April 1923

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

APRIL, 1923,

Easter Day Services.

8 a.m.—Holy Communion.

11.30 a.m.—Morning Prayer, Sermon, and Holy

Communion.

7 p.m.—Evening Prayer and Sermon.

The Offerings at all Services will be on behalf

of our Parochial Sunday Schools.

The Easter Vestry.

The Annual Easter Vestry will be held (D. V.) in

Seagoe School on Thursday, April 5th. All members

of the General Vestry are expected to be present.

A statement on the finances of the Parish will be

made by the Hon. Treasurer. The new Churchwardens

will be appointed, and the Select Vestry for

the ensuing year will be elected. This is a very

important meeting, and we look for a full

attendance of the General Vestry.

The Glebe Purchase Scheme.

At a meeting of the Select Vestry held on Monday,

March 12th, it was decided to ask the Parishioners

for subscriptions towards the completion of the

Fund for the purchase of the Rectory. It is hoped

that by June 1st the total sum required—£950 5s 2d

—will be in hand. The balance that remains to be

subscribed is some £70. The successful completion

of the Fund will mark the close of an effort which

has extended over a period of some 12 years. It

will also bring the Parish appreciably nearer the

attainment of the legal standard of a Free Rectory,

which is now the rule in all but 20 Parishes in the

United Diocese.

The Mothers' Union.

On Tuesday, April 10th, a combined meeting of

the Drumgor, Carne and Edenderry Branches will

(D. V.) be held in Edenderry Parochial Hall at 4

p.m. The usual monthly meetings in Carne and

Drumgor will not be held this month. With the

advent of the fine summer weather we look forward

to many pleasant outdoor gatherings for the

hard working mothers of the Parish. Mothers from

all parts of the Parish should join the Mothers'

Union.

Off to Canada,

Many young people are emigrating to Canada.

Before any member of the Church of Ireland leaves

Seagoe they should ask the Rector for a letter : of

reference to a Clergyman in Canada or the States,

which he will give with the greatest pleasure.

Emigrants should bring a Bible and Prayer Book

With them, and when they reach their destination

should, without delay, enquire which is their Parish

Church. They will find the Church awaiting them

there just as in the old country.

South American Missionary Society.

COLLECTIONS 1922-23.

Boxes—Mrs Walker 6s 3d; Mrs M'Douga11, 6s; Mrs

Lewie, 10s 10d; Miss S. Montgomery, 6s 7d; Miss

Margretta Atkinson, ld; Miss Calvert, lls; Miss Sarah

Price, 4s 9d; Miss Lizzie Reid, 10s; Miss Agnes Guy,

3s 8d. Card—Miss Isobel Atkinson, £6 7s 6d.

Offertories—Seagoe, £7•, Hacknahay, 8s.—Total, £16 14s 8d

C.M.S, Boxes 1922-1923

Total, £11 10s 8 ½ d.

Hacknahay, 8s 7 ½ d; Seagoe, £1 15s O ½ d;

Edenderry, £l 11S 7d; Drumgor, £I Is 5 ½ d, Carne, 14s.

Hacknahay—Mrs. Bradshaw, 7s 8 ½ d; Miss Rachel

Black, 4s 2 ½ d, Miss Minnie England, 5s 7d ; Miss

Sophia M'Murray, Is 4 ½ d, Mrs. Quinn, 3s 8d; Mrs.

Neill, Is 3d; Mrs. Thos. Neill, 2s l1d; Mrs. Henry

Neill, 6s 8 ½ d; Miss Abraham, 9s 6d; Miss Sarah

Maginnis, 6s; Miss Jane Currie, Is 9d; Miss Rodgers,

6d; Miss Grace Best, 4s 3 ½ d; Miss Esther Livingstone,

7s 6d; Mrs. Craig, 2s; Miss Minnie M'Cormick, 2s 2d;

Mrs. N. England, 6s 11d; Mr. Samuel Jennett, 9s

Mr. Wm. J. Calvert, 2s 2d; Miss Rebecca Calvert,

Seagoe—Mrs. Rennix, 9s Miss Lucy M'Donald,

4s 5d; Miss Isa Best, 3s ld; Mrs. Ramsey, 2s 6d,

Seagoe Girls' Bible Class, 11S 21d; Seagoe Afternoon

Sunday School. 4s O ½ d.

