Seagoe Parish Magazine

AUGUST, 1923

The Anniversary Service.

On Sunday evening, July 8th, the usual Anniversary

Service was held in Seagoe Parish Church at 7

o'clock. A large number of Lodges attended, whose

members quite filled the nave of the Church. The

Service began with what has come to be known as

the Ulster Hymn," "O God our help in ages past."

It was sung with great heartiness, the volume of the

voices being very impressive. The 84th Psalm

was sung as a Special Psalm. The Preacher was

the Reve Francis Matchett, B.D., Rector of Hillsborough.

Mr. Matchett gave a clear and reasoned

statement explaining the nature and meaning of the

Service. He took as his text "What mean ye by

this Service."

Some 60 members of the Women's

Lodges of Portadown and District also attended,

and Mr. Matchett in his sermon congratulated them

on their presence at the Service. The offertory was

in aid of the Lord Enniskillen Memorial Orphan

Fund and amounted to over £11. Large numbers of

people assembled at the Church who were unable to

take part in the Service, as the building was already

filled. A new Union Jack was flown from the Church

Tower. Among those present at the Service were

Sir W. J. Allen and Major Shillington, M.P.

The Weekly Envelopes,

While a large measure of success has attended

the Weekly Offering System there are still a few

who, although they have taken the Envelopes, do

not bring or send them in regularly. It is a great

help to the Treasurer when the payments are made

regularly. Some districts have done splendidly and

the Envelopes come in with unfailing regularity: A

great deal depends on the Superintendent of the

District.

It is wonderful how much can be accomplished

by a diligent and careful Collector or Superintendent.

The future welfare of the Parish depends

on punctuality in payment.

Repairs to the Rectory,

Owing to the ravages of Time extensive repairs

have had to be carried out at the Rectory. A block

of outbuildings was in danger of collapse, and it

was found necessary to incur considerable, outlay to

make the walls secure. This has been carefully done

with the result that the buildings have been made

quite secure for years to come. The old yard belfry

has been rebuilt.

It is a picturesque. feature at the

Rectory, and the Rector felt that it ought to be

preserved.

The Annual Report,

The Annual Report of the Sustentation Fund up

to December 31st, 1922, is in the printer's hands and

will shortly he issued. It is very complete, and the

Hon. Treas , Mr. Hugh Stoops, has devoted much of

his valuable time to compiling the long list of

subscriptions. He has received much help from Mr.

James M'Donald, of Ballyhannon, who most kindly

assisted him on the invitation of the Select Vestry.

In a large Parish like Seagoe it is very important

that the Finances should receive careful attention.

The Parish has not yet reached the legal Minimum

Stipend as defined by the General Synod.

It is classed in the Diocesan Office as a future Curacy in

charge. An addition of £120 per annurn to the

Sustentation Fund would remove this reproach and

safeguard the Parish for the future A small increase

in the amount subscribed by each subscriber

would wipe out the deficiency in a few months' time.

The Misses Dawson.

The Misses Dawson are going again to pursue their

brave missionary work in South America. Miss

Mary Dawson spent a few days in the Parish last

month. They are taking up work this time in

Patagonia, a more southern part of the Continent.

Previously they had worked in Chili. The call to

Foreign Missionary work is one which should appeal

to every member of the Church. This fresh effort

made by the Misses Dawson ought to kindle a fresh

interest in Foreign Missions in Seagoe Parish.

The Rectory Purchase Scheme,

Possibly before this is in the hands of our readers

the Rectory Purchase Scheme, which has now been

in existence some 16 years, will have reached completion.

The sum of £950 advanced by the Representative

Church Body at Disestablishment to secure

the Rectory for the Parish, will then have been

honourably repaid to that Body, and the Rectory

will be permanently: secured for Seagoe. A

considerable sum has beep kindly subscribed in the Parish

within the last few months to complete the Fund,

and when a few outstanding collections have been

handed in we believe the object will have been

achieved. Hitherto the Rectors of Seagoe have had

to pay a sum of £33 annually as interest on the

capital advanced by the Representative Church

Body.

The Choir Excursion,

Seagoe has arranged its Annual Excursion

this year to Bangor by charabanc. Saturday, August

18th, is the day fixed.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Parish Register for July.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish

Church on July 7th, 1923-—

Lyness—Sarah Mary, daughter of John and Alicia Lyness, of Carne.

Sponsors—John Lvness, Alicia Lyness.

Forsythe—-Elizabeth, daughter of James Henry and Elizabeth Forsythe, of Upper Seagoe.

Sponsors. —Mary Jane Webb, Elizabeth Forsythe.

Hunter—Elizabeth, daughter of George and Frances Hunter, of Port.adown.

