Since 1906, the Friends of St. Patrick have been celebrating Irish heritage and fostering community spirit in Albany, NY. Our annual St. Patrick's Day dinner, a cherished tradition, has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a beloved event that brings together people from all walks of life.

On a fateful day in March 1906, the late Judge L. E. Griffith and a small group of friends were enjoying lunch at the Elks Club when Judge Griffith posed a simple question: "What are we going to do for St. Patrick's Day?" This casual inquiry sparked an idea that would become a long-standing tradition in our community.

The group decided to host a corned beef and cabbage dinner at 2:00 PM on March 17, 1906, at the Elks Club. The inaugural gathering was small but diverse, reflecting the inclusive spirit that would come to define the Friends of St. Patrick: Judge Griffith, an Episcopalian; Max Goodkind and Louis Loewenstein, of Jewish faith; and three individuals of Irish descent.

The dinner quickly gained popularity, becoming an annual event held at the Elks Club. As attendance grew, the gathering eventually outgrew the club's dining room capacity. This growth led to the formal establishment of the "Friends of St. Patrick" organization.

The choice of name, "Friends of St. Patrick," reflects the diverse backgrounds of the founders and the universal appeal of St. Patrick himself. As our founders noted, St. Patrick is a figure claimed by many nations and enjoyed friendship with all – except, of course, the snakes.

While our event has roots in a men's-only gathering, we're proud that for the past decade, our dinner has been open to all, regardless of gender. This change reflects our commitment to inclusivity and community spirit.

The Friends of St. Patrick continue to honor Irish heritage while celebrating the diversity that makes our community strong. We invite you to join us in this tradition that has been bringing people together for over a century.