August 1908

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

AUGUST 1908.

Clergy:

Rev. James E. Archer, B D., Rector, the Rectory, Seagoe.

Rev. Walter R. Crichton, B.A., Curate, Seagoe Villa.

N.B.—It is most important that in all cases of illness notice should be given to the Clergy of the Parish without delay.

Churchwardens:

Mr J. H. Stevenson, Killicomaine, Rector's Churchwarden.

Mr Thomas Martin, Kilvergan, People's Churchwarden.

Select Vestry:

ATKINSON, MR. W. R.

ATKINSON, MR. T.

CALVERT, MR. G.

MAGINNIS, MR. T. E.

MONRO, MR. JOSEPH

MONTGOMERY, MR. J.

COSTELLO, MR. ATKINSON

MONTGOMERY, MR T.

GRACEY MR. J. G.

ROCK, MR. DAVID

IRWIN, MR. W.

STOOPS, MR. HUGH

ATKINSON, MR. W. R., Secretary and Treasurer.

OFFERTORIES FOR JULY.

“God loveth a cheerful giver”

Morning Evening

£ s d £ s d

July 5^th---3^rd Sun after Trinity 1 5 11 0 10 0

“ 12^th--4^th “ “ “ 2 9 1 3 12 0

“ 19^th--5^th “ “ “ 1 7 0 0 8 0

“ 26^th--6^th “ “ “ 1 3 5 0 11 0

Wednesdays _________ 0 8 1

Totals £6 5 5 £5 9 1

BAPTISMS.

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me.”

July 4^th —Malcolm, son of Samuel and Mary Lavery.

“ “ ---Richard, son of Richard and Jane M'Donald

“ “---David William, son of George and Mary Gordon.

BURIALS.

“Jesus wept.”

July 17^th —Edward Nolan Best, aged 7 weeks.

“ 21^st—Matilda M'Cune, aged 37 years.

HACKNAHAY SCHOOL.

It is seldom that a country parish has to chronicle the opening of a new Day School, but Seagoe occupies that proud position this month, thanks to the enterprise of the people of Hacknahay District. On Tuesday, August 4th, at 9:30 a.m. the new School will open under Miss M. V. Wilson, late Principal of Mullinane School, Co. Sligo, who has been appointed Principal of Hacknahay School. It is hoped that in time the School will be taken over by the National Board, but if not it will be possible, we believe, to keep it open just as it existed for 60 years as a flourishing educational centre up to eight years ago. We feel quite sure that all the people of the district will rally round this new venture and give it all the support they can. We start with a splendid and healthy school building, with a first rate teacher, who comes to us with the very highest recommendations, and we have the promise of a large number of pupils. The School has been fitted with desks of the newest pattern, and with all the requisites for a first class school.

Miss Maud Dickson, of Seagoe School, has been appointed assistant teacher.

SEAGOE DAY SCHOOL.

Seagoe School opens (D.V.) on Tuesday, August 4th, at 9:30 a.m., when Mr. S. R. Chambers, the Principal, and Miss Bailey, and Mr. McKittrick, the Assistant Teachers, will be present to meet the children. We hope to see a large accession of new pupils. The new scheme of Prizes and Proficiency Cards will come into force at the beginning of the Session. Parents will be well advised to send their children to the Parochial School where they receive a first-class education in the very healthiest surroundings.

A LETTER FROM DRESDEN.

We print this month a very interesting letter we have received from Miss Amy Walker. It is dated Dresden, May 27th, 1908.

When leaving Seagoe I made a promise that I should write a letter for your Parish Magazine describing any interesting things I should see in Dresden. I confess I found it much easier to make

the promise than to fulfil it; and kept putting off doing so until one day I suddenly realized that I had been three months here, and had not written you any letter. However, I hope it is a case of “better late than never.” It certainly can not be truly said that first impressions are lasting. If so mine are exceptions, as I fail to remember impression things made on my mind just at first. I only know that I was at once struck with the size and beauty of the buildings, and thought what a lovely place Dresden must be in Spring, as trees were planted almost everywhere. Besides, it was at a very uninteresting time of the year (February) when I came. Then there were no leaves on the trees, and all the flowers were covered with matting. Now, of course, everything looks differently, all the

Spring flowers are in bloom, and one hears the same remark from every visitor "Dresden is the prettiest place I have ever seen in Spring." Just now all the Hawthorne, Lilac, and Chestnut trees are in bloom, besides many other beautiful flowering shrubs which I have not seen before, and the effect is simply delightful. In some of the streets the trees meet overhead. This, of course, is not so in the more central parts of the city.

Twice every year is held a “Fair” once in March and again in June. Each time it lasts for three days, and during that time the streets are crowded with people going to and from the “Fair.” There one can buy almost anything, Glass, China, Boots, Hats, Cakes, Sweets, etc. I went with some friends on the first day it was held in March, and as everyone brings a basket or bag in which to carry their purchases home, I thought I had better have one, so I borrowed a basket and hung it on my arm. We went into the booths and bought some things and when I made to put mine in my basket I discovered it was gone. In the crush the handle must have broken off, so this will give you an idea of the crowds of people who go there We went again on the last day, but as it rained all the time we were there, it rather spoiled our fun.

