April 1920

Seagoe Parish magazine.

APRIL, 1920.

IT is not possible to express in words the feelings

Of the parishioners of Seagoe when rumours came

through on the afternoon of Friday, March 26th,

that Mr. Alan Bell had been ruthlessly assassinated

in Dublin by band of Sinn Fein murderers. Few

people who have ever resided in our midst had gained

such place in the affections of the people as Mr.

and Mrs. Bell. Coming here as strangers in the end

Of 1914, they soon proved by their kindness and

thoughtfulness that it was the object of their life to

make others happy, and from their house – Ashton -

there radiated an atmosphere of Christian love and

sympathy, such as had never been experienced before.

Anyone who was in trouble, sickness, or bereavement

found in Mr. and Mrs Bell, and in Miss Nicholl most

kind and true friends.

The many generous deeds done by Mr. Bell for the

sick poor will never be fully known, for it was his

habit to do all his kind acts as modestly and quietly

as possible. Gifts of money, and of invalid delicacies

were given liberally to all in need. The writer has

several times met Mr. Bell carrying gifts with his own

hand to the sick, and the anxiety he displayed whenever

he was told of any one being in trouble, showed

how deep and true was his sympathy. Mr. Bell was

a most regular worshipper in Seagoe Church, and

delighted to join with heart and voice in the Service

of Prayer and Praise. He sought with unfailing

regularity the grace that comes to the devout

communicant. He gave with open-handed liberality to

all the claims for Parochial and general church objects

Is it any wonder that when we heard of his

approaching departure from the parish last December

there was regret on every hand. We felt that we

were losing one of our best friends, and this feeling

was shared by all creeds and classes. Some of us

felt anxious lest his position as a Resident Magistrate

in the County Dublin, in these disturbed days, might

bring his life into danger. No human life is sacred

from the assaults of the fiends who would hurl to his

death one who, by his life and character, had won the

affections of all. It behoves us all to vindicate the

cause for which Mr. Bell gave his life. We hope that

some Memorial will be erected in our midst to

commemorate those five happy and beneficent years

which he spent among us.

The sympathy of the whole parish goes out to Mrs

Bell and Miss Nicholl in their awful sorrow, and our

prayers will ascend to the Throne of Grace that they

may be strengthened from on High to bear their sore

burden of affliction.

The interment took place in Dean's Grange

Cemetery, Kingstown, Dublin, on Monday, the 29th

inst., the officiating clergy being the Rev. Thomas

Pearson, Rector of Christ Church, Blackrock, and the

Rev. Dr. Elliott.

A meeting to express sympathy with Mrs Bell and

Miss Nicholl was held in Seagoe School on Thursday,

April 1st, after the service in the Church, and

Resolution expressive of the feelings of the

parishioners was passed. The Rector presided.

Reference was made On Sunday, March 28th, both

at Morning and Evening Prayer in the Parish Church,

to Mr. Alan Bell's tragic death. Before the beginning

of Morning Prayer the Rector spoke of the horror of

the crime felt by all, and dwelt on the high Christian

character of Mr. Bell, and expressed sympathy with

his relatives. The "Dead March" was played at the

conclusion of the service both morning and evening.

* *

THE EASTER COLLECT.

ALMIGHTY GOD, who through Thy only

begotten Son Jesus Christ host overcome death

and opened unto us the gate of everlasting

life; we humbly beseech Thee, that, as by Thy

special grace preventing us Thou dost put into

our minds good desires, so by Thy continual

help we may bring the same to good effect,

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and

reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever

one God, world without end. Amen.

* *

Easter.

A Festival in honour of our Lord's Resurrection

has been observed from the very foundation of

Christianity. Formerly the Festival lasted for 15 days.

It was called the Pascha, During this period all

lawsuits were suspended, indulgence was granted to

criminals, and special liberality was shown to the

poor. It is one of the three great Christian Festivals,

the other two being Christmas and Whitsun tide. A

curious custom formerly observed at Easter was that

of distributing the Pace or Pasche Egg. It is still

perpetuated in the Easter Eggs, so popular at this

season. That this custom had at one time a religious

significance is proved by the existence of a remarkable

prayer, found in a Mediæval Prayer Book, once used

in Ireland. The Prayer is in Latin, and when translated

is as follows –

"Bless, O Lord, we beseech Thee

this Thy creation of Eggs; that it may become

wholesome sustenance to Thy faithful servants, eating

it in thankfulness to Thee on account of the Resurrection

of our Lord."