Edenderry—Mrs. H. Stoops, 2s 6d; Mr. Wm. Ted.

ford, Is 6d; Mrs. Gracey, 6d; Mrs. C. Magee, 3s; Mrs

Flannigan, Is 8d; Mrs. Ellis, 4d; Mrs. Thos. Dawson,

5s 8d; Misses Atkinson, 4s 7 ½ d; Mr. Thos. Metcalf,

5s 7d; Mrs. Johnston, Is 2 ½ d; Miss G. E. Atkinson,

5s.

Drumgor—Mrs. S. Best, 3s 1 ½ d; Mrs. M'Mu11an, 7s

3d; Miss Hannah E. Martin, 3s; Miss Madge Gracey,

1s 6d; Mrs. Hopps, 2s 6d; Miss Lizzie Gracey, 4s ld.

Carne—Miss Lavery, 2s; Mrs. Price, 2s 6d; Mrs.

Caddell, 2s; Mrs. G. Simpson, 11d; Miss Coulter, Is

6d; Mrs. Murray, 3s ld; Mrs. Martin, 2s.

The Royal Seago Infantry.

A most interesting article appeared in the "Belfast

Evening Telegraph " of Wednesday, March 21st,

1923, on the "Royal Seagoe Infantry" by our

distinguished Ulster Antiquarian, Mr. Francis Joseph

Bigger, M.R.I.A. Mr. Bigger had paid a visit to

Seagoe during the week before, and had visited the

Rectory and seen the records of the "Yeos" now in

the possession of the Rector. He also visited Old

Seagoe Graveyard and Church and saw the grave

of Sergeant-Major Tolerton Lutton and of Colonel

Wm. Blacker. Later he visited Mrs. Bright, who

showed him a Badge, Holster and Musket of the

The picture of Old Seagoe Church

Yeomanry.

(restored), which was drawn by Miss G. Atkinson,

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

of Eden Villa, for the cover of Seagoe Magazine,

was also reproduced in the " Telegraph." A fine

block of a large Silver Cup presented to Sergt.

Major Tolerton Lutton by Col. Wm. Blacker, also a

portrait of Col. Wm. Blacker, and a reproduction

of a Seagoe Infantry Badge illustrated the article.

Those who are interested in these subjects should

procure a copy of the paper from the "Evening

Telegraph” Office, Royal Avenue, Belfast.

Band of Hope

The Band of Hope workers in the Parish are

stirring themselves, and some very successful

gatherings of young people have recently been held.

The workers broke new ground last month by holding

a meeting in Levaghery School. The room was

crowded, and a most interesting programme was

provided, consisting of Temperance Choruses, Solos

and Dialogues. The accompaniments were played

by Miss Atkinson and the Misses Hawthorne. The

choir singing was very good, and reflected great

credit on those who trained the children. The

Rector presided, and gave an address on " Total

Abstinence." He referred to the recent Anti

Prohibition meeting, and suggested that the " Teetotal

Cranks," as they have been nicknamed, should

redouble their efforts to promote the cause of

Righteousness, Thrift and Sobriety.

Parish Register for March.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in the Parish Church

on March 3rd, 1923

Liggett—Thomas Henry, son of Isaac and Joanna Liggett, of Edenderry

Sponsors—Susanna Liggett, Joanna Liggett.

Cracey—James, son of Joseph and Martha Jane Gracey, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Susanna Liggett, Martha Jane Gracey.

McDowell—Charles, son of William James and Anne Maria M'Dowe11, of Levaghery.

Sponsors—Caroline Jennett, Anne Maria M'Dowell

PRIVATE BAPTISM.

White—On 22nd March, 1923, Walter George, son of Woolsey James

and Margaret Wilson White, of Bocombra.

Burial.

Atkinson—-March 17th, 1923, Francis Dynes Atkinson, of Belfast, aged 35 years.

ITEMS.

Seagoe School will (D, V.) reassemble after the

Easter Holidays on Monday, April 9th, at 9.30 sharp.

Mrs. Lusk (formerly Miss Bright) and her daughter

from Connecticut, U.S.A., are on a visit with

Mrs. Bright in Edenderry. Mrs. Lusk is the wife of

the Rev. W. Lusk, a Rector in the Diocese of Connecticut.