In Dresden one is never at a loss to know how to spend a wet afternoon, as there are so many Museums worth visiting. First, in importance, is the Royal Picture Gallery, then there is a Royal collection of Porcelain, a collection of Sculpture and many others. They are all quite near the Castle and are crowded daily with visitors, especially on holidays when the admission is free. I have been to the Picture Gallery and seen great many of the pictures; not all of them, as it would be impossible to even glance carelessly at them all in one day. The chief picture is that of the Madonna, by Raphael. lt is in a room by itself and reaches from ceiling to floor. The morning I visited the Gallery the room was crowded with people, who were standing gazing on the picture. The expression on the face is so wonderful, especially the eyes.

The collection of Porcelain is also very interesting. There one sees Japanese, China, French, English, and Meissen Porcelain. One thing I particularly liked was a Camellia tree in bloom, every bit Meissen china. It is so lightly made that when one goes near it the leaves shake just as it it was real. The pot in which it is placed is also china.

The English Church here is well attended. As it is an unendowed Chaplaincy it is necessary to have recourse to seat rents, and the maintenance of the Church and its Services is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions and seat rents. The Choir being a voluntary one, and composed mostly of visitors who are ever coming and going, is not so good as one might expect.

To the German Church I have only been once. I did not understand much of the Service. There is also a Church of Scotland here, and an American Church.

QUARTERLY RETURN.

Church Attendance and Efficiency Cards.

Many of the Cards returned for the last quarter shew a most gratifying record of regular attendance at Public Worship, and also of most diligent preparation of lessons. We may remark in

passing that examination and comparison of the Cards to hand shew that it almost invariably happens that those children who learn their lessons best shew the effect of the knowledge acquired by being the most consistent Church-goers in any of the Schools. We would impress on all the desirability of having the Cards returned in time for the children's names to be inserted in the first Magazine of each quarter. If this were done much trouble and confusion would be avoided. The following are the particulars that have been received up to date:

FIRST CLASS (over 50 points).

Maud Dickson, 64; Sarah Dawson, 62; Maggie Smith, 62; Amelia M'Cormick, 61; Minnie

Atkinson, 59; Maria Roney, 56; Maggie Irwin, 55; Lily Magee, 54; Bella Magee, 54; Ethel Preston,

53 ; Maggie Roney, 51; Sarah M'Cann, 51.

SECOND CLASS (over 45 points).

Jennie Dawson, 50; Theresa Ramsey, 50; Bessie Dawson, 49; Tommie Smith, 49; David Gates, 49;

Tommie England, 49; Maggie Magee, 48; Ellen Matthews, 47; Jemima Allen, 47; Sarah M'Dowell,

46; Alfred Richardson, 46; Victor Walker, 46.

THIRD CLASS (over 40 points).

Sarah Coulter, 41.

The following were omitted from the returns of last quarter: —Maggie Lewie, 52; Minnie Lowie,

48.

THE JULY HOLIDAYS.

A great deal of the pleasure of the holidays was marred by the very wet weather. It is seldom that the month of July is so inclement, and perhaps we felt it more this year coming as it did after the splendid sunshine of June.

On the evening of Sunday, July 12th, an Anniversary Service was held in the Parish Church and was attended by a large number. The members of the Orange Lodges marched to the Church in their regalia, and filled a large part of the nave. The Sermon was preached by the Rector on the subject of “Loyalty.” The singing was very hearty. A liberal offering was made on behalf of the Protestant Orphan Society, and the Enniskillen Memorial Fund. At Morning Prayer an appeal was made on behalf of the Protestant Orphan Society by the Rev. W. R. Crichton. We hope that Seagoe Parish will in future send in a much more liberal sum towards the Funds of the Orphan Society. The Parish benefits largely by the generous help of the Society. Some orphans are now on the books of the Society from Seagoe Parish. If a larger sum is to be sent this year to the Society it must be raised by means of Collecting Cards which will be given to the collectors at the end of August. We are sure no one will refuse to help this noble Society which helps the most helpless in our midst. The Parish last year received over £60 from the Society. A parish like Seagoe ought to more than cover by subscriptions the sum it receives from the Society.

OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

There is only one other Parish in Ireland whose name is formed like that of Seagoe. It is the

Parish of Seapatrick (Banbridge) and the name means "the abode of Patrick," just as Seagoe means

“the abode of Gobhan.” In the Diocese of Ossory there is another Church dedicated to Gobhan.

“Gobhan” in Irish means a smith, a man who works in iron.

The Road to Carne is marked by two very sharp turns. The sharpest of them, that nearest to

Seagoe, has been called “The Devil's Elbow.” It is time that the authorities straightened the road at

those dangerous turns.

Before the present road from Portadown to Gilford was made about the year 1780 the only available road in that direction ran along the Moss Rampart at Levaghery. Its course is at present clearly traceable running parallel to the Gilford Road through Levaghery. At least 3 of houses at present standing at a considerable distance from the road seem at that time to have been on the roadside. It is possible that the cluster of houses now called “The Close” at Levaghery was originally built where the old road ran. Before Carrickblacker house was built in the year 1690 the old road seems to have run right through the centre of the demesne, a long straight line of stalwart elms behind the house now marks its former course.

