August 1910

Seagoe Patish Magazine

AUGUST, 1910.

The Recent Confirmation.

A very large number of those who were

confirmed on June 26th were present at the

Celebrations of Holy Communion on the

following Sunday, July 3rd. The total

number of Communicants was 108, which is, we

believe, the largest number present on any single

Sunday during the past eighty years. We hope that

those young people who have now joined the ranks

of our Communicants will be regular in their

attendance at this Sacred Feast which our Lord Jesus

Christ has so solemnly enjoined on His followers in

the command “This do in remembrance of me."

Much of the spirit of indifference which prevails in

our midst and the serious neglect of Divine Worship

by many amongst us is, we are convinced, due to the

habit of not attending the service of Holy Communion.

The excuse usually put forward of spiritual

unfitness cannot avail in God's sight, and if we with

a sincere conviction of sin desire forgiveness then we

shall be found kneeling at the Holy Table in true

humility seeking His strengthening and refreshing

grace. One hundred years ago the Communicants

in Seagoe Parish considerably outnumbered our

present totals. At all the chief festivals there were

never less than one hundred present and usually

about 150. We hope that ere long Seagoe will be

distinguished as Parish where the people feel a true

hunger for the Bread of Life. Those who have been

recently confirmed will receive their Confirmation

Cards without delay. Each card has been signed by

the Bishop, and will prove an interesting and helpful

reminder of the happy Confirmation of 1910.

We hope the parents and elder brothers and sisters

of those who have been confirmed and have come to

Communion will in every possible way by their

sympathy and prayers encourage those who have

taken this step forward in the Spiritual life, and the

best way to help them is by coming with them and

joining in our beautiful Communion service. There

is no happier sight to be seen in our Parish Church

than that of Parents and children kneeling together

around the Holy Table. It consecrates the home

life of the Parish

Children's Flower Competition,

On Saturday, August 20th, the Prizes will be

awarded for the flowers distributed to the children

8 months ago. The children must bring their

flowers to Edenderry Parochial Hall on that day at

2-30 p.m. The judges will then award the Prizes.

Further particulars will be announced in the Sunday

Schools on Sunday, August 14th.

Our Day Schools,

Seagoe School has been thoroughly renovated

during the holidays. Messrs. Adair were entrusted

by the Vestry with the painting and decoration.

The walls have been painted a bright silver grey, and

the wood panelling has been grained in a light oak.

The whole effect is extremely bright and pleasing and

almost transforms the interior of the School. A much

needed improvement has been approved of, viz., the

fitting up of a neat Lavatory with wash-hand basins

and a water supply. This work has been tendered for

by Mr John Coulter, of Edenderry. The School with its

new improvements and efficient teaching staff is now

one of the best equipped in the neighbourhood of

Portadown.

The Annual Report.

The Annual Report for Seagoe Parish about to

be published is this year of exceptional interest.

The first feature of importance to which we would

direct attention is the gratifying increase in the

Sustentation Fund, which after remaining at a low

figure for many years, has suddenly shot up to a total

never previously reached, viz., £175. This is due to

the practical interest which the parishioners have

taken in the Glebe Purchase Scheme to which our

worthy Treasurer. Mr. Wolsey Atkinson, has devoted

so much time and attention. The parishioners

have loyally supported him and it seems as if

in quite a short time the scheme will be carried to

successful conclusion. We are glad to see that the

various funds in the Parish are well supported.

Here and there we notice adverse balances but in all

cases they are smaller than last year. The Debit

Balance on the General Sunday School Account has

been reduced from £8 odd to about £3. This is one

of the most important Funds next to the Sustentation

and for the sake of the efficiency of our Sunday

Schools it should be better supported. A few more

annual subscriptions would enable us to pay our way

from year to year. The Poor Fund has been well

supported and it has been possible to help many

deserving cases.

Offertories for July-

Freely ye have received : freely give."

Morning Evening

July 3th— 6th S. aft. Trinity £l 17 2 £0 11 8

July 10th— 7th S. aft. Trinity 3 6 4 ½ 3 4 3

July 17th— 8th S. aft. Trinity 1 8 1 0 10 2

July 24th— 9th S. aft. Trinity 1 6 4 0 10 4

July 31st— 10th S. aft. Trinity 1 7 6 0 10 4

Week Days 0 7 2

--------------------- --------------------

£9 5 5 ½ £5 13 11

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Baptisms.

Of such is the kingdom of God."

July 2nd. —Sarah Jane, daughter of Thomas Edward and Mary Adelaide Letitia Maginnis.

