April - May 1921

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

APRIL—MAY, 1921

MR. WOLSEY RICHARD ATKINSON.

DEATH OF MR, WOLSEY R, ATKINSON.

We record with deep regret the death of Mr. Wolsey Richard Atkinson, which took place on Friday

Evening, April 22nd, at his residence, Eden Villa. Mr. Atkinson had been in failing health since June, 1919, but had made a wonderful rally last summer, so much so, that he was able to go for some weeks to Port Ballintrae, and returned apparently much stronger, but the weakness again returned and within the last few weeks his strength rapidly declined. Mr. Atkinson's death is a serious loss to Seagoe Parish, as well as to the community in general. He held a very high ideal of the duties of a Christian citizen, and lived up to that ideal throughout his life. His earlier years were spent in Seagoe Parish. As a young man he entered the service of the Ulster Bank, and eventually became Manager of the Branch in Omagh,where he resided for many years.

From the day when be came to reside in Eden Villa he has lived a most strenuous life and has

spent all his great energy in -furthering every worthy cause in the neighbourhood, He was President of Portadown Agricultural Association; and was mainly instrumental in securing the present fine Recreation and Show Grounds, He was a most active member of the Portadown Fruit Growers Association. He was President of the Portadown Club.

In all these positions he worked indefatigably in the interest of the various causes, always doing the most laborious part of the work himself, and never asking anyone to

do anything which he was not ready to do himself

In any movement for the welfare of Portadown and

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

the neighbourhood he was always keenly interested. But we believe the work that lay nearest to his

heart was that which he did for Seagoe Parish For 20 years he acted as Honorary Secretary and

Treasurer for the Select Vestry, and we believe was never once absent from a Vestry Meeting during these many years. He was the life and soul of the meetings, and his suggestions always wisely and carefully made were usually adopted. Mr. Atkinson was first elected a Member of the Select Vestry on Wednesday, April 18th, 1900, and the time was appointed Secretary and Treasurer. He succeeded Mr. James Atkinson, of Lower Seagoe, who had filled these for the long space of 50 years. Mr. W. R. Atkinson was also elected Parochial Nominator in 1900 and held that important office up to the date of his death. Mr Atkinson was most thorough in the discharge of his duties and his wise counsel will be much missed by the Vestry.

Special references were made to the sad loss sustained by the Parish at the Services on Sunday,

April 24th. The Hymns were chosen appropriately, and it was evident all worshippers had in

their mind the loss of one whom they had known so well. The Rector (Rev. Canon Archer) preached from 1 John xvii, 4 —"I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do." He referred to Mr. Atkinson's devotion to the interests of Seagoe Parish, and the blank which his death had left. He expressed the sympathy of all with his bereaved relatives.

Mr. Atkinson's unselfish efforts for the welfare of the community marked him out as one greatly

deserving of honour. His example should be an inspiration to all. At Evening Prayer the Rev. H. G.

de L. Singleton referred to the same subject, and dwelt especially on Mr. Atkinson's old-world

courtesy of manner and stern devotion to duty.

At the close of Morning Prayer the "Dead March" was played by Mr T. H. Wilson, Organist.

The Funeral took place at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 25th, to Seagoe Graveyard. It was a glorious

day of bright sunshine. The Funeral being private only a few more intimate friends attended. The

coffin was borne from the house to the gate by members of the Select Vestry. The Service in the Parish Church was taken by the Rector, assisted by the Rev. I-I G. de L. Singleton, and Rev. George Bloomer, Rector of Woods Chapel. As the coffin was carried from the Organist, Mr. T. H, Wilson,

played the 'Dead March." The pupils of Seagoe School, with their Teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Rennix, and Mr. Dickson lined up at each side of the church walk, the girls on one side and the boys on the other.

At the grave the words of committal were said by the Rector. Many beautiful one from

the Clergy, Churchwardens and Select Vestry of Seagoe, were laid on the grave. All the members of the Vestry were present at the funeral.

NEXT NUMBER.

The next. Double Number of Seagoe Magazine for June

and July will (D. V.) appear on Saturday, July 2nd.

Price Fourpence.

THE EASTER VESTRY,

The Easter Vestry was held on Thursday, March 31st,

in Seagoe School. The Rector presided, and in his opening

address reviewed the work of the Parish during the

past year. The Minutes of the last Meeting were read

by the Hon. Sec. , Mr. J. H. Stevens. The following

appointments were made

Parochial Nominators—Lieut--Col. Blacker, D.S.O. ; Mr.

