August 1925

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

AUGUST, 1925,

CLERGY:

Rev. Canon Archer, B.D., The Rectory, Seagoe,

Portadown.

Rev. Robert W. Johnston, L.Th., 35 Church Street,

Portadown.

CHURCHWARDENS:

Mr. Robert Price (Rector's).

Mr. Thomas Martin (People's).

The W. T. Wilson.

The Rev. W. T. Wilson leaves Seagoe at the end

of the month to take up his new duties as Curate

of Birr, in the Diocese of