The old Belfry at the Rectory has been rebuilt.

It had to be taken down, as it was in danger Of

falling.

The Rev. John Redmond, M.A., Rector of St.

Patrick's, Ballymacarrett, Belfast, will preach in

Seagoe Church on Sunday, April 8th, at Evening

Prayer.

The Rev. J. M'Cleary, M. A. , Deputation Secretary

S.P.G., will preach in Seagoe Church on Sunday,

April 15th, at Morning and Evening Prayer.

The Seagoe Girl Guides are giving an Entertainment

in Edenderry Parochial Hall on Monday,

April 9th. An attractive Programme has been

arranged.

The Rev. W. T. Wilson, B.A., hopes to enter on

his duties as Curate of Seagoe on June 1st.

The following preached at the Services in Holy

Week—the Rev. G. C. Johnston (Shankill), Rev. W.

R. Orr, LL.D. (Gilford), the Rev. G. Montgomery

(Mullavilly), and the Rev. W. E. Hurst (Moira).

Mr. Charles Montgomery has joined the Porta-down Fire Brigade.

A very attractive display of Coffee products is on

view at Messrs T. J. Montgomery's, High St.

Some interesting Advertisements appear in our

Advertising columns.

The Easter Anthem " Awake thou that Sleepest “

will be sung by the Choir on Easter Day.

The Lurgan Choral Union, of which Seagoe Choir

is a member, will hold its Annual Choral

in Knocknamuckley Parish Church on Saturday

afternoon, May 26th. The Preacher will be the Lord

Primate.

The Rector preached at a special Lent Service on

March 16th in Armagh Cathedral on the invitation

of the Dean of Armagh.

The Swallow, the Corncrake and the Cuckoo are

due this month. Who will be the first to hear or see

them? Send in your name and date for publication in our next issue.

The Rev. Dr. Walker, who recently preached in

Seagoe Church, has been made a Canon of Connor

Cathedral.

Mr. Russell, of Drumgor, has called his house in

Salisbury Avenue, Belfast, "Drumgor," after his

native townland.

"Expression" work is a great success in Seagoe

Sunday School.

Superintendents and Teachers in our Sunday

Schools please be punctual. The Teacher should be

in the class before the children arrive. God's work

if it is to be done should be done well.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Old Seagoe Notes.

Cholera in Tandragee, .Guardian,"

Friday, Nov. 15th, 1833.—Died on the morning of

the 11th inst., at Pointzpass, Mr, James

M'Conne11, of Tandragee, in the County of Armagh.

The awful disease with which it has pleased Divine

Providence to visit this country recently broke out

with great malignity in Tandragee, and Mr. M'Connell

with his family had retired to the house of a

friend 4 miles off in the hopes of escaping infection

when he was seized with Cholera on Sunday, which

terminated his existence in a few hours. In all the

relative duties of life as a husband, father and

friend he was kind, affectionate and sincere. Of

unbending integrity, his every action was guided by

the strictest rectitude, and he died as he had lived

a truly honest man. He bore the excruciating pains

of the disease with the utmost fortitude, and without

a sigh or murmur meekly resigned his spirit,

resting all his hopes on the merits of the great

Redeemer.

Deaths from Choleras 36 ; Recovered, 26; under

treatment, 25.

Dr. Patton had a slight attack. Lord and Lady

Mandeville stayed at the Castle. Many fled.

WITH THE "NINTH" IN FRANCE.

By Lieut.-C01. S. W. BLACKER, D.S.O.

(Continued from March Magazine.)

TUESDAY. AUGUST 8th.

They haven’t got their plans out for the working parties, so we scored. Next time we will be hard at work digging. A draft of 90 arriving today. Hear they are Notts and Derby men. It’s warm again today, mist early, but no rain. I fear very, little rain will turn these trenches and this place into a sea of mud. Padre has taken over the mess, and already an improvement. Finger all right again; due I think to lack of veg. and tinned things perpetually.

10.45 p.m. Went round our new line this evening, three hours solid walking from here. Rather weary, and so hot. Saw Holt. He will act as 2nd in Command of Downs till Bob Maxwell returns. The draft came in this evening, and I inspect them in the morn. Fergie says a fine looking lot.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9th.