—Abraham, son of Edmond and Sarah Grimason.

—David John, son of Thomas and Margaret Holland.

—Richard, son of James Henry and Ellen Hughes.

—Hannah, daughter of William John and Margaret McArdle.

9th —Joseph Robb, son of William Robert and Amelia Anna Coulter.

—Hannah, daughter of William Robert and Amelia Anna Coulter.

13^th —Robert, son of Robert and Mary Anderson.

—Ellen Jane Lyness, daughter of Robert and Mary Anderson.

20th —Sarah Anne, daughter of William and Hannah Jane Thompson.

21^st —Elizabeth, daughter of James Henry and Elizabeth McKee.

Marriages.

“ Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. “

July 8^th —Samue1 George McNeill, Edenderry, to Elizabeth Anna Fleming, Edenderry.

—George Steenson, Kernan, to Elizabeth Warnock, Edenderry.

Burials.

“I know that my Redeemer liveth."

July 3rd.—Valentine Dynes, Lisniskey, aged 73 yrs.

10th.—William Atkinson, Edenderry, aged 66 yrs.

26th.—Isaiah Best, Donacloney, aged 31 yrs.

30th.—John Currie, Edenderry, aged 71 years.

Death has been busy in our midst during the

past month, and has claimed victims both among the

aged and the children.

Valentine Dynes has been ailing for several years,

but the end came somewhat suddenly. He was

always very patient even when in pain, and

his loss is regretted by many in the Parish.

William Atkinson had a life-long connection

with Seagoe Parish. He took an active interest in

the Orange Institution, and was largely instrumental

in the erection of Seagoe Orange Hall. He was one

of the founders of the Men's Sunday Morning Bible

Class which meets in the Hall, and while his health

permitted he was seldom absent. He has been in

failing health for some time with an affection of the

heart, and his illness was accompanied with much

suffering. The end came suddenly on the early

morning of Friday, July 8th.

Mrs. M'Adam, better known by her maiden

name as Maud Quinn, of Drumnacanvey,

passed away after a brief illness on July 1st

at Oughterard, Co, Galway. Mrs McAdam was interred

in the pretty little graveyard at Oughterard Parish

Church. Much sympathy was shown by the town

people of every class and creed, and many sent flowers.

at the funeral.

One of the saddest events that has recently

occurred in the Parish has been the death of

one of the most popular and promising of our

Seagoe School children, Olive Bleakley, at the early

age of twelve years. The epidemic of Measles,

which has been prevalent in the Parish for some

weeks past, though happily of a light type has yet

been very severe in some cases. In her case it

developed into pneumonia and proved rapidly fatal.

We shall sadly miss her bright presence from our

Day School and Sunday School, but her example

will remain as a happy memory and a sacred

inspiration. In the fair promise of youth she has

been translated to another and a better world. We

offer our sincere sympathy to her sorrowing parents,

Her remains were interred in Knockbreda graveyard,

Belfast.

We note with feelings of deep regret the early

demise of Isaiah Best at the age of 31. Owing to his

long residence in Donacloney he was unknown to

many of us, but as this family is one of the most

honoured and widely connected in the Parish, we feel

as if the cold hand of death had been laid on one of

our own.

With sorrow we record the decease of John Curry,

one of our oldest residents. For a long time his health

was far from satisfactory. He bore his long illness

with resignation and passed away without serious

pain.

The Anniversary Service.

On the evening of Sunday, July 10th, at 7 0'clock,

a Special Anniversary Service was held in Seagoe

Church. A large number of Orangemen wearing

their regalia were present. The service was reverent

and hearty. Hymn sheets containing suitable hymns

were distributed through the pews and enabled all to

join in the singing. The special preacher was the

Rev. John McEndoo, M.A., Rector of Tandragee.

He chose as his text Esther, Chap. 9, vv. 26, 27, 28,

the record of the establishment of the Feast of

Purim to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews

from the hands of their enemies. The sermon contained

many interesting references to the history of the past,

and some useful warnings with regard to the present.

The offerings were collected by the officers of the

Lodges and a liberal collection was made on behalf of

the funds of the Co. Armagh Protestant Orphan

Society and the Enniskillen Fund. At Morning

Prayer the Sermon was preached by the Rector from

the text, Psalm 127-4, and the offerings of the people

were devoted to the Protestant Orphan Society.

