April 1917

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

APRIL, 1917.

Holy Week.

DURING Holy Week a Service will be held

(D. V.) each evening (except Saturday) in

the Parish Church, at 8 o'clock. Addresses

will be given on the following subjects :—

Monday, April 2nd—" The Last Supper."

Tuesday 3rd—" The Agony."

Wednesday „ 4th " The Betrayal."

Thursday 5^th The Trial "

GOOD FRIDAY.

11-30 a.m.—Morning Prayer and Sermon.

8 p.m.—Evening Prayer and Sermon.— Subject, " The Crucifixion."

EASTER DAY.

8 a.m.—Holy Communion.

11-30 a.m.—Morning Prayer, Sermon and Holy Communion.

7 p.m.—Evening Prayer and Sermon.

On Good Friday the offerings will be given to the

Jews' Society. On Easter Day at all Services the

offerings will be given to the Parish Sunday School

Fund.

Annual Easter Vestry.

The General Vestrymen of the Parish, will

meet for the Easter Vestry in Seagoe Parochial

School, on Thursday, April 12th. A full attendance

of the Registered Vestrymen of the Parish is

requested. A meeting of the out-going Select

Vestry will be held on the same evening at 7-30, for

the presentation of the Annual Accounts.

Frozen Tea.

February 4th, 1917.

A Letter from

6041 L./C. G. Preston, R.I. Fusiliers,

No. 3 E.K.I., Friedrichsfeld,

Bei Wisel, Germany.

I am very glad to say your postcards dated 1st

January reached me safely ; its a great blessing you

are all keeping in good health, and everything going

on well at home. You needn't worry yourself on my

account, I am keeping in good trim [two lines blocked

out here by German censor] , there's not much wrong

with me. When I get home and hear anyone saying

they are cold I'll tell them to come here for a sample.

Talk about freeezing, if you leave your tea alone for a

couple of minutes

THERE'S ICE ON IT

before you know where you are. I had to walk about

the room for an hour before I could tackle this letter,

and even now I have to blow my fingers to keep

them warm, although my chum's fur coat is over my

legs. There's a fellow lying in bed beside me while I'm

writing, and he's warming his hands on a couple of

sluts burning in a, biscuit tin, I suppose you will

laugh at this, but its the truth. I will have to hurry

up with this now, as the Sergeant Major has just

warned us to fall in at 12 'o'clock for afternoons [two

lines blocked out here by German censor] , while we

are at it and see which party can get finished first.

Have to knock off now and get dinner ready : going

to have a fry in the pan ; my mate is opening the

tins and

GROWLING LIKE A BEAR ON HOT PLATES.

Mark time till evening—end of first lesson.

Its a good job we have plenty of warm clothing

—stuff sent from home. Tell " Trimble " to hurry

up and send my fur coat: up to the time of

writing your parcel hasn't come through, but they

will turn up all right, don't leave yourself short of

anything, I know things are very dear at present.

SEND A BIT OF BACON,

drop Trimble a note anytime I tell you ; sorry if its

too much trouble. I was grieved to hear of the

deaths of Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Cordy. I'm afraid

there will be a lot of changes, but these things can't

be helped. Give my best respects to the Rev Mr.

Archer ; ask him to excuse me for not writing to him;

tell him our correspondence is limited. I suppose

there is

VERY FEW OF THE BOYS

left at home now. What a, welcome there will be for

all when this is over, and pray God it will come

soon. I will be sending you a photo shortly; haven't

got it taken yet, when I get the fur coat, I will be

like a teddy bear, all muffled up to the eyes, I can't

write any more as

1 HAVE TO FALL IN NOW

for work. How is all the neighbours. You are

hardly ever out of my thoughts ; give my best love to

father, mother, sisters and brothers. Write soon.

Your loving husband,

GEORGE.

Colonel Blacker, D.S.O.

Colonel Blacker, D.S.O., returned last week to

Carrickblacker from France. On Wednesday,

March 21st, he was received by the King at

Buckingham Palace and was decorated with the

Insignia of the Distinguished Service Order. Our

readers will join heartily in congratulating Colonel

Blacker on the signal honour he received at His

Majesty's hands, and on the splendid work he has

accomplished since he took over the command of the

Battalion at the outbreak of the war.

Offertories for March,

Sunday—Mornings, £4 1 3

Evenings, 1 3 8

Week Days 0 4 8

£5 9 7

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Life at Salonica.

Captain Dobson describing his experiences at

Salonica writes :-—

The “Mavates " are much like the Round Towers

in Ireland ; they stand very high. The people stand

around, while the priest (Mohammedan) goes up to

the top and prays down on them, and also invokes

the blessing of his God.