W. R. Atkinson, Mr. T. E. Maginnis.

Churchwardens—Rector's, Mr T. J. Montgomery ;

People's, Mr. John H. Twinem.

Diocesan Synodsmen-—Messrs. D. W. Murray, James

Twinem, J. H. Stevenson, J. G. Gracey.

Select Vestry—Mr. W. R. Atkinson, Miss Isobel

Atkinson, Messrs. J. G. Gracey Martin, J,

Montgomery, John E. Lavery, Robert Price, J. H. Stevenson,

James Sands, James Twinem. T, E. Maginnis, D. W.

Murray.

Hon. Sec.—Mr. J. H. Stevenson.

Hon. Treasurer—Mr. James Sands.

Sidesmen Messrs. D. W. Murray, G. Price, R.

M'C1ements, J. Twinem, J. G. Gracey, W. J. cox, W.

J. Caddell, T. Metcalf, jun.

Our New Churchwardens.

The Rector's Churchwarden, Mr. T. J. Montgomery

has been closely associated with Seagoe Parish all his

life, and his father before him was an honoured member

of the Church. Mr. T. J. Montgomery has held office in

Seagoe Parish for many years. He was Rector's Church—

warden in 1903, and People's Churchwarden in 1904, and

has frequently been elected a member of the Select Vestry

and a Diccesan Synodsman. His association with a big

business in Portadown has never diverted his attention

from or weakened his interest. in Seagoe Parish Church.

Mr. John Harrison Twinem, of Lylo, elected People's

Churchwarden, has acted as Sidesman for several years,

and has always shown a deep interest in Seagoe Parish

His brother, Mr. Leonard Twinem, was at one time

most, efficient Superintendent of Seagoe Morning Sunday

School. We welcome Mr. Twinem to higher office, and

we believe that the interests of the Parish are safe In his

hands.

A Seagoe Record,

The appoitment of Miss Isobel Atkinson as a member

of Seagoe Select Vestry constitutes a record for the

Parish. She is the first lady to be elected to the Vestry,

in this or any of the neighbouring Parishes. By

recent Act of the General Synod women became eligible

for election to Vestries.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

The Coming Elections.

The coming Elections to the New Ulster Parliament

will be of the utmost, importance. Everyone must Vote.

The future of Ulster depends upon YOUR Vote.

Ascension Day

Thursday, May 5th, being the Festival of the Ascension,

there will be a Celebration of Holy Communion in the

Parish Church at 11.30, and Evening at 6. The

Preacher at Evening Prayer will be the Rev. C.

Tisdall, M.A., Deputation Secretary for the Jews'

Society.

Whitsunday.

On Whitsunday, May 15th, the following Services will

be held in the Parish Church '—d a.m., Holy Communion ;

11.30 a.m., Morning Prayer, Sermon and Holy Communion; 7 p.m.,

Evening Prayer and Sermon.

Carne Sunday SchooL

Carne Sunday School held its Annual Fete on Tuesday,

April 12th, at, 8. There was a full attendance, and after

a substantial feast of Tea and Cake a very attractive

Programme of Songs and Recitations followed. Most, of

the items were done by the pupils of the Sunday Schools.

A Quartette of four Boys from Portadown, who had won

Prizes at the Derry Feis, delighted the audience with

their splendid singing. At the close of the evening the

Prizes were distributed. Mr. David Murray and his band

of willing helpers are to be congratulated on the pleasant

evening.

Seagoe War Memorial,

The Lord Bishop of the Diocese has arranged to come

to Seagoe on Sunday, June 19th, to dedicate the Memorial

Pillars and Gates at Seagoe Church. The Bishop will

preach at Morning and Evening Prayer (11.30 and 7).

The Service of Dedication will begin at 3.30 p.m. The

Pillars and Gates are now completed, and ready to be

put in position at the entrance to the Parish Church.

They are very handsome and massive, and on each Pillar

a tablet of polished red granite contains the names—52

in number—of those connected Seagoe Church who

fell in the Great War. When erected they will form a

very impressive Memorial to our fallen Heroes.

Seagoe Scouts.

