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Archiver > IA-IRISH > 2005-05 > 1115340180


From: Nancy Frey <>
Subject: Re: [IA-IRISH] More on "Hibernian Windows" - Search Tips
Date: Thu, 05 May 2005 17:43:00 -0700
References: <012701c551cf$ea839820$29104a0c@4ladz>


I haven't seen it and don't know if it still exists, but I know my
ancestors in the (Alexander and Mary) Marron family gifted a stained
glass window to the Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Gilbert, Iowa,
sometime around the turn of the 2oth century, but not sure if it was
one of these Hibernian windows. Or were those just from groups, not
families?
Nancy Frey

Cathy Joynt Labath wrote:
> As I understand it, searching for these windows has become quite an addiction
> with the AOH Historians. If you want to become an addict here are some tips to
> get started. I do have the excel spreadsheet with the places where these windows
> have already been found if anyone is interested in churches where the windows
> have been found in your state.---Cathy
>
>
> HIBERNIAN STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
> SEARCH TIPS
>
> · Remember if these windows still exist they are generally over 100 years old
> and the gift dedication can often be faint and not recognizable unless the
> observer is right at the bottom of the window.
>
> · The gift notation is usually on the bottom of the window but also has been
> found on plaques nearby the window or elsewhere in the church. Some we found
> only by a reference in the church history. Two churches windows had no gift
> notation at the bottom or in the church but the organizations and individuals
> who donated them were noted in the Catholic paper the day the church was
> dedicated.
>
> · More than half of the churches with these windows do not have Irish names.
> The three leading names of non-Irish named churches with these windows -St Mary
> 's, Immaculate Conception and St Joseph's---reflect the early development of the
> church and the churches proclamation of a dogma. Remember if the older churches
> which might have these windows or other AOH gifts have been consolidated they
> may lose their original name. The most common name for these 'consolidated'
> churches are All Saints or Holy Family.
>
> · The only way to confirm the presence or absence of a window or other gift is
> on sight observation. Don't rely on a phone call to an employee at the rectory
> who are usually too young, too old, or too busy to answer your questions with
> any accuracy.
>
> · A church may presently and in living memory be known as an Italian, African
> American, Hispanic or French church. However, don't write it off as not a
> possibility because it is often the case that the Irish were the ones that built
> the church but moved on. Remember in your mind you want to know what the church
> and parishioners were like 100-130 years ago.
>
> · It is likely these churches have been renovated but often the windows are not
> replaced owing to their expense or beauty. The stained glass windows that seem
> the most likely to be covered up during a renovation are those in the choir
> loft, bell tower or in the front above the altar.
>
> · Mass times are the best time to investigate a church. Try to do so at a time
> when there is as much light as possible. Just because a church is locked or
> even closed doesn't mean you can't get in. However, it does mean some extra
> work , diplomacy, patience and Irish stubbornness to get in and check it out.
>
> · The places where the Irish first settled and built churches may now be areas
> that have less people or activity. The church may still be there but it is
> sometimes separately listed as a "mission" church of a larger parish which may
> be 10-20 miles away.
>
> · Although our primary focus is on older churches(1870-1910) it is quite
> possible that there were Divisions of the AOH in the 1930's-60's which are no
> longer there but their gift is. Also, the key to checking out any church for
> these gifts is not just the presence of an AOH Division but a Irish priest who
> may have been an AOH Chaplain or just called upon a AOH Division in a nearby
> County or State for the donation of a window, station of the cross, statue of St
> Brigid or St Patrick or tower bells.
>
>
>
> ==== IA-IRISH Mailing List ====
> Ireland Newspaper Abstracts
> http://www.IrelandOldNews.com/
> Iowa Newspaper Abstracts
> http://www.IowaOldPress.com/
>
>


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