The egg was taken as symbol of the Resurrection, inasmuch

as it contained the germ of future life.

* *

Seagoe Day School.

The School closed for the Easter holidays on

Friday, March 26th, and will (D.V.) re-open on

Monday, April 12th, at 9-30 a.m. A punctual

attendance of all the children is asked for on that date.

(page 2)

Easter Day Services.

8 a.m.—Holy Communion.

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

Preacher —Rev. W. T. Grey, M.A., Librarian, St.

Finn-Barre's Cathedral, Cork.

3-30 p m.—Children's Service.

7 p.m. Evening Prayer, and Sermon.

Preacher—Rev. W. T. Grey, M.A.

Subject of addresses at Morning and Evening

Prayer—"Sorrow turned into Joy.”

The offerings at all services on Easter Day will be

on behalf of the Parochial Sunday Schools.

* *

The Easter Vestry.

The Annual Easter Vestry of the Registered

Vestrymen of the Parish will be held on Thursday

in Easter Week, April 8th, in Seagoe School at 8

p.m. A meeting of the Select Vestry will be held in

the same place on the same evening at 7-30. We

hope to see a large attendance of the General

Vestrymen of the Parish. According to the laws of the

church the Easter Vestry must be held within six

days after Easter, and its special duties are to elect a

People’s Churchwarden, and 12 of their own number

to act as a Select Vestry for the Parish during the

ensuing year. The Rector's Churchwarden is

nominated at the Easter Vestry by the Rector.

* *

Visitors.

The Parishioners were much cheered by the

presence amongst them during the past week of old

and much esteemed friends and former Curates of

the Parish, the Rev. W. T. Grey and the Rev. J.

Taylor. Mr. Taylor preached on Palm Sunday, and

Mr. Grey gave addresses at the special services each

evening during Holy week. The week before Easter

is the great mission week of the church, and we are

glad that so many have spent at least some portion

of their time in the House of Prayer during these

solemn days.

* *

Nature Notes.

The month of April is time of much interest to

the observer of Nature. The death of Winter is

past, and the life of Spring is bursting forth. Our

Summer migrants, the Swallow, the Corncrake, and

the Cuckoo will soon be seen and heard. Who will see

and hear them first in the Parish? We hope in our

next issue to give the names and dates. The children

attending Seagoe School are becoming expert as

Nature observers, and we look forward to a time

when the study of nature will be intelligently

followed by many in the Parish. Bud and Leaf, Bird

and Butterfly, Cloud and Sunshine. Tree and Flower are

full of interest to those whose thoughts are intent on

God's handiwork in Creation.

* *

C.M.S. Boxes - 1919-20.

Seagoe, £l 17s ld - Mrs Ramsey 2s 6d; Mrs

Ephraim Collins 3s 6d; Mrs J. Best 4d; Mrs

Porter, 3s 1½d; Mrs S. Dickson 2s 4d; Mr Rennix

9s 3½d; Seagoe Morning Sunday School, 5s 3d;

Seagoe Girls' Bible Class, 10s 9d.

Carne, 18s 8d - Mrs Price 2s 6d; Mrs Caddell 2s 6d;

Mrs Murray 5s 3d; Mrs Martin 2s; Miss Lavery 2s;

Mrs G. Simpson 2s 11d; Mrs Andrew Costelloe Is 6d.

Edenderry, £1 19s - Misses Atkinson 2s 8d; Mrs

C Magee 2s; Mr William Tedford Is 6d; Miss A.

Johnston 2s 8d; Thomas and John Metcalf 5s 11d ;

Mrs Ellis 2s 6d; Mrs Flannigan 3s 9d; Mrs

Stoops 2s 6d; Mrs Stevenson 2s 6d; Miss I Atkinson

3s; Miss G. Atkinson 10s.