We had our Service last Sunday in an old Greek

Church. Inside the colouring and images were the

most weird looking sights I ever saw. All this to me

is full of interest in many respects.

On the top of a mound near here you see a kind

of platform in the earth. The natives say that St.

Peter preached to the people from this platform.

Up to the present this country is frightfully wet

and cold; at night the cold is simply dreadful.

Today we had a heavy fall of snow. I am glad to

see it, us, I should say, it will take the cold out of

the air.

I understand the heat begins about the 1st of

April. From that time on there is plenty of Malaria

and other forms of disease.

I must say I do not admire the natives whom I

have met and seen. They are dirty, careless, and do

not appear to take great deal of interest in their

country. That, however, may be due to the fact

that there has been so much fighting over this part

of the land in times past, and that .they are still not

sure of their position.

This is a fine country for game. I was out shooting

on the mountains a few times. The last day we got

four hares and four wild geese. You very often

come across wolves, and the snakes are quite

numerous. I am trying to shoot. an eagle, so that I

may get his claws.

I live in a “dugout," and I am fairly comfortable

under every difficult circumstances. I should say,

too, that seven other officers and myself mess in 'the

same' dugout.".

The food is quite good ; but, at

the same time, not very luxurious.

Nature Notes.

Our Summer migrants—the swallow, the cuckoo

and the corncrake—are due to arrive in April. We

hope in our next issue to print the names (with dates)

of those who first note their arrival in the Parish, so

keep your ears and eyes wide open.

Seagoe in Canada.

A Canadian paper gives an account of a pleasant

little function in which Miss Rose Coulter, late of

Tarson in this "Parish, played a 'leading part. 'The

proceedings took place at Owen Sound, Canada—

On Thursday evening Miss McDowall entertained

her Bible Class at her sister's home, 1056, 3rd

Avenue, E., in honour of Miss Alma Taylor, one of

the members of the class, who, with her father and

uncle, sails for England shortly. The rooms were

bright with golden glow, asters and ferns. The

time passed pleasantly with music and readings until

little after nine when Miss McDowall read an

address on behalf of the class, and Miss Rose Coulter

presented Miss Taylor with an ebony brush and

comb in a handsome case. The receipient thanked

them in a few touching words. Miss McDowall then

served a light lunch of tea, cake and ice cream, some

of the girls acting as waitresses. The address is as

follows

“ Dear Alma, We have invited you here this

evening to say goodbye. We have spent many

pleasant hours together as a class. Needless to say

we are sorry to have you go. We are glad to have

you visit the land of your birth. One of the poets

says, " Be it a weakness, yet it is worthy of our

praise, we love the play place of our early days."

The class wish to present you with this ebony brush

and comb, in its case, as a little remembrance of

each. It is accompanied with our love and good

wishes for a happy and prosperous voyage. Should

circumstances ever permit you to return to our

Dominion. be sure we will give you a warm welcome

back. " We commend you to God and the word of

His grace."

The Lantern Mission,

During the week ending March 27th a Lantern

Mission was held each evening in Edenderry

Parochial Hall. The Rector gave an address each

evening on a subject connected with the closing

Events of our Lord's Life. The addresses were

illustrated by slides, and those present were thus

enabled to hear as well as to see the Gospel Story.

Rushing the Hun.

Private David Webb, Royal Irish Fusiliers, B. E. F.,

writes as follows

Dear Rev. thought you would like to hear

how I am doing. Well, I am in the best of health

and good spirits. Like all the rest of the Tommies

we never get down-hearted I see some of Our

Seagoe boys out here, and they are looking fit. I

am now spending my ninth month out here, and I

am as fresh as I was when I came out first, despite

the cold winter which we have passed through. We

intend either rushing the Hun off his feet or

wearing him out; I think he is about done, or he

would be sending more of his presents to us, but he

can't frighten a true British soldier. The Church

Army is doing a glorious work out here ; they provide

a hut and plenty of writing paper free for the

Tommies to write when they come out of the

trenches ; may they never get tired of this good

work. I will draw to a close. Hoping you and the

people of Seagoe are in the best of health, I am Rev.

Sir, your humble servant,

DAVID WEBB.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

A Seagoe School Composition.

The following letter written in Seagoe School by

one of the pupils contains some useful advice well

expressed.

Seagoe N.S.,

Portadown.

21/2/'17.

Dear Mrs. Smith,—The last time I was visiting at

your house I noticed there was about an acre of

arable land lying at the back of the house.

