THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DEGREES OF OUR ORDER
- The Degrees are a magnificent dramatic, colorful, and informative
exemplification of the motto of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians
in song and story. Drawing upon the past History of our Motherland
and the contributions made to the adopted homeland of our ancestors,
the United States of America, the Degrees focus on our motto
FRIENDSHIP, UNITY AND CHRISTIAN CHARITY, and its meaning in
modern times. The Degrees are a symbolic presentation, utilizing
references from our Celtic past, so that the members will easily
understand, and long remember, who we are and the good work done
by the Order.
- The overall tone of the Degrees and their conclusion encourage the
candidates to emulate the time and talent of their sisters, those present
and those gone before, to maintain the high standing of the Order and
continue its good works for faith and motherland.
- The Degrees also emphasize that although we recognize that we hold a
special place in promoting our faith, history, music, language, dance,
songs, and stories, we are NOT just another Irish/American club. We
sisters are the keepers of the Culture, Faith, and Traditions that have
been handed down to us to protect. This is a responsibility we take
quite seriously.
- In order to be a full member of the Ladies AOH, a member must take her
Degree.
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DEGREE TEAMS
There are eight Degree Teams in the Ladies AOH representing five states.
Currently the teams hail from Ohio, Detroit MI, Florida, Pittsburgh PA,
Philadelphia PA, Kings County NY, and Suffolk County NY. The newest team
is now forming in the Albany-Troy-Schenectady area, the Trinity Degree
Team.
Interested in setting up a Degree Ceremony in your area?
There are several ways to proceed if you want to have the ceremony in your
area. Contact the closest team or ask the State Vice President Kathleen
Conway (Kathleen.Conway@att.net) for help. A Team must travel to you with
25 members and all the equipment. There is an expense involved so the team
and the hosting group will work out the cost. It is essential that the location
is large enough for the Degree Ceremony and that dressing room space is
available. An anti-room should also be available where the candidates can be
taken between Degrees. Of course it would be wise to ensure that there are a
sufficient number of candidates in the area to make it feasible to invite a
team.
Degrees are conferred at every LAOH National Convention and the New York
State Conventions.
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THE DEGREE IN NEW YORK STATE
Three Degree Teams
Kings County Degree Team
- The Kings County Degree Team has been in existence for over 50 years.
Suffolk County Celtic Degree Team
- Back on May 6, 1979, the Suffolk County Celtic Degree Team put on
their first Degree. Since then it has performed a total of 65 Ceremonies,
4 at National Conventions.
- The first Degree at a National Convention was on July 30, 1980 at
Miami Beach, Florida and Suffolk County proudly conferred that
Degree. Since that time, the Celtic Degree Team has conferred Degrees
at 5 New York State Conventions, and also at 4 other State Conventions
in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
- At the 1984 National Convention in Albany the Team gave a workshop
for other States interested in starting a Degree Team. From that
beginning, three new teams were underway.
- In the 66 ceremonies, a total of 3089 members of the Order have
received their Degree conferred by the Suffolk County Celtic Degree
Team.
- The team meticulously maintains a Degree book containing the record
of all Degrees conferred and now the members are currently preparing
an electronic version of the Degree book.
- At present the Degree team consists of 35 active members, with ten
Charter Members.
- The Suffolk County Celtic Degree Team has performed ceremonies at
National Conventions, NYS State Conventions, other state conventions,
and for several divisions and counties, totaling over 4,000 candidates.
- The women are delighted to further the culture and history of our Order
and enrich their Catholic faith.
For more information, contact:
Suffolk County Celtic Degree Team
Elizabeth M. Kreamer, Guardian
102 Meroke Lane
East Islip, NY 11730
Phone 631-277-3170
E-mail celticdegree@yahoo.com
The Trinity Degree Team of the Capital District
- The Trinity Degree Team is brand new, having been approved for
formation in late 2005.
- In the history of our Order, the ladies of Schenectady had a degree team
in the 60's and 70's and early 80's. The team slowly disappeared as
those involved became unable to participate anymore.
- However, since that time, the three Counties of Albany, Schenectady
and Rensselaer have recently formed a joint degree team, the Trinity
Degree Team. This fledgling team now has about 20 ladies committed
to promoting the History of our Motherland and the contributions made
to the adopted homeland of our ancestors. They have sponsored the
major degrees in the Schenectady hall, and have completed some fund
raising projects to gather the funds needed to purchase costumes and
other necessities.
- They are looking forward to joining the ranks of the other working
Degree Teams in the United States with their first Degree in 2006.
- For further information, contact:
Trinity Degree Team
Jacqueline Gilroy Clute, Guardian
902 Hegeman Street
Schenectady, NY 12306
Phone 518-395-9964
E-mail banbha1@aol.com
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