Seagoe Scouts have increased in numbers, ard form now

two fine Troops. The Seagoe Troop meet in Seagoe

School on Thursdays at 6.30, and the Edenderry Troop in

the Parochial Hall on Thursdays at 8. On Friday, April

15th, a Record Jumble Sale was held in Edenderry

Parochial Hall at 6 p.m. There was an abundant, supply of

valuable material on the Stalls, and in addition a Farm

Produce Stall had been arranged. The Stalls were swept

clear within an hour of the opening. There Was a great

crowd of buyers. Mr. Robert Richardson helped to swell

the proceeds with his Electrical Shocking Machine. A

considerable sum of money was received towards the Sale

in subscriptions, and when all the receipts were added

together it was found that a total of over £50 had been

realised. We think this must be a record result from a

Jumble Sale. The proceeds of the Sale go towards

providing equipment for the Seagoe Scout Troops. We are

greatly obliged to all who helped to make the Sale so

great a success.

Parish Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Church on 5th March, 1921

Guy—Ada, daughter of David and Hannah Maria Guys of Upper Seagoe.

Sponsors—Sarah Clifford, Hanna Maria Guy.

Watson—Robert, son of George Annesley and Mary Watson, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Martha Tate, Marv Watson.

Cummings—Joseph William, son of Joseph and Sarah Elizabeth Cummings, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Kathleen Williamson, Sarah Elizabeth Cummings.

Watson—Winifred, daughter of Thomas and Rose Jane Watson, of Tarsan.

Sponsors—Thomas Watson, Millicent Coulter, Rose Jane Watson.

RECEIVED INTO THE CONGREGATION :

Cummings—March 5th, 1921, Irene, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Elizabeth Cummings, of Edenderry.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Church on April 2nd, 1921:

Boyce—Mary Anne, daughter of James and Sarah Boyce of Bocombra.

Sponsors—-KaLhleen Graham and Sarah Boyce

Kearns—Sarah, daughter of David and Nellie Kearns of Killicomaine.

Sponsors—Mary Rachel Neil, Nellie Kearns.

PRIVATE BAPTISM:

Guy—8th April, 1921, David James, son of Samuel James and Annabella Guy, of Derryvore.

Marriages.

Hardy and M'Ciure—22nd March, 1921, James Richard Hardy, of Knocknamuckley,

to Margaret M'Clurce of Tamnificarbet.

Houston and Yeates—2nd April, 1921, David Houston of Lurgan,

to Mary Yeates, of Ederderry

Burials,

4th, at, Three Rivers, Mass, U.S.A.

Sarah Proctor (formerly Allen) late of Red Rows Edenderry.

M'Keown—March 7th, Thomas James M'Keown, of Edenderry; aged 62. Interred at Blaris, Lisburn.

Beckett—April 16th, William John Beckett, of Drumgor aged 47. Interred at Lurgan Cemetery.

Chambers—April 20th, Ellen Chambers, of Drumgore Interred at Lurgan Cemetery.

Thompson—April 6th, Hugh Thompson, of Killicomaine aged 71.

Burnison - April6th, Samuel Burnison, of Lurgan, aged 63

Cooke—.April 22nd, Ellen Cooke, of Hacknahay, aged 89

Atkinson—April 25th, Wolsey Richard Atkinson; of Eden Villa, Edenderry, aged 76.

SEAGOE. PARISH MAGAZINE

ITEMS,

The work of widening, Portadown Bridge is, progressing,

The granite wall at one Side and the piled foundations are now complete.

A new X-Ray has been installed in. Lurgan Infirmary. It is the gift of the Red Cross, and will prove

of great value in the treatment of certain diseases, and in the healing of fractures.

A Scout Association has been foamed for- Portadown District. We hope to have "Cubs" and "Brownies" at work in Seagoe Parish in a short time.

Seagoe Choir is holding its Practices now on Tuesday evenings at 6.

The Choirs of the Lurgan Choral Union ' will have their Festival this year at Waringstown on

Saturday, May 28^th. The Rev. James Carey, M.A., Rector of Bangor,

will be the preacher and The Rev. J. Bentley, MIA., will conduct.

George Magee, of Carrick Blacker Road, met with a motor accident in Lurgan last week, and is, we regret to say, lying, seriously ill in Infirmary.

The death of Mrs. Proctor (widow of the late Pte. W. J. Allen) took place in Three Rivers, Mass, U.S.A., on March 5th. She had resided for some years in the Red Row with her three 'little bovs before going back to America, Where she married Mr. Proctor. She had many friends ire this Parish, and was greatly esteemed by all who knew her. Her first husband, Private W. J Allen,

was killed in the War.