I think you should exert yourself to try and get it in some

shape for cropping. At the present time there is a

Scarcity of food in Ireland, and in a short time there

will be less. If you would plant your garden in

potatoes it would be a help to the nation. Allowing

your children to play in it is of little use to you and

the nation. If you cultivate it you will be doing

your duty.—l remain, yours truly,

AMY HOLMES.

PARISH REGISTER FOR

MARCH, 1917.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish

Church on 3rd March, 1917

Moy—Violet, daughter of Thomas James and Frances Hoy, of Lylo.

Porter—William Victor, son of Richard and Elizabeth Alice Porter, of Lower Seagoe.

McMurray—Margaret, daughter of George and Martha McMurray, of Lylo.

Burial-

McCrory—13th March, 1917, Jane McCrory of Tarson, aged 60 years.

Death.

Gilpin—30th SÄIarch, 1917, Thomas Gilpin, of Clanrola.

ITEMS.

Owners of land should cultivate more than the

minimum required by the law. Food may be very

scarce and prices will be high in the winter of 1917/18.

The school boys of Seagoe Parish are doing

splendid work, Many plots and gardens have been

dug and put in order by their willing and sturdy

hands and feet. In several parts of the Parish

women are also doing their shore in the preparation

of the land for the crops.

The Rev. T. H. Scanlon has made a good recovery

from his recent illness.

The Rev. G. Bloomer, formerly Curate of Seagoe

has been appointed to take charge of a Y.M.C.A. Hut

in France. His duties there commence on May 1st

On May 13th the Rev. W. R. Crichton will preach

in Seagoe Church on behalf of the Jews' Society.

We congratulate Sergeant Milligan of Century St

on receiving an Italian decoration for bravery in the

field.

Summer Time comes into force on Easter Day.

Clocks must be put on one hour. Ireland will then

be awaking hours before her usual time and going

to bed hours earlier than she did in 1915.

The Seagoe Box Collections for C.M.S. are

£ll 6s. ; Card and Box Collections for S.A M.S.

£6 13s 10d.

Old Seagoe Notes,

Notes on the Map of Oneilland.—The Map Of

Oneilland, published in our last issue, created much

interest in our readers, and not a little mystification.

We add here some further 'important notes on the

history and features of the Map

The Map was made by Sir William Petty in the

year 1657. it was one of series of Maps of Ulster

which Sir William Petty was commissioned to make,

in order to assist in the allotment of the "lands

forfeited Under the Plantation Schemes. Many of the

Maps are very full and complete, but, owing to the

fact that in Oneilland most of the lands were

unforfeited because already in the hands of Protestants,

this particular Map contains but few details. The

mystery of the original Map being in the National

Library in France is solved by the fact that when

Sir William Petty's Maps were being sent across to

England (in the reign of William III.) from Ireland,

the ship which carried them was captured by a

French Privateer, and it, and all its belongings, were

brought to France. About 100 years ago an English

Colonel, named Vallancey, made a coloured copy of

all the Maps in the Library at Paris, but these copies

(now in the Record Office, Dublin) are much injured

by the disastrous fire which occurred many years ago

in the Bermingham Tower, Dublin Castle, where they

were Originally kept. In 1904, the French Government

permitted the British Ordnance Survey to make

photographic copies Of them, and the Map inserted

in the Magazine is a reduced facsimile of this copy.

If our readers examine the Map they will see that the

townlands of Upper and Lower Seagoe are marked

on the Map as well as Kilvergan. Seagoe is spelled

" Seggo," and it is apparently attached to the parish

of Drumcree.

In the original Map it is easy to

distinguish it as part of Seagoe, as it is coloured

green, while Drumcree is outlined in red. There is

a rude representation of Old Seagoe Church under

the word'" Seggo." The lands in Seagoe lying along

the Bann— the Bann meadows are marked " unprofitable."

The numbers on the Maps are merely for

reference and do pot denote acreage. Seagoe is

marked 26, the b ; Kilvergan is marked

27, and the neighbouring bogland, 27 b.

Petty's Map of Oneilland was based on measurements

mode by a man named George Marshall.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Memorandum on Seagoe Rectory by Archdeacon

Saurin, 1871 .—At the time of Disestablishment

in 1871, Archdeacon Saurin addressed the

following Memorandum to the Church Temporalities'

Commissioners concerning the Valuation of Seagoe

Rectory. It is interesting, as a very full description

of the house. as well as of its history and condition

during the larger part of the 19th century. The

Memorandum is dated 5th December, 1871. The

original M.S. is in the Land Commission Offices, 28

Merrion Street, Dublin.