Sponsors—Elizabeth Johnston, Elizabeth Hunter.

Porter—Maria Jane, daughter , of David and Anne Elizabeth Porter, of Lower Seagoe.

Sponsors—Maria Watson, Anne Elizabeth Porter.

Maxwell— Ellen, daughter of Richard and Martha Maxwell, of Balteagh.

Sponsors—Ellen Maxwell, Martha Maxwell.

Marriages

M'Kerr and M'Cann—10th July, 1923, Robert M'Kerr of Drumgor, to Clara M'Cann, of Lurgan.

Wilson and Lewie—JuJy 18th, 1923, at Seagoe Parish Church, by the Rev. W. T. Wilson, M.A., J

John Wilson, , of Moyraverty, to Lillie Lewie, of Levaghery.

Burials.

Hynes—July 1st, James Hynes, of Edenderry, aged 43.

Forde—July 6th, Mary Elizabeth Forde, of Edenderry, aged 57.

Woolsey—July 12th, Robert Woolsey, of Edenderry, aged 84.

M'CausIin—Ju1y 31st, Susan MGauslin, of Edenderry, aged 70.

Seagoe Scouts,

Twelve Seagoe Scouts had a splendid holiday with

the Manchester Scouts at the Camp at Bury, near

Manchester. They enjoyed it to the full and made

rnany pleasant friendships with the English boys, so

much so that tears were shed when the good-bye was

being said at the boat in Liverpool. We congratulate

our Scouts on the enterprise shown by their excursion

across the water. Some snapshots of our boys

appeared in the " Daily Mail."

Our Advertisements.

Not long ago a subscriber to Seagoe Magazine said

that when he got it each month he just sat down

and read it right through. On being asked if he

read the advertisements he said he did, and enjoyed

reading them. Now, that is the proper way to read

Seagoe Magazine, advertisements and all. Some

people don't look at advertisements, but a glance

at those in Seagoe Magazine Will interest you sand

possibly enable you to do .your housekeeping at

a cheaper rate, and with more comfort.

Seagoe Day School,

Seagoe Day School will re-open (D. V.) after the

summer holidays on Monday, August 13th, at 9.30

a.m. A punctual attendance of all the children is

requested. During the holidays the Schoolrooms

have been thoroughly cleaned. An important addition

to the activities of the School is the School

Garden, which is carried on in connection with the

Agricultural Department of the Board of Education

The Senior Boys and Girls are trained in this practical

work. (15 other Schools besides Seagoe

in the County Armagh possess School Gardens

WITH THE NINTH IN PRANCE.

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

(Continued from ,July Magazine.)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th—Continued.

The day was lovely, which had something to say for it. Worked out what each company was to do before we came in, and everything is now going ahead. About midnight a heavy bombardment woke us up, but on going outside I found it was N. of us. Lasted over an hour and was mingled with rifle and M.G. fire. Don’t know what it was. Pratt’s push did a raid two nights ago. Got one prisoner, I hear. I am in the Elephant this tour, very nice, but of course dark in the day time, but less exposed to the elements. Place still living up to its name. Duke has left a bottle of Eau de Cologne for H.Q. to be handed over as a trench store.

Sunday; thank goodness we have a rest from Generals and other inflictions. They are pushing well on the Somme. Please send out mufflers, gloves, etc. You have also 400 pair of socks. Weather very cold at nights. Razors also wanted. We have about 400 men in the trench line.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th.

Such a wet day, downpour from about 10.00 p.m. last night. Owing to good work on trenches and draining, we are walking on dry trench boards, instead of water and mud. A quiet night, and I slept from 10.00 p.m.—6.00 a.m. The Elephant is much better than my old calf house on a wet day. No rain drifts in. Fergie made pals with Field Paymaster last time we were out, who said he would like to visit the trenches. Last night he turned up and spent the night in the front line, and passed away this a.m., I expect full of his yarns as to his adventures. The downpour is really a blessing, as it enables us to see where the weak places are in our plans and drainage, etc., and to remedy them before winter sets in. The difficulty always is for officers and men alike to get dry again, once wet, which everyone is bound to be when it rains. Yes, Matthew visited us last night, first time he has been here.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 19th.

Sergt. Lucas and Corpl. Clements have each got Military Medal, and Godson, Military Cross. The small stream has risen six feet and some trenches are flooded, also our two bridges have two feet of water over them. Of course the usual slipping in of trench walls and sandbags, but the bottom of trenches is splendid, except where the stream has overflowed. This a.m. was thundery, and very heavy showers. Now turned sunny. Last night was cold. I was very snug in the end of the Elephant. The Lewis gun officer was flooded out of his dug-out, two feet of water on the floor. His kit mostly floated away. Things quiet so far.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th.