Another roasting day. I think six days in the line will be enough here. Cole-Hamilton succeeds Pelly in 8th R.I.R. [ Royal Irish Rifles ] We go in tonight, leaving here at 9.30 p.m. Hope it won’t be a late relief. These 18 pdrs. of ours have begun their afternoon’s strafe, and collected thought is impossible.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10th.

Relief finished by midnight. Downs had a man killed by M.G. fire while going out, and 12th a man wounded coming in. We relieved 13th, and 12th relieved 11th [ Royal Irish Rifles ] The Division is full of Majors waiting for commands. Well here we are in Stinking Farm, quite the worst we’ve struck, small, smelly and unhealthy. Today is muggy and damp, and we are all feeling slack and cross. Four beds in three places which I think were pig-styes when the farm was a going concern. I wandered round the trenches at 4.00 a.m. and again at 11.00, and am weary, and hot, and slack. The flies are very bad here. There is such heaps to be done, both from the defensive and the comfort (sanitary) point of view, one doesn’t know where to begin. I find that moving one from one bit of line to another, like we have done from last tour to this, is apt to knock the go and keenness out of one, certainly at my age. Then the flood of memos fired at one, all wanting an immediate answer. They trench mortar the front line every 4.00 p.m. They haven’t begun today, have taken precaution of moving nearly every one back from trenches they usually strafe. A gunner [ has] come to discuss some defence scheme.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11th.

Will send Lady Carson’s Fund a sub. from Battalion funds. They are evidently doing good work. M’Calmont writes me that a working party of 2nd Irish Guards have found Townsend’s body and buried it. Very warm today. Was round at 5.00 a.m. and again with Charlie at 11.00 a.m. They put over T.M.’s [ trench mortars ] in large numbers yesterday p.m., about 50, and many 4.2 shrapnel. No damage done luckily, but the ground shook and the noise was bad. We retaliated with Hows [ howitzers]; M.G. fire severe last night; two men of a ration carrying party, M’Commick and Corden [sic], both ‘B’ Coy., wounded by M.G. Former is a gallant old bird, father of 10! They’ve begun the afternoon’s performance with T.M.’s but not severe so far. I am in hopes Padre will get leave as a special case, to see his father, who is 94.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12th.

Such a roaster today. Thick fog up to about 8.00 a.m. You will see by enclosed that I am losing Pratt. I am very sorry. Of course, he has been of enormous help to me. Have been wandering round trenches, planning, etc., and making preparations for winter. I believe we shall move our H.Q. shortly to another farm—better in all respects, but too far from the front line. G.S.O.1. looked in today; so pleasant and helpful. I am sitting in shirt sleeves (as I have been all day) and perspiring at every pore. The afternoon trench mortar strafe now begun. I got a delicious ‘dig’ at Bde. staff today.

SUNDAY. AUGUST 13th.

A sprinkle of rain in night, and it’s cooler today, but the night was very warm. The usual M.G. fire at night, and today about lunch time they put about eight 4.2’s near this. No damage. The 11th R.I.R. did very well on July 1st. This is a very bad place

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

for Hun gas, and when the wind is E. special precautions have to be taken. The wind is now N.W. I’m glad to say.

An officer and two men who have been recommended for award are to go to be seen tomorrow by the King. Padre and Sergt. Lucas are going. Duke just been in and had a chat, pleasant and helpful.

5 p.m. The usual T.M. strafe has begun, but on our left, and our Hows. and 18 pdrs. are replying; such a din going on. Wire come in cancelling visit to King.

MONDAY, AUGUST 14th.

Trying to rain, but warm. They altered again, and this morn Padre and Lucas went (they didn’t take Barbour). Personally I am very sceptical about any of our men being prisoners. Fairly quiet last night except for usual M.G. They scattered a little big stuff round this a.m. and yesterday p.m., but no damage. I think they are short of guns here. Our guns are firing night and day, which must harry them, but they don’t retaliate. Sun come out and rain cleared off.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15th.