The existing Poor Law Valuation of Seagoe

Rectory at was laid on in 18— [the date

here is not filled in, but it was probably either

1837 or 1848] when the house was in a delapidated

state. was then expended on it. £170 was

expended on it under Bishop's Certificate on 23rd

November, 1836. The Bishop's Certificate for late

improvements amounts to £l,080 10s 9d, in

addition to nearly £300, amount awarded for

delapidation recovered from the Representatives of my

predecessor [Dean Blacker] and added to which there

was upwards of £200 of my own money, for which I

got no credit.

It is a sound and substantial house, in thorough

repair, having been completely gutted and newly

roofed with best Memel timber and Queenstown slates

On 1st floor a large Entrance Hail, the Drawing

Room, Dining Parlour, Morning Room and Study,

with a Private entrance; 2nd floor—5 Bedrooms,

2 flights of stairs, Back stairs, 2 small Bedrooms

above, one below and Linen store ; Large room for

Servants, Kitchen with close range; Scullery

connected with Terra [underground] Cistern, holding

10,000 gallons of rain water, with supply pipe to

Kitchen ; Servants' Hall, Larder, Small Winter

Dairy, Butler's Pantry, Lamp and Shoe Pantry,

Wine and Coal Cellars. There is a also a long

Return in which those rooms marked in Red [on the

accompanying Plan] are situated and connected with

main house. This Return was rebuilt from the

Foundations and contained, in addition to the foregoing

—Stabling for 5 horses and Standing for 6

cows, with a very large Hay-loft overhead. At right

angles with this Return is a house for Wood, Inside

and Outside Dairy, and parallel to it is a large Barn,

Harness-room and Coach-house, with Granary overhead.

At the back of this Return stands the Laundry,

with steaming apparatus for Washing; Boilers for

Pigs' and Cattle food, Potato house, Piggeries, Cowhouses,

Farmhorses, Stable, etc., etc.

I may, therefore, fairly remonstrate against but

£10 being added by the Church Temporalities'

Commissioners to the original Valuation of £50 by

the Poor Law Valuators. The Limestone and

Marble Quarry [at Kilvergan] is at present untenanted.

The Tenant is dead, and his family are nearly

extinct in this country. JAMES SAURIN, Archdeacon.

To Denis Godley, Esq.,

Secretary.

Will of the Rev. George Blacker, 1809.—The

Will of the Rev. George Blacker, Vicar of Seagoe,

who first proposed the building of the present.

Church, concludes with the following words :—

Given under my hand and written by

myself, being, thank God, sound in both

mind and body, at Segoe, 7th June, 1809"

Probate was granted on 7th July, 1810. This

proves that, during his tenure of the Vicarage of

Seagoe, the Rev. G. Blacker resided at the Rectory.

An Edenderry Dinner, 1832. —The following

account of an Edenderry Public Dinner is taken

from the Belfast News Letter " of Thursday, 22nd

March, 1832 :—

The Edenderry Self Improving Society gave

Public Dinner to Mr. John Best—one of their

members—on his leaving the country. The Dinner

was prepared in excellent style by Mr. Christy, of

Edenderry. Wm. Peden, Esq., occupied the chair.

On his left was Mr. John M'Caughley, Secretary to

the Society ; and on his right was Mr. John Best.

Speeches were delivered by Messrs. J. Walker,

Thomas Sheerin, J. M'Caughley, and Mr. Overend.

Mr. Christy, in a very humorous and appropriate

speech, gave the toast of the " Town and Trade of

Portadown."

Inscription on a Gravestone in Old Seagoe.—-

Mossy Gravestone within the walls of Old Seagoe

Church, contains the following inscription—

Here lyeth the body of Margaret Armstrong, who

departed this life on the 13th of March, 18—, aged 3 years.

" Mourn not because my feeble breath

Was stopped as soon as given,

There's nothing terrible in Death

To those who come to Heaven."

Portadown Gas Works.—The Portadown Gas

Works were among the first erected in Ireland.

When the suggestion was first made that Portadown

should be lighted by gas, many of the townspeople

feared that they might be blown up, and no one

would let land for the purpose. Eventually the

company secured the present site in Edenderry, which

at the time was quite isolated from the rest of the

town and therefore considered safe. Gas was first

introduced into Lurgan in 1847.

A Legacy for Ballyhannon, 1880.—In

December, 1880, public notice was given of the

Charitable Bequests contained in the will of the late

Mr. Thomas Nelson, of Flush Cottage, Armagh. By

his will he left, at the death of his wife, £50 to build

a Coffee Shop in Portadown ; £50 per year for Coals

for the poor of Portadown, and £50 per year to be

expended on the well deserving poor of the townland

of Ballyhannon, Parish of Seagoe, each

Christmas.—Lurgan Parish Magazine, 1881.