Hibernians from across Massachusetts and New Hampshire gathered on Saturday, May 3, 2014 to commemorate the Great Irish Famine of 1845 – 1851 at the An Gorta Mor Memorial on the grounds of Saint Mary-Immaculate Conception Cemeteries in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The 11 am Memorial Service was attended by AOH and LAOH National, County, State officers and civic and local leaders. The prayer service was conducted by the Rev. William F. Waters OSA, who is Chaplain to Division 8, the Essex County Boards and Massachusetts State Boards.
Dr Joseph Downs Jr., the Massachusetts State Board AOH Historian and a member of Division 19 AOH in Lowell, was the guest speaker. A tricolor wreath of green, white and orange carnations was also placed at the Memorial during the service. A reception followed the Memorial Commemoration. The service was open to the general public and all were welcome to attend.
Division 8, Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Irish Foundation and the Irish American Community of Greater Lawrence built and dedicated this monument as a tribute to the Irish of Greater Lawrence on May 6, 2006. The ‘An Gorta Mor’ Monument, which is located at the main entrance in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, consists of two tablets, a shamrock tablet made out of Barre Granite, along with a Celtic Cross. The cornerstone from the original Hibernian Home on White Street in Lawrence built in 1887 is also part of the Memorial. The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was organized on May 4, 1836 at Saint James Church in New York City. The Order traces its roots back to 16th Century Ireland.
Division Eight AOH was founded in November, 1871, and for the past 143 years has helped preserve Irish culture, history and traditions in a multifaceted way. Division 8 LAOH was organized in 1904. The talents of both memberships have been recognized beyond the borders of the Lawrence area. Three members of Division 8 have served as National Presidents. In addition to these three National Presidents, a number of members have gone on to serve in elected and appointed positions on the AOH and LAOH National, State and County Boards. Presently 11 members of Division 8 serve in various capacities on the National, State and County Boards.
The books given to Patricia C. Burke were written by Professor Christine Kinealy, Author, Professor and Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute at Quinnipiac University Hamden CT. The books were on the Great Hunger (Famine) in Ireland. Mrs. Burke received the books on the Great Hunger because her husband, David R. Burke, a member of Division 8 AOH in Lawrence chaired the committee and fundraising committee which erected the ‘An Gorta Mor’ (Great Hunger) Monument in Lawrence. David Burke was instrumental in establishing the Irish Hibernian Collection in Lawrence, which contains well over 10,000 books, videos, CD’s magazines, newspapers and memorabilia on Ireland.
