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; Suffolk County,
NY and the Albany-Troy-Schenectady area of NY.
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 Carol McTigue 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 ante-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
- 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
Aggie O'Leary
529 Shade Street
North Babylon, NY 11703
Phone 631-667-8627
e-mail Aggie O'Leary
or
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 was approved for formation in late 2005.
- In the history of our Order, the ladies of Schenectady had a degree team in the 60's, 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 formed
a joint degree team, the Trinity Degree Team. This 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.
- The Degree Teams conducted their first Degree in 2006.
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- 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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