Drumgor, £2 1s 1½d - Mrs S. Best, 2s; Miss

Gracey Is 10d; Mrs Hopps 4s 2d; Miss H.

Martin 6s 9d; Mrs W Gracey 2s; Mrs

6s 6d; Miss Lizzie Gracey 7s 3½d; Mr J Lavery

3s; Mrs Dickson 7s 7d.

Hacknahay, £7 4s 5d - Mrs H. Neill 7s 9d; Mrs

T Neill 2s 9½d; Mrs Quinn 10s 7d; Miss C.

McMurray 3s; Miss R. Black 8s; Miss M. McCormick

3s 6d, Miss M. England 5s; Mrs Bradshaw 10s 3d

Miss S. Maginnis 10s 10½d; Miss Rodgers 6d; Miss

G. Best 3s 10d; Miss A. Guy 2s; Mrs Wm. J. Calvert

3s 7d; Mrs Neill 2s 6d: Mrs L. Wilson 2s 0½d; Miss

Devine Is; Miss Abraham 8s 1d; Mrs N. England

6s 3d; Miss June Currie 5s 7d; Master S. Jennett 6s 2½d

Received Late for 1919. - Mrs Dickson, Drumnogoon

Is 6d; Miss Sarah Martin 3s 9d.

Total of Box Collection—£14 5s 6½d

* *

Information Wanted.

A sum of £l 10s for the Clerical Augmentation

Fund, was handed to the hon. treasurer, Mr. W. R.

Atkinson, about a year ago, but the name of the

subscriber has been overlooked. Anyone who gave

subscription of that amount would much oblige by

sending in their name to Mr. James Sands, hon.

Treasurer, Killicomaine Road.

Penny-a- Week Funds.

The Penny-a-Week Fund started about a year ago

in connection with Edenderry Parochial Hall, has

been very successful, and we heartily congratulate the

collectors who, under the capable guidance of Miss

Atkinson, have succeeded in raising a sum of almost

£50 towards the improvement of the Hall.

It has been decided to spend this money on the re-seating

of the Hall. At recent meeting of the Select

Vestry a Resolution was passed approving of

purchase of seats, with reversible backs, sufficient to

provide seating accommodation for 200 people. The

seats will be made of pine with iron standards, and

the backrest will be reversible, so as to facilitate the

arrangement of the seats for Sunday School

purposes.

* *

(page 3)

M.S.M.

Hearty congratulations to Mr. Robert John Porter,

Of Lower Seagoe, who has been awarded the

Meritorious Service Medal for steady and consistent

good work done during the Great War. Mr Porter was

Petty Officer in the 63rd (Royal Navy) Division,

“Anson” Battalion. He enlisted on October 14 ^th ,

1914. and was demobilised on 22nd January 1919.

He served in Egypt, Suez Canal, Gallipoli and

Erance. He fought in the action at Beaucourt

(France) on the 13th and 14th November 1916, and

was also in action at Gallipoli on the 4th January,

1915, He was twice slightly wounded.

* *

Concert in Edenderry.

A grand Concert will (D.V.) take place in Edenderry

parochial Hall, on Thursday, April 22nd.

It will begin at 8 0'clock. An attractive programme has

been arranged by Mr T. H. Wilson, Organist of

Seagoe, and we hear that already a great many

tickets have been sold.

The proceeds of the concert will be divided between two

deserving objects, the purchase of a set of the new

Church Hymnal with Music for the Choir, and whatever

balance remains will go towards providing a Piano for use

in Seagoe Day School. It is very difficult to get the use of

a Piano for Concerts in the Parish, and one of our own

would be of great use. It is hoped that the Parochial

Hall will have been re-seated before the Concert is held.

* *

PARISH REGISTER for MARCH .

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish

Church, on March 6th, 1920.

Tate - Malcolm, son of Thomas and Sarah Tate, of

Edenderry.

Sponsors - Sarah Watson, Sarah Tate.

Hunniford - David, son of Charles John and

Elizabeth Hunniford, of Lylo.

Sponsors - Josephine Webb, Elizabeth Hunniford.

