Ireland's High Crosses - Vikings couldn't steal or destroy them
CROSS TALK
This is the first in a series of stories in the PDX HI about the Hibernian High Cross and the Oregon Potato Famine Memorial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Portland, OR, where it has stood since December 2008.
The Cross in Portland, Oregon is the only existing realistic restoration of the Cross of the Scriptures – which is the most revered of Ireland’s five dozen or so remaining ancient high crosses - in America. The original was erected in 914 CE at Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly, to honor High King Flann. The reproduction at Mt. Calvary was dedicated in 2008 to honor the sacrifices of Famine-era (1845 – 1851) Irish, especially those who emigrated to Oregon.
Why a Celtic High Cross as a memorial to An Gorta Mor?
The Cross of the Scriptures represents the pinnacle of Early Irish Medieval Art. It is an enduring symbol of Ireland’s contribution to world history and western civilization, like the Harp and the Shamrock. “We weren’t looking for a symbol of loss and despair. We wanted a symbol of hope and a visual image of the glory of Ireland that would make us proud.”
Who commissioned the Hibernian High Cross?
A committee of five affiliated with the Portland, OR chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians: David O’Longaigh (the engineer), Peter Cullen (the banker), Brian Doherty (the attorney), Gerard McAleese (the publican) and Dan Holden (the historian). In 1997, hundreds gathered in Portland to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Ireland’s Great Famine (An Gorta Mor) and celebrate their Irish heritage. The committee of five seized the momentum from that event and set out to construct a Famine Memorial with a Celtic High Cross as its centerpiece. The contract was signed in 2003. Work began in 2004. On Dec. 13, 2008, the Oregon Irish Famine Memorial was dedicated by the President of Ireland Mary McAleese. It stands today as the most realistic reproduction of the Cross of the Scriptures outside of Ireland.
Who sculpted the High Cross?
Master sculptor Brendan McGloin of County Donegal (1969 - 2025) “This is the first time anything of this magnitude has been done or attempted, to recreate a Tenth Century High Cross,” McGloin told Irish broadcaster RTE. “The reality of it really struck me when I went to Clonmacnoise (location of the original Cross of the Scriptures). When I walked into the center where they have the Cross housed now, I thought ‘My God, what have I done. This is huge. This is a lot of work.” McGloin, self-taught as a sculptor, lived and worked near the border of Counties Leitrim and Donegal. He didn’t use any tools that weren’t used on the original Cross. Nothing electric. No motors. As a result of his work on the Cross he was invited to teach sculpting in Italy. Brendan was an avid surfer. Sadly, he passed away in the spring of 2025. Brendan was 56. This is an excellent piece RTE did on Brendan and The Cross.
What’s the back story?
The Hibernian High Cross stands 14 feet tall, weighs four tons and towers over the crossroads at West Burnside and Skyline Blvd in Southwest Portland. The original Cross of the Scriptures was one of hundreds of High Crosses built by the Irish during the Viking invasion from 800 to 1050 C.E. Viking invaders stripped Ireland of ancient arts and crafts and metal works, but the Crosses were something the Norsemen couldn’t steal or destroy. The original Cross is noteworthy for the “wealth of its symbolic carvings.” Brendan McGloin’s reproduction also features 20 separate panels depicting Biblical scenes such as the Crucifixion of Christ and the Last Judgement. It was sculpted from Donegal sandstone. The original from Clare sandstone.
Where can I see the original Cross of the Scriptures?
In Clonmacnoise, County Offaly, Ireland. Ireland’s high crosses were all built adjacent to monasteries, which were the centers of learning in ancient Ireland. Actually, there are two Crosses of the Scriptures you can see there. The original from the early Tenth Century was brought inside in 1991. Nothing lasts forever in West of Ireland weather, apparently. Outside stands the replica. Some would say that the cross at Mt. Calvary in Portland is a superior replica. It’s solid sandstone while the Clonmacnoise replica is hollow. Whatever the case, the Portland Hibernian Society has an informal relationship with the staff at Clonmacnoise National Monument so be sure to mention the Hibernian High Cross next time you visit.
THE ORIGINAL-ERECTED IN THE EARLY TENTH CENTURY
The staff at Clonmacnoise National Monument. Be sure to mention the Hibernian High Cross in Portland when you visit them next.
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