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| U N I T E D W E S E R V E . |
| HISTORY |
Our Presidents Curtis Anderson
Events Initiated by the F.O.U.I.s The Irish Spring Festival |
Father Duffey and Sister Mary Watson sent forth a “Clarion Call” of desperation and need of help. The year was 1978 and the Cass Corridor was a rather grim and desolate area of vacated boarded up edifices, occasionally occupied by businesses catering to academia, or second-hand shops, a few restaurants, some soup- kitchens, and bars. Most importantly for our purposes, there were hundreds of economically deprived senior citizens; indefensible targets for the numerous predators roaming the then nearly empty streets of the “Corridor”. For example, a 76 year old blind parishioner risks leaving his apartment early one Sunday morning to attend Mass and noon meal. Upon his return he finds his apartment ransacked and, what little food, clothing and few personal items he possessed are gone! Even his only contact with the outside world…his table model radio. This was the fourth such robbery of his apartment in almost as many months, the others occurring while he was obtaining medical attention or grocery shopping. Father Tom or Sister Mary related to the F.O.U.I.s many heartrending stories of the plights of the forgotten seniors whom they encountered on a daily basis. They expressed their hopes and aspirations of a program encompassing nutritional, medical and dental care, recreational and physical therapy activities, legal and religious guidance, and most of all, restoration of self-respect and dignity. Upon hearing of St. Patrick’s plans, the newly formed social/fraternal organization, the Fraternal Order of United Irishmen met, discussed and voted unanimously to adopt the St. Patrick’s Senior Center and St. Patrick’s Church because as it’s primary charitable function and has espoused their mission ever since. The F.O.U.I.s, by whatever means necessary, have endeavored to promote St. Pat’s humanitarian goals through fund-raising events as well as community awareness via personal advocacy, and involvement in the Irish community year round by it’s membership in the United Irish Societies since 1978. Our membership is comprised of non-denominational, multi-ethnical men of varied professional backgrounds with an appreciation of Irish music and culture. We are non-politically affiliated, however we help to foster an awareness of the human rights problems in Ireland, past and present. While St. Patrick’s is and always has been the Fraternal Order of United Irishmen’s primary charity, we are also proud to include in our membership, and support, as well as receive support from, the Irish Pallottine Fathers of Wyandotte, Michigan and their Missions in Tanzania South Africa; their Annual Golf Tournament and their Annual Golf Tournament and their Bi-Annual Dinner Dances. Our F.O.U.I. Singing –Marching Chowder Society, and all-male, members only choir has performed at many seniors residences, convalescent centers, charitable functions and organizational fund-raisers in the state of Michigan. During our many years of existence, we have grown from an initial six founding members to a vast city-wide and suburban membership, enjoying a lasting camaraderie of our fraternal brotherhood, and the satisfaction of successful efforts on behalf of St. Patrick’s Church, The Irish Pallottine Fathers and Missions and the Irish Community.
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