Those who would wish to take Collecting Cards for

the Orphan Society should apply to the Clergy or the

Sunday School Superintendents. Everyone should

do something for the Widows and Orphans.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

G.F.S. Excursion,

This pleasant annual event which is looked forward

to with so much interest by the members of the

Seagoe G.F.S. takes place this year on Saturday,

.August 13th. The place selected for the Excursion

is Ardmore on the shores of Lough Neagh. A

prettier place could not have chosen. The green

sward along the shores of our beautiful lake will form

an ideal place for the afternoon's outing. Miss

Armstrong, our energetic G.F.S. Secretary, has made

all arrangements.

Items.

Seagoe School re-opens on Monday, August

8th. A punctual attendance of all the pupils is

requested at 9-30 a.m.

Hacknahay School re-opens on Tuesday, August

2nd, at 9-30 a.m. sharp.

Queen Alexandra has graciously acknowledged

a poem sent to her by our talented parishioner, Miss

F. A. Armstrong, on the occasion of the death of the

late King. The title of Miss Armstrong's poem was

Compensation."

The triennial Church of Ireland conference will

be held in Belfast from October 11th to October

15th. The subjects to be discussed are very

important and interesting. All those who are

interested in Church Work should attend. We hope

to see Seagoe well represented.

Mr Thomas Armstrong has kindly given a

donation of £5 to Hacknahay School.

The Rector has been away on a holiday during

the latter weeks of July.

The Select Vestry spent an evening at the

Rectory last month. Some of the members showed

great skill at golf. Mr. C. C. Collins, Rector's

Churchwarden, especially distinguished himself.

We have quite an athletic Vestry at present.

Mr. T. J. Atkinson has taken the Edenderry Men's

Bible Class during the Rector's absence.

We congratulate Mr. Alfred Murray on obtaining

the Divinity Testimonium in Trinity College

Dublin.

Messrs. McGredy have again won splendid

distinctions for their Roses at the great English Rose

Show.

Church Attendance and Efficiency Cards,

In presenting a report of our Church Attendance

Cards for the last three months, many points arise

which give cause for deep dissatisfaction. Perhaps

to a certain extent the epidemic of measles which

broke out recently may be responsible for some of

these, but it is improbable in the highest degree that

we can attribute everything to this. A great number

of cards is given out each quarter, but what is the

tale they tell when they are collected? In the

majority of cases great irregularity in attendance at

Church is observable. In some instances Sunday

School is also badly attended, and lessons are learned

most indifferently. It is not quite fair to always find

fault with the children for these sins of omission.

Some blame apparently must be attached to the

parents. Instead of evincing an interest in the

religious education of their offspring, more often we

find careless habits being fostered and pampered by

those who should be zealous for the eternal welfare

of their children. Furthermore the whole duty of

parents is not discharged when children are told to

go to Church. A good leader says ' come on,' not

' go on.' ' Example is better than precept.' We appeal

to all to see that they meet the obligations in this

matter by leading lives which will be inspirations to

the younger wayfarer on the road of life.

PRIZES, (65 Points).

Arthur Allen, William R. McLoughlin, James McKeown.

FIRST CLASS, (60 points and over).

Jennie England, 63; Bella Magee, 62; Bessie

Dawson, 60.

SECOND CLASS (55 points and over).

Maggie Magee, 57 ; Thomas England, 57 ; Sophia

Bradshaw, 56 ; Thomas Boyce, 56 ; Maggie Smith, 55.

THIRD CLASS, (50 points and over).

Mary J. Webb, 52 ; Sarah Dowson , 51 ; Minnie

Allen, 51 ; Theresa Ramsey, 50.

Nature Notes.

Although the summer is rapidly passing away the

month of August presents many interesting features

to the lover of nature. During the cutting of the

meadows many of the secrets of Nature are revealed.

It is then possible to note the habits of birds which

bring up their young in the safe retreat of the long

meadow grass. Those who are interested in Moths

and Butterflies will find plenty of scope for

observation and the large Dragon flies which glitter through

the air and hover over the ripe meadows must attract

the admiring notice of even the most careless wayfarer.

Another object of interest which comes into

view this month is the way in which the various

flowers scatter their seeds. The Dandelion is an

interesting example. Every child knows the fluffy

head which a breath can scatter but every plant has

its own method of sowing its seed. The Balsam

which grows freely in this district can throw its seeds

a distance of four yards. It would be a good thing

for our farming friends to make a study of the

injurious insects which attack the crops and devise

remedies against them. Notwithstanding all the

knowledge that has been acquired a great deal still

remains to be learned about them.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Old Seagoe Notes.

Seagoe Townlands.—Drumnacanvey has

as interesting meaning. It is, of course, like

almost all the other names, an Irish word. It

means "the yellow-headed ridge." No doubt the

higher ground in the townland was once covered

with the yellow bloom of the gorse.

