St. Cecilia Society

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The St. Cecilia Society was founded in Charles Towne, South Carolina as a music society. Today the St. Cecilia is an annual ball in Charleston, South Carolina where debutantes are presented to society. There has been a St. Cecilia Ball in the city of Charleston every year since 1821.

Only the first families of Charleston—those with deep-rooted connections that stretch back to the city’s founding—are invited. The Society that administers it is overseen by a 16-member Board of Managers who are all male. According to tradition, no one who is divorced can be invited. Membership rules today also don’t deviate from the standard set down in the 19th century; no one from a Jewish or African American family can belong, and women are subject to special regulations. Ladies from out of town may attend if invited, provided they meet family requirements.

- Source: The Rites Of St. Cecilia; Charleston Magazine; James Hutchisson

Per a lawsuit found in South Carolina Archives http://www.state.sc.us/scdah/ (SAINT CECILIA SOCIETY VS JAMES ALEXANDER WRIGHT, SUMMARY PROCESS ROLL), The St. Cecilia Society existed as early as 2 June 1800.