh McGeever spoke of the good the order had done. Father Galland spoke of the virtues of St. Patrick, and during his remarks was loudly applauded. Miss Jennie Schooles sang the touching song "The Shamrock from Dear Old Mothers Crave"
 Hugh Harvey sang "The Irish Immi- grant"
 After a vote of thanks to the clergy and division No. 1, A. O. H., the audi ence sang God Save Ireland"
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