In 1661, Native Americans would have noticed the ship “Ye Owners Adventure” sailing north on the Delaware River to Gloucester Point, bringing the first Irish colonists to Gloucester City.
They settled in the Irishtown neighborhood and their numbers grew gradually – until spiking upward sharply as the Great Hunger devastated Ireland from 1845 to 1849.
In 1848 as the Irish Catholic population grew in Gloucester City there was a need for a church, and on Sept. 28, 1848 the cornerstone of St. Mary’s Church was blessed by Bishop Kenrick, according to the Gloucester City Historical Society website.
Among the residents were Irish Republicans who sought independence from England. An announcement in the Aug. 12, 1948 edition of the Public Ledger newspaper stated:
“Ireland and Liberty – Gloucester City, Awake! – A Mass Meeting of the Friends of Ireland will be held this Saturday evening at 7 ½ o’clock at the Washington Hall, Gloucester City, NJ, for the purpose of collecting funds to aid Ireland, in the present, which may be her last struggle for liberty, By order of the Executive Committee, Rob’t Tyler, Chairman, John B. Colahan and James Faye, Secretaries.”
“The ‘Wearing of the Green’ is an ode to the many lives affected by the Great Hunger, and its impact on Gloucester City’s rich Irish heritage,” according to the Gloucester City Irish Society website, whose Pipes and Drums band will perform in the 10th annual Gloucester City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 2, beginning at 1 p.m.
Many Gloucester City residents are looking forward to the premier pay Parade in South Jersey that will travel down Monmouth Street and along King Street to the delight of thousands of people.
“Nothing brings the spirit of the Irish Parade to life like the powerful sound of bagpipes and drums echoing through the streets. These incredible bands never fail to get the crowd clapping, cheering, and dancing along,” parade organizer Dan Spencer said.
The bands marching down Monmouth Street this year include the Gloucester City Irish Society Pipes & Drums, the Brian Boru Pipes & Drums, the Sandpipers Pipes & Drums of Atlantic County, the Camden County Emerald Society Pipes & Drums and the Trenton Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 1 Pipe & Drums band.
Also performing will be more Irish bands, Mummers’ string bands and Irish dancers, and there will be many floats featuring local organizations, sports teams, businesses and the Gloucester City chapter of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.
This year’s Grand Marshal will be Patrick Ward, representing the Ward Family and honoring the incredible legacy of his parents, John and Clare Ward, who instilled a deep sense of faith, family, and community service in their family.
Joining the festivities will be Bishop Dennis Sullivan, leader of the Camden Diocese, who will be the homilist for the Irish Mass at 9:30 a.m. at the church and then will march in the parade with Gloucester Catholic High School and diocesan priests.
Also joining the parade to the delight of football fans thrilled with the local Super Bowl LIX champions will be the Philadelphia Eagles Pep Band that will “will once again electrify the Gloucester City St. Patrick’s Parade,” Spencer said. “Known for their spirited renditions of ‘Fly, Eagles Fly,’ the band brings the perfect blend of Philly sports pride and Irish cheer to our celebration. Join us for a day filled with music, community, and Eagles pride.”
The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is sponsored by St. Mary’s Church, the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Gloucester City Irish Society, whose Pipes and Drums band always delights the crowd.