Magee - Margaret, daughter of Joseph William and

Emma Magee, of Kernan.

Sponsors - Caroline Magee, Emma Magee.

Marriages.

Partridge and Magee - March 5th, 1920, Benjamin

Partridge, of Portadown, to Olivia Magee, of Kernan.

Hamilton and Allen - March 31st, 1920, Robert

Hamilton, of Upper Seagoe, to Margaret

Jane Allen, of Edenderry.

Burials.

Humphries - l2th March, 1920, Martha Humphries.

of Edenderry, aged 43 years.

Brownlee - 17th March, 1920, Gladys Brownlee,

of Drumnagoon, aged 2½ years. Interred

at New Cemetery, Lurgan.

Ruddock - 19th March, 1920, Sarah Ruddock, of

Drumnacanvey, Interred at Kilmore.

* *

ITEMS.

The Church will be decorated for Easter.

* *

The Choir will sing an Easter Anthem by Caleb

Simper, 'Worthy the Lamb.'

We congratulate Mr. John H. Twinem, of Lylo

on his enterprise in opening an establishment at No

1, Edward Street, for the sale of Gentlemen's Outfitting

and Boys' and Men's Ready-to-Wear Clothing

We wish Mr. Twinem much success in business.

His family have been honoured parishioners of

Seagoe for many generations.

* *

The Rev. W. T. Grey is very glad to be back once

again in Seagoe. He is at present Librarian of St

Finn-Barre's Cathedral in Cork, and Curate of the

Cathedral Parish. He also holds the position of

Resident Preacher and “Thresher” Lecturer.

* *

We see that County-inspector Wilbond, recently

well-known in Seagoe and Portadown, has been

appointed Divisional Commissioner for Connaught

Westmeath. Mr Wilbond was a most efficient

Officer, and fearless in the discharge of his duty. We

only hope that so valuable a life will be preserved in

these dangerous days. The brave men who are confronting

the Sinn Fein assassins deserve our sincere

sympathy and most generous help in their arduous

work.

* *

An epidemic of measles, happily of a mild form,

has been prevalent in the Parish.

* *

The Swallow should be seen about April 20 ^th,

The Cuckoo should be heard about April 22 ^nd, and

the Corncrake about April 24^th. White Butterflies

may be seen about April 23^rd.

* *

The Seagoe Corps of Girl Guides, under Lieutenant

Agnes Guy, attended the Service in Seagoe Chuch

on Monday, March 29th. This was their first

appearance in public, and their smart turn-out very

favourably impressed all who them. They have

recently been officially Registered at Headquarters.

* *

A Parish Social.

It is a long time since we had Parish Social. The

war with all its troubles and uncertainties made such

social gatherings almost impossible, but now that

peace has come, and things are getting back into the

old way, it is well that the parishioners should have

an opportunity of meeting together in social inter course

once again. At & recent meeting of the Select Vestry it was

decided that a Parish Social should be held on Thursday,

May 6th, in Seagoe School.

(page 4)

A committee of Ladies is being formed

representing the various districts of the parish to

arrange the details of the meeting. Seagoe Parish

is so extensive and populous that one end of it

scarcely knows the other, and though we worship

together in the Parish Church, yet there are few

opportunities for meeting and knowing our fellow

parishioners. The Church is in the Scriptures

described as the Household of God. As members of

the same family, worshipping the one Heavenly

Father, we should be bound together by the strong

tie of Christian friendship. Meeting together under the

one roof for a friendly cup of tea we will get to know

each other better, and encourage one another along

the road of life. The social is specially intended for

the heads of households. The young people of the

parish have many opportunities of meeting together,

but on this occasion we hope to see in the old schoolroom

the scene of so many pleasant gatherings, a

full attendance of the fathers and mothers of the

Parish.

Tickets, 1/- each, will be issued at an early date.

* *

OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

The Rev. Thomas A. Jones, Curate of

Seagoe, the critical years 1873 to 1876

During the critical years 1873 – 1876 the Rev. Thomas

Absalom Jones was Curate of Seagoe, and while here he

made many friends among the parishioners, by whom he

was very highly esteemed. He is one of the few whose names

are frequently recalled even to the present day. He

held the Curacy at the time when Archdeacon Saurin,

in advanced old age, left the parish to reside in

Rostrevor where he remained until his death in 1879.