We hear that Seagoe Villa has been re-sold by Mr. T. D. Gibson to Mr. Forsythe, of Cavan. Mr. Forsythe has many connections with 'Seagoe Parish.

Edenderry Sunday School held its Annual Fete on

Tuesday, March 1st. There was a crowded attendance

in the Parochial Halls and a substantial repast of Tea

and Cake was generously provided by the Teachers.

WITH THE "NINTH" IN FRANCE.

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

[Continued from February. March Magazine.]

Sunday Evening, Feb. 13th—"D" Coy held an outpost

from here, and are quite comfy and very perky, and

pleased with themselves.. Had a bath this evening, which

was wanted. The frost and rain have' made all the trenches

very bad. There are a lot of 2nd line trenches all

round here, which we have 'to keep in order. For instance,

to-morrow night we find 400 men to dig a 2nd line

trench foe 400 yards. As it is in full view of the German

line it has to be' finished in they night A few, men (4)

are suffering from shell fever and have to 'be sent off to

recover. They wounded man of yesterday has died—

Nicholson, 'B' Coy. 2 cookers. were knocked about also,

and, both Johnstons—C. and J. , and Given, had narrow

escapes, all being grazed.

WE'VE ALL GONE UNDERGROUND

now. They were 5.9 shells; not 4.2, as I thought at, first.

rained and drizzled up to 3 p.m. Now clear night. An

excellent cake from Miss; Wyer arrived, and was

pronounced A1 by H.Q. Mess. Scott, goes to 108th Field

Ambulance early this week. We got: 300 men bathed today

and given a change of underclothing; and hope to do

300 tomorrow, and the balance the next day. F——

showing signs of shell fever. Curious, the only one who

the others. are ' splendid. Monday, 1 p.m.—Quiet

light and morning. 50 go: on leave to-morrow, which

leaves us rather short of Officers and Sergts. 4.30 p.m.

—Such a stormy p.m„ blowing great guns and raining.

Just after 2 p.m. they put, in 47 5.9 shells in and around

the village. NO damage done; every one went to ground

after first shot'. We, have 100. steel helmets;, enough for

sentries and care getting more, Brew is Commanding 'D'

Coy and doing very well 'Shill' has got another month's

leave, Tuesday, Feb. 15th—Such gale blowing. It

was a beautiful quiet fine night and we dug our trench

without the Huns finding us out. The men played up

50 go on leave to-day. Young Gibson had

a, narrow escape Sunday. He was walking on the line

they put 8 Whizz Bangs„ suddenly all round him.

—He lay down and one landed about 6 feet; from his head,

and he was not touched. 1 p.m.—A quiet morning. Post

just going. 9.30 p.m.—It has been a, wild blustery day,

and now is blowing very hard and raining. I went down

to the Trench line to see Bull and arrange about continuity

of He is full of sound projects which want cooperation

to bring success. We shall work in well together, I think.

The Trenches are in a shocking state

after the frost and rain, falling in everywhere, and full

of water and mud. A new scheme and programme of'

reliefs is out, and I'm glad to say when we come out of

the line after this tout', we go back further, instead of

coming to this place. 'At' and others going on leave

went off this p.m. and start from rail head at 5.30 a.m.

in the morning. It has been very quiet here to-day, no

shelling. Percival's Div. has come in on our right. I hear

old Baldock was hit, 3 miles behind the line, standing by

his chateau, after only a fortnight out here. The G——

was shot at yesterday once or twice by snipers, or a

M,G., and said it must not occur again! Padre goes on

leave on 22nd. Wednesday, Feb. 16th—-

SUCH AN AWFUL DAY,

the worst I have seen since we came out. Blowing a

hurricane and raining in torrents. The Trenches are fearful,

and no one can work on them. while it lasts. As fast

as you clear them more falls in. Quiet day here so far

in the shell line. We go in to morrow evening and come

out 23^rd. What it must be like there today I cannot

imagine. The Trenches here that we look after are impossible.

They've now brought out a new scheme of

leave. 10 go from each Battalion every 4 days, so that the

whole scheme has to be worked out anew. Luckily one

hasn't much else to do to-day. No letters in at all to-day.

seem only now to come every 2nd day. 9 p.m.—

Such a wild day. Bull telephones the Trenches are all

falling in and are knee deep in water, and they are pumping

day and night. I'm not looking forward to the next

6 days, with the weather conditions as they are and

Trenches crumbling away. The Downs have had 21 casualties.

(To be Continued.)