Serving Sussex County, Delaware with pride since inception. We are dedicated to fostering Irish-Catholic heritage, supporting local beach community charities, protecting our Catholic faith, and honoring the legacy of Commodore John Barry.
Division 1 • Rehoboth Beach
Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity form the foundation of our brotherhood.
Fostering genuine camaraderie, fraternity, and lifelong bonds among Irish-American Catholic men across Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Sussex County.
Uniting in faith to preserve Irish history, protect our Roman Catholic traditions, and advocate for peace, justice, and liberty in Ireland and America.
Giving back to local food banks, seminarians, parish causes, and families in need through the Hibernian Hunger Project and seasonal fundraisers.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Commodore John Barry Division 1 is the coastal Delaware chapter of America’s oldest and largest Irish-Catholic fraternal organization. Named in honor of Commodore John Barry—a Wexford-born patriot acclaimed as the "Father of the American Navy"—our division carries on a centuries-old tradition of faith, heritage, and service.
Headquartered near the scenic beaches of Sussex County, our members regularly gather at St. Edmond Roman Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach and collaborate with neighboring parishes such as St. Jude the Apostle in Lewes.
Diocese of Wilmington Region
"We stand together to preserve our Catholic faith, celebrate Irish culture in Delaware, and lift up those in our community who need our support."
Join us for Irish charity galas, spring flings, food drives, and fraternal meetings.
Featuring a buffet lunch (baked chicken, hot sides, garden salad & dessert), live Irish music band, bar, and raffles!
Collecting non-perishable food items and gift cards for local Sussex County food banks and families in need.
Gathering for prayer, business agenda, charity updates, and fraternal fellowship. Prospective members are welcome!
Through member contributions, galas, and community partnerships, Division 1 makes a direct impact across southern Delaware.
Every donation directly funds food security in Sussex County through the Cape Henlopen Food Basket, Casa San Francisco, the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Edmond, and seminarian education via Project St. Patrick.
"The Father of the American Navy" (1745 – 1803)
Born in County Wexford, Ireland, Commodore John Barry rose from humble Irish roots to become George Washington’s most trusted naval commander and Commission #1 holder in the United States Navy.
Tacumshane, Co. Wexford, Ireland
"By Virtue of the Power in me vested... I repose special Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity..."
Born in Tacumshane, County Wexford, Ireland. Forced off his family's farm by British penal laws, he went to sea as a boy and settled in Philadelphia by 1760, becoming a prosperous merchant captain at age 21.
Commanding the brig Lexington, Barry achieved the very first warship capture under Continental authority when he took HMS Edward off the Virginia Capes in April 1776.
Commanding the frigate USS Alliance, Barry successfully engaged and defeated HMS Sybil off the Florida coast, firing the final naval shots of the American Revolutionary War.
When Congress passed the Naval Armament Act of 1794 creating the permanent U.S. Navy, President George Washington named Barry its Senior Captain. Washington personally delivered Commission #1 on February 22, 1797, naming him Commander-in-Chief of the naval fleet.
Division 1 carries his name forward through Catholic charity, youth scholarships, and Irish history preservation.
Sussex County & The Cape Region
From the historic maritime communities of Lewes and Milton to coastal Rehoboth Beach, Irish-Catholic families have long been an essential part of Sussex County's heritage and civic leadership.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians was founded in New York in 1836 to protect Catholic churches and support Irish immigrants fleeing famine. Today, Commodore John Barry Division 1 continues this rich legacy in Delaware by:
Organizing cultural lectures, Irish dance performances, and parish celebrations each March.
Partnering with regional Irish dance academies (like the McAleer-Paulson School) and traditional folk bands for galas.
Supporting Freedom for All Ireland initiatives and promoting peaceful democratic unity across all 32 counties of Ireland.
How well do you know Irish history, AOH traditions, and Commodore John Barry?
Membership in the AOH is open to practicing Roman Catholic men of Irish birth or descent, aged 16 and older.
Complete this form and our Division Membership Officer will reach out to welcome you to our next meeting.
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Please remember our ill and homebound division brothers and their families in your daily Rosary.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Sign in with your Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 1 credentials to access internal meeting minutes, division bylaws, prayer requests, and annual dues renewal.
auth.josephgarrigan.com / aohrb
Have questions about our charity drives, events, or joining our division? Reach out or visit our monthly meeting.
St. Edmond Roman Catholic Church (Parish Social Center)
407 King Charles Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
2nd Thursday of every month @ 6:30 PM
info@aoh-rehoboth.org