Heavy showers yesterday; rain at intervals through the night, and today. Everything very wet and messy, except communication trenches, which are in excellent order. The front line is, of course, slipping in, and generally bad. We very nearly had a move N. yesterday. Fortunately it was cancelled at the last minute. Weather seems regularly broken. Low flying clouds and constant rain. Thunder yesterday. Very busy today.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21st.

Lovely day. Heavy strafe on. Begun by us at 3.00 p.m. We put over all sorts of heavy stuff into their trenches opposite, and fairly blew them up. Big bits of timber flying up like bits of straw. Had an important patrol out last night, and was up in front line waiting for its return from 11.30 p.m. till 1.30 a.m. Luckily very fine night.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd.

Pratt writes very cheerily, greatly bucked over his fellows and raid. Killed 33, and one prisoner. Not withstanding the weather we have done some good work this tour. Padre gave us turbot and chicken last night! We go out tonight. The strafe has died down. The Bosche has hardly replied as yet. He got a rare tickling up, and most of his work for the past months must be upset badly.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd.

Relief all right, and early. Was in here at 9.25 p.m. One casualty coming out, not severe, the only one during the week. Lovely day, but a sharp touch in the air. Q brings in his car, and I go to Div. H.Q. the night before.

SATURDAY: OCTOBER 7th.

Very rough crossing and fearfully crowded boat. C. had come by car to B_____, and the car waited for me. Great luck. So after a hurried report I came straight on here (R.L.), arriving 12.15 a.m. Quite good. Fergie’s sports on. Fine early, but heavy showers have begun. Very dark night, and we had to put out all lights in the car for last two miles. Much work awaiting me. Hardly a minute all day; many arrangements to be made. All p.m. at boxing. Day went off well in spite of showers. Now concert, then dinner. Pratt stays here tonight. Goes on leave tomorrow. Such heaps arrears of work.

SUNDAYZ OCTOBER 8th.

Wet again today. A great dinner. I enclose menu. Each officer had a different picture on his. Pratt, Berry, Cole-Hamilton came. No speeches. just “The King” and “Absent Comrades”. The Band played during and after dinner, and assisted at the concert, and played at church parade this morning, so we got good value out of them. Seven new officers joined last night, all from Newtownards [ i.e. the 10 th (Reserve) Battalion ]. Have just given them an hour’s talk. 5 p.m. Turned out fine after all. Still find there’s heaps of work to do and am scrambling to make up arrears. Our mess is improved here, though not finished, and the accommodation for officers and men generally is better. Still wants improving. A few more huts. We have turned an old hut into a men’s recreation room. The sports and boxing went off very well, thanks to Fergie’s arrangements. I was not able to be long there, as I was busy writing all day. Wonder will you see Pratt; he was going to look you up.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9th.

Cardigans not wanted, Government making an issue. Games arrived all right, so reading room in full swing. Finer today so far, and drying, but everywhere messy. The weather is not cold yet. Find my little house here very comfy and nice. Wire just come in awarding M.C. to Menaul. Wilson’s appointment as Quartermaster is sanctioned, so Milne becomes Regtl. Q.M.S.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10th.

A bright breezy day, and everything drying up well. We go in about 5.00 p.m. and dine in the line. Am not particularly looking forward to this tour. They have been knocking the trenches about with T.M.’s [ trench mortars ] and there is a lot of repair work to be done. Send a wire or line of congratulations to Menaul. Hope to have a bukh with Holt when I go in this evening. 14680 M. Strothers, Portadown, was badly injured on Saturday. He was a prisoner in the guard tent, and a branch of a tree fell on the tent and fractured his skull. Candles badly wanted now. Woollen caps have arrived in the nick of time, and 400 pairs socks just as we needed them.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11th

Relief completed by 7.15 p.m. last night, and we dined comfortably down here at 8.00 p.m. A lovely evening and quiet night. Just as I was starting down Duke came to see me, so I hadn’t much of a talk with Holt. Gusty day. S.W. wind, and leaves swirling, but fine.

THURSDAY: OCTOBER 42th.

Our show came off early this a.m., but alas was unsuccessful. Three officer casualties—two serious. About 25 men, half serious. I found it waiting for me on my return and has been worrying me much since. Can’t give you details. I’m grieved about the loss. Bright moonlight, and fine. Time 2.00 a.m. A very harassing night. Of course, as usual, Padre a tower of strength. The M.O. [ medical officer ] did splendidly. Shill was delightful. Jimmy Shepherd, in charge of trollies for wounded, did splendid service. One officer, though hit in the eye and arm quite soon, went on all the same and didn’t fall out till the party was back in our trench. Bosche put up a stiff barrage on our front line. We didn’t effect an entrance. Weather still very pleasant, dry and pleasant breeze. Trenches rather knocked about. A good deal more Art’y and T.M. activity on Master Bosche’s part, but less M.G. fire. Not a M.G. was fired by him whilst our men were out. He is being stirred up properly and given no peace. Naturally he’s getting stuffy. Will try and send you names of locals wounded. Very good performance bringing in all the wounded last night.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13th.