Pratt goes to 11th Inniskillings, Hessey’s old Batt. Thought you’d like Ensor. He’s a splendid fellow. Flies bad here. We had such a good little show last night. Patrol, two officers and 16 men, went out and laid traps for Bosche, which he walked into. Four German prisoners, and three others killed. No casualties on our side. Show thought out and planned and carried out by Godson, a capable youth. We sent a bogus telephone message to front line Coys with idea of Bosche overhearing, which we believe they are able to do, that patrol of four was going out at midnight to a certain place. Actually sent a patrol of 18 some 100 yards further, and at 9:30 p.m. Bosche patrol of seven walked into them. I went up to front line at 11.00 p.m. and took my place on the parapet. At 11.25 p.m. the show began, and very soon back came the patrol with four Germans, one slightly wounded. I came to Battalion H.Q. with them, searched them and found nothing. Said they didn’t understand English, so aloud on the ‘phone I asked B.M. [ Brigade Major ] if I should shoot them, but not a wince out of them. The B.M. thought I was in earnest and said “For God’s sake don’t”. We then packed them off to Bde H.Q. The Battalion much bucked up over it. The Corps have been harrying to get a prisoner, so Div. delighted. Prussians, fine well set up, in good condition, one obviously pleased, others sullen. You would have smiled to have seen me in a tiny dug-out interrogating them, every word of German I ever know having left me. O.N. [ General Nugent ] came to see me mid-day, very pleased. Am to go to Div. H.Q. tomorrow for two days’ change. Am sending in Godson’s name for M.C.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16^th “Mont Noir."

Here I am at Div. H.Q. Very comfy chateau on a hill, with a lovely view for miles. They sent a car, and after 10 mile drive got here for lunch. Gen. and all his staff very affable. Somerset Saunderson has taken Farnham’s place. The relief went off all right, one man in transport slightly wounded; tin hat saved his life. Was in bed at 2.00 a.m. Padre goes off on a fortnight’s leave tonight. The King did not decorate any of them, alas! but spoke to them all. We are now in a new Corps, the IX. I believe Hamilton-Gordon commands. The peace and quiet of this place is very resting, and the change very pleasant. All are very nice about the little show of ours. Shuter, whom I saw this a.m. was delightful. I spoke to D.M. about Shill being made 2nd in Command, so I hope that’s all right. The Corps have been harrying the Div. for a prisoner to find out who are opposite us, and of course all Battalions were being worried about it. Consequently the feeling of relief and thankfulness from the Div. to the C.O.s is enormous. Am sending Godson’s name for M.C. and Corpl. Clements’ for D.C.M., and I think I have ensured their being favourably considered here. They have a Div. band here which plays daily. Two anxious nights in succession have given me a head. I’m all right if I get my sleep regular.

THURSDAY. AUCUST 17th.

‘Pak’ has gone home with neurasthenia. Had such a peaceful day. I lay out in the hay in the shade, and listened to the wood pigeons. After a 9.00 a.m. breakfast I read the ‘Times’ and then went and inspected the two offices—‘G’ branch with Place and Bruce, and then ‘Q’ with Singleton, and put forward various suggestions and views, which were received in a most friendly spirit. The Gen. went off to the trench line about 9.30 a.m. and is only just back. I must say he’s more than kind and thoughtful, and insists on my doing exactly what I like, always ready to chat and discuss men and affairs. A heavy shower from 1—3.00 p.m. Sun come out again now, but everything moist and sticky. So like home. A most comfy bed and a peaceful rest night and day—a lovely view from my window for miles, as far as you can see a constant stream of Verey lights going up and showing the front line; very wonderful effect at night. Appleton, the Asst. Provost Marshal, was bitten today by a mad dog, and has gone to Paris for Pasteur treatment. Can’t think that leave will be re-opened till Nov. The Push must finish by end of Sept., and then I fancy leave will be re-opened. I hear the French don’t like our going on leave during the Push. Hooper is here with me, and enjoying the change. There is a large bath here! Electric light! Betsy Jane very well, but hates the flies and the heat. Cooler and cloudy today, but no rain. Showers yesterday. No sign of our men from the Rifles yet. Am stirring here about it. I see Holt pretty often. Don’t think our other H.Q. will be ready for some time. S.F. is improved, and will do as long as fine weather lasts. The new one is so far from our front line, though no further from Bosche line on our left. (To be continued.)