A map of Edenderry dated 1834 discloses a very different state of things from that now existing.Crossing the bridge in the direction of Seagoe there were no houses on the left hand until the terrace opposite the Pamp, which is one of the oldest terraces in Portadown. Foundry Street was a lane without houses, and at the sharp turn in it there was a swamp or pool flooded by the Bann. On the site of the present Presbyterian Church there was a garden, the then existing Presbyterian Church standing at the rere of the present building. Railway Street was of course non-existent, as there was no railway. A wall or hedge ran from the Presbyterian Church to the lane which is now called Joseph Street, on which at that time were no houses. A clump of bushes marks the site of the

present Railway Station. There were no Gasworks. Eden Hall had not been built. The site now

occupied by James's Street was a field. Most of the houses on the right hand side of Bridge Street

were much as they are now, also the row of houses on the left side of Carrickblacker Road. There was a house as at present at the junction of Bridge Street and Carrickblacker Road.

On the same map the Schoolhouse of Seagoe was on the old site below the graveyard. There were two small houses on the road beside the present Church ground, on the town side. The Glebe

plantation of trees ran in a continuous line all round the ground lying between the Church and the

Rectory, which is now divided by the Railway line. Three large trees grew along the private path to the Rectory, but were removed when the Railway was made.

OLD AGE PENSIONS.

The scheme of Old Age Pensions which has been introduced by the government will come into force on January 1st, 1909. All who can prove their poverty and are 70 years or over will receive 5/- per week for the rest of their life. A diffculty exists as to proving the age of people who reside in Ireland, but we are glad to say that this difficulty does not occur in the case of those who were born in Seagoe Parish owing to the careful way in which the Parish Registers have been kept. Full information regarding the Pensions will be issued by the government when the Bill finally passes into law. The Pensions will prove we believe the greatest possible help to the aged and respectable poor, who through no fault of their own, have but scanty means of subsistence. The Clergy will be glad to give advice to those who are eligible for Pensions, but as the measure has not

yet passed through both Houses of Parliament, nothing can be done just at present.

ITEMS.

Mr. Thomas Atkinson has acted as Teacher of Edenderry Men's Class during the. absence of the Rector. The Rector has been enjoying a holiday at Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast.

The Rev. J. Taylor has paid several visits to the Parish during his holiday. We hear he is winning golden opinions among his new friends in St. Thomas' Parish, Belfast. Belfast seems to agree with him. He is looking very strong and well.

Mr. John McMullen of Drumgor, who has been ill for some time is we are glad to say improved in health.

Some former members of Seagoe C.L.B. went for a holiday to Morecambe in England. They had a rough crossing, but enjoyed themselves very much.

The new Bridge across the Bann is now almost complete. The dangerous work of letting down the heavy girders, each 40 tons weight, into their places was successfully accomplished without any accident. We congratulate Mr. Smith, Engineer G.N.R., who had charge of the work.

NATURE NOTES FOR AUGUST.

The height of summer is already past, and before long the deeper tints of autumn will change the whole face of nature. Many of the parishioners are now busily engaged in cutting meadows, and this ought to be a good opportunity for observing traces of natural life. They will certainly come across nests of corncrakes. The corncrakes have been very plentiful this year. In every field the strange noise made by these interesting birds has been heard. White, of Selborne, the great naturalist, asserts that the cry of the corncrake resembles the word “crex crex.” No one seems yet quite to know what becomes of the corncrake in winter. Some say they hide through the long cold nights, others, and with greater probability, that they migrate to a warmer clime.

Among plants of the month we choose the fragrant, Woodbine or Honeysuckle. There are few places in Ireland where it grows more profusely than along the hedgerows in Seagoe Parish. Those who are interested in the habits of creeping plants will find the Woodbine a most interesting study. Professor Darwin wrote quite a big book on "Creeping Plants," and some of them seem almost to possess a kind of instinct or reason in the way in which they fasten their tendrils round every little thing which will give them support.

This month might be almost called the month of creeping plants, as amidst the tall undergrowth generated by the summer sun and shower they alone can out-top the luxurious vegetation of our hedge rows.

At this season of the year the beauty of our sunsets has often been noticed. The western sky

glows with most brilliant colours. Especially in our neighbourhood the sunsets attract attention and the cause of their special beauty in the district deserves attention. One reason is the absence of any rising ground in the neighbourhood, which enables us to see the sun sinking to the very horizon, but the brilliancy of colouring is no doubt due to our proximity to Lough Neagh which is the largest

sheet of fresh water in the Kingdom. The moisture which rises by evaporation from such a large expanse of water fills the atmosphere with tiny particles or bubbles each of which breaks up the rays of the sun into its prismatic colours or else absorbs in itself certain rays and passes on to us the other and more brilliant colours. People who live at the far side of Lough Neagh do not see as bright sunsets as we do who live on its Eastern shores.