The Gen. looked in about 2.45 p.m. and ate his sandwiches in Shill’s room, and I went and talked to him. He fears no conscription for Ireland. H.Q. will not send English drafts to us, possibly to force Government hand about conscription. Anyway the outlook is bad for us. They propose various schemes. Two cooks were wounded by a chance shell yesterday. Poor Buchanan has lost his eye, and may have his brain injured. Kiely hit in arms and legs. Miles, slight in thumb. Bosche heavy T.M. more numerous and annoying. They have got at us every day, and we retaliate with T.M.’s and Hows. [ howitzers] So far their damage has only been material, but they make a great to-do and mess. Heavy shrapnel they also indulge in. Their M.G. is certainly less violent.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14th.

So glad you saw young Wingfield. Such a nice boy. Delighted he is getting on all right. They Bosche has been very active all day. Began at 10.00 a.m., when the T.M.’s shelled our front line for ¾ hour. We gave him heavy stuff back, but he put some more ones about 12.30 p.m. He was active all round from 3.00 p.m., and finally gave us a dose of heavy stuff at Bn. H.Q. from 4.45 to 5.30 p.m. Some very near, and one actually hitting the Elephant. Tables and shelves tumbled down, and my torch was broken, and a spout of water rose from the floor, but no one was touched. In fact we have escaped any casualties today, wonderful to say. I am getting our Heavies to shell his Bde. and Bn. H.Qs., which I hope will tickle him up. Padre went to see Buchanan and Kiely and found them both doing well, though the former had had his eye out. Duke was down today. He is a nice fellow and always helpful. I had left my despatch case unfastened; it was hurled to the floor and articles scattered.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15th.

Been so busy all day. Round the three Coys in a.m., Conference and then to support Coy (‘C’) where Padre had a service, then on to see Cole-Hamilton, and so home. Quiet day after yesterday’s heavy strafing. Shill. and Pratt have been promoted [ to major and lieutenant colonel ]. Been a very fine bright day, and healthy. We need candles badly now. You might send two chickens some time. No rain since we came into the line, and weather very nice; not cold. Been so busy all day. Round the 3 Coys ,in a.m.,

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16th.

First touch of winter in the air last night and today. Wet this a.m., now sunny, but a sharp feeling. Night fairly quiet here. There was a strafe on further north; not our Div. Rain showers during the night has made everything messy, especially when repairs to trenches are going on. Saw young Edgar today and had a talk with him. He was looking very well. We go out tonight after a rather rough time. The right Coy. have had a bad time.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17th.

I have got a recreation hut for the men and a Sergeant’s Mess going, and three more huts for the men. Relief satisfactory, and I was here [ Red Lodge ] at 7.00 p.m. I am afraid there are many who do not realise what practical patriotism means. We have an afternoon strafe on, of every sort of missile, and the din is hideous. Have been wrestling with officers’ promotions all p.m. We’ve got a stove working in the hut, and a window in! So it’s quite comfy.

I should write for lists to R.R. to all the Battalions and publsh your expenses as well as receipt.

WEDNESDAY: OCTOBER 18th.

Such heavy rain all night, fine now, but of course

everything messy. Have managed to make every

man up to 3 pair socks. The sun has come out, but,

the clouds are heavy all round.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19th.

Heavy rain all night and to-day so far—a depressing

wet Autumn day. The nights- now are most

fearfully dark, literally inky black. I couldn't move a

yard without my little torch. Roumania seems in a

bad way ; outranged in guns. Rain stopped and

sun struggling out. Just off for a walk. Dark at

4.30 p.m. now.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20th.

Fine day, frost and cold night. Just off to trench with 109th [ Brigade]. It kept lovely all day, but bite in the air, and N.E. wind. I saw Ricardo, but only for a short time. Saw Shuter and Menaul. Have been suddenly ordered to send off six of those 14 new officers to 1st Battalion. Taken a bit of doing as many are sick and away for various reasons; also a bother. Bale of 348 pairs of mitts just arrived.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21st.

Such a lovely summer day, but another sharp frost, and cold night. We were at tea when H.Q. were shelled. No one was stunned or hurt. Great tribute to the Elephant. Tables upset, which caused loose articles to roll about. Only thing lost was a knife. I even found my collar stud on the floor, but pipes and tobacco were found minus a stem, hurled to the sides and under boards.

(To be continued.)