Gallagher, Simon Felix

In addition to hosting countless Hibernian society functions, including the annual St. Patrick’s Day banquet, the hall has been used for other major social events, most notably the January Ball of the St. Cecilia Society, Charleston’s oldest and most exclusive social function.

Organized Catholic life began in 1788 with the arrival of the first stationed priest in Charleston and with the pledge of several Catholic laymen to build a church. In 1789 five Catholics acquired a lot and a run-down building for the church, marking the first public Catholic space in the state.