The Society of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick Greater Trenton
Commitment to Our Heritage
Established in Philadelphia in 1771 as The Society of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland. The Society grew as Chapters were formed in states and counties throughout the country. Trenton formed a Chapter in 1947. Surviving in various forms over the years, it is the desire of The Society of Greater Trenton to not only survive but to thrive by the efforts of our next generation.
Dedicated to Cultural Preservation
The Society of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick Greater Trenton is modeled after the original Society for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland establised in Philadelphia in 1771. The Society is committed to safeguarding and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our Irish community. Through various initiatives, we empower individuals to embrace our traditions and foster a deeper connection with our roots.
Our mission focuses on charity with an emphasis on the significance that Greater Trenton played in the American Revolution. We hope to identify and support the needs of the remaining historical sites of that period, as we work to preserve these critical links to the establishment of our United States of America. We believe that by connecting people to their history and heritage through education, we contribute to a stronger, more resilient Irish community that values its unique identity.
Initiatives
We actively engage in projects that celebrate and preserve cultural traditions, ensuring they are passed down through generations. Each initiative aims to educate and inspire community engagement in cultural activities.
A Toast To America
-Cocktail Reception and Society Lecture
On Thursday March 12, 2026 the Friendly Sons of St Patrick will gather for A Toast To America at 6pm at The Boathouse at Mercer Lake. It has been since 2019 since a Friendly Sons gathering has taken place. Gentlemen, please join us as your support is necessary to restore the Society to it's rightful place among Greater Trenton's irish organizations.
Meetings
-Gatherings of The Society of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick Greater Trenton
We plan to hold quarterly meeting of the Society in January, March, June and September. Each meeting will feature a speaker that will present on history and social topics to educate our membership on our initiatives.
Membership
- $100 Lifetime
The Society of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick Greater Trenton will be supported through memberships. Membership will be established as a Lifetime membership. and require two sponsors for entrance. A one-time $100 fee will be collected for each member.
History
We will actively promote the rich history of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland. Formed in 1771 with Gen Stephen Moylan as the first President, many Society members went on to serve under Gen George Washington during the American Revolution.
The Society of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick for the
Relief of Emigrants from Ireland
-Philadelphia 1771
When Stephen Moylan became the first President of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick, though Catholic himself, he fostered relationships with Protestants, Catholics and Quakers alike to aid the Irish emigrating form Ireland.
The Friendly Sons of St Patrick
-Trenton 1947
In 1947 Counsellor John J Connell, Henry F Gill, Thomas A Brennan, Edward J Kelly John E Curry and Richard Boney planned the first Friendly Sons of St Patrick Dinner at the Stacey Trent Hotel in Trenton. One would believe that they were aware of the historical significance of such an esteemed organization of Irish descent which dated back to Philadelphia in 1771.