Mr Jones was ordained a Deacon in 1870, and took

Priests' Order in 1871. His first Curacy was at

Moira, where he ministered from 1870 to 1873. In

the latter year he was appointed Curate of Seagoe,

and held that position until 1876, when he became

Rector of Woods Chapel in the Diocese of Armagh.

He continued there until 1882, when he became

Curate of Killyman, and on April 24th, 1883, he was

appointed Rector of Killyman. He resigned this

Rectory on October 31st, 1886. It is interesting to

mote that Mr Jones held at one time the Rectory of

Woods, which is now held by another Curate of

Seagoe the Rev, George Bloomer.

* *

A Sporting Vestry, 1872 - Easter Vestry

Minutes, Monday, 1st April 1872, moved by Mr

James Atkinson, and seconded by Mr William

Vaughan, that owing to the Registered Vestrymen

preferring to attend Lurgan Races this Vestry stand

adjourned to Monday, 8th April.

* *

The Roads of the Parish, 1781 - At a Vestry

held in the Parish Church of Seagoe, pursuant to a

late Act of Parliament on Tuesday, the 4th day of

September 1781, by the Minister and Protestant

Parishioners, it was agreed that the sum of One

Penny per acre be levied off the Townlands in the

said Parish.

Towards the repairs of the Private Roads of the

said Parish, the following persons to be the over

seers, Applotters, Directors and Collectors. General

Applotters Richard Eustace, Thomas Gilpin. These

Townlands in the Estate of Mr Brownlow are by Act

of Vestry allowed to work according to the appointment

of Mr Brownlow and Mr Eustace. William

Richardson, High Constable, to be the Collector of

the several sums lay'd on at said Vestry.

The road leading to Seagoe Church from the main

road from Killicomaine, ending at Seagoe Church -

Rev. Richd. Buckby, Thos. Gilpin, Directors and

Overseers.

Td repair from Richd. Wilson's Flush to the main

road Lisnisky and Bocombra, Jas. Willson, Director,

Richd. Willson and James Best, Overseers.

To repair the road from Clanrowl to Jane Tuft's

and the Moss Lane. Directors, Thomas Gilpin and

Joseph Ruddle. Overseers, Thomas Chambers, John

Farrell.

To repair the road from George Midcaf's Bridge to

Harrot's Bridge, Tarson Townland. Overseers,

Henry Midcaf and George Midcaf.

To repair the road in Tarson from John Erwin's

from the Three Lane Ends to John Costly's. John

Erwin and Joseph Lynas, Overseers.

To repair the road from Kilvergan Moss to Arthur

Lavry's, Kilvergan, John McCollum, Overseer.

To repair the road from Felix Murphy's House-

End to the Big Stone next Widow Ruddles,

Ballinacor. Director, Wm. Ruddle.

Richd, Buckby, Vic'r.

Stewart Blacker.

* *

Building and Furnishing an Isle, 1751 -

At a Vestry held in the Parish Church of Sego, on

the 4th day of June 1751 one, the late Churchwardens

made up their Accounts to the satisfaction of the Parish.

It was agreed that the sum of Seventy Pounds„

sterling, be laid out for the building and furnishing

of an Isle, as shall be agreed upon by Wm. Blacker,

Esq., Mr Wm. Robinson, and the Rev. Hugh Tisdall

appointed Trustees by the Parishioners.

* *

The Singers of Sego, 1778. - At a Vestry held

in the Parish Church of Sego on Tuesday, the 5th

day of May 1778, It was agreed that the front seat

in the Gallery on the south side shall be, and it is

hereby appointed for the use of the Singers of the

Parish of Sego, and that the expenses of repairing

the said seat by Mr. William Lutton shall be paid by

the Churchwardens as soon as it can be raised off the

Parish.

To a spade and shovel for the sexton 5s 5d.

To repairing the Churchyard Gate 3s 3d.