Drumnagoon was apparently in old days

famous for its calves, for the name means "the

ridge or hill of the calves."

Edenderry is now more remarkable for houses

than for trees, but in bygone times it was famed for

its oak groves. The name means the hill brow of

the oak wood.

There is a difference of opinion as to the meaning

of Hacknahay. Some say it is derived from

Aghnaghay, which means " The Plain adjoining the

Knock or Hill." This might refer to the fact that it

contains a level piece of ground winding round the

sides of the townland of Knock. A more likely

derivation is from Aghanahay meaning 6' the field of the

stream." The stream is a very conspicuous object

in the district.

Kernan means “the little cairn or heap of

stones." Possibly in former times a heap of stones

marked the highest point in the townland.

Old Map of Seagoe.—The old map of Seagoe

and the County of Armagh referred to in our last

issue and made in 1760 by Jean Roques for the then

Primate contains some interesting features besides

those already mentioned. The Gilford road, as we

know it, did not exist. Possibly because there was

then no such town as Gilford. The only road in

that direction was one which ran along the rampart

parallel to the present road and ended in front of the

house at Carrickblacker. There seems to have been

a large number of cottages along that road. Where

Stewart Avenue now is there was a wide opening in

the roadway, possibly a pond where the horses of

travellers to Lurgan could drink. The townland of

Lisnamintry is printed Linster-minster, and near

Drumnagoon there is a place marked Firglasson,

which was distinct from the townland of Tamnifiglasson.

There seems to have been orchards round

all the larger houses in the Parish, and there were

many more trees planted than are now to be seen.

The bridge across the Bann was made of wood, and

was eventually swept away in a time of flood.

Curates of Seagoe.—There were Rectors of

Seagoe from the earliest times, and Vicars for several

centuries, but the first curate was not appointed

until the days of the Rev. John Campbell in the

year 1696. The name of the Rev. George Toombs

appears as curate of Seagoe in that year. The next

curate whose appointment is recorded was the Rev.

John Carroll, who took his degree of B.A. in the

year 1729, and was appointed curate of Seagoe in

the year 1745. He held the curacy for 21 years, ,

until 1766, when he was appointed perpetual curate

of the Moyntiaghs District, which was then made

into a separate district of the Parish.

The Rev. Arthur Fforde who was Vicar of Seagoe

from 1731 to 1748 appears to have acted as

temporary curate from 1726 to 1731. He got his,

degree of B.A. in 1723, and M.A. in 1726.

The Rev. Thomas Higginson, who obtained

Scholarship in Trinity College, Dublin, in 1743, and

graduated as B.A. in 1744, became curate in the year

1756, and acted as such with the Rev. John Carroll.

No doubt the latter at that time was working chiefly

in the Moyntiaghs District.

The Rev. William Tisdall, who obtained his

degree in 1763, was in the same year appointed to the

curacy and held it till 1764.

In 1772 the Rev. Alexander Mecredy was appointed

to the curacy and held it for a year.

Ardmore Church.—It is a curious fact that

neither of the Churches bordering upon Seagoe

Parish and originally forming part of it, is situated

in the townland which gives it its name. Ardmore

Church is in the townland of Derryadd, but the first.

Church in that District was built in Ardmore, and so

the present Church goes by that name. In the case.

of Knocknamuckley Church, the Church is.

actually in the townland of Ballygargan, though it is

always called by the name of another townland. It

is said that Archdeacon Saurin was displeased at its.

erection and said it should be called by the name of

Knocknamuckley which he thought was not so nice

name as Ballygargan. Whether the story be true or

not it is curious that it is called by the name of a

neighbouring townland.

Old Pews in Seagoe Church—The old square

box pews were in Seagoe Church until so recently

1864. Many of the older parishioners will remember

them. In the year 1864 the present pews were

imtroduced and at the time of the restoration of the

Church by Dean Dawson, the handsome pews in the

side aisle were erected. Of course in the old Church

the pews were all of the square shape with straight

backs,

The Apple Orchards of Portadown.—It is

said that the custom of planting apple orchards, which

has now developed into such a profitable industry in

this neighbourhood was introduced into South Antrim

and Armagh by relatives and followers of Bishop

Jeremy Taylor, who became Bishop of Dromore in

the 17th century. He lived near Ballinderry in the

Co. Antrim. The Rev. J. Taylor, lately curate of

Seagoe, owns one of the finest apple orchards in the

neighbourhood of Portadown, and we believe he comes

of the same stock.