The Charitable Irish Society of Halifax, Nova Scotia

The annual St. Patrick's Day church service was either held in St. Mary's Cathedral, Spring Garden Road, or St. Patrick's Church, Brunswick Street. However, St, Patrick's Day fell on Sunday in 1867 so the Charitable Irish Society decided to celebrate on Monday. The usual religious services of the day were held at St. Mary's and the Rev. Carmody preached a panegyric.

In spite of the large snow storm the night before, 160 members of the Charitable Irish Society assembled at Mason Hall on Monday morning. About 10:30 a.m. the procession, led by a Volunteer Band playing a time honoured air of "Saint Patrick's Day", marched along several principal streets, before proceeding north on Barrington Street. The procession stopped in front of Government House and gave three cheers for Queen Victoria and another three cheers for Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Fenwick Williams. The band played the National Anthem and the cortege proceeded to the Archbishop's residence where the group gave three cheers for the Archbishop and clergy.

After returning to Mason Hall, three cheers were given for Old Ireland, "our own green Isle of the ocean", and another three cheers for the land in which they resided and for St. Patrick's Day. Then members dispersed but it was noted that "the Banners and Regalia of the Society having lately been repaired were in splendid condition and presented a very nice appearance." [Minute Book, 1867-1883; MG 20 vol. 69]

Date: ca. 1865

Photographer: Joseph S. Rogers

Reference: Joseph Rogers Nova Scotia Archives 1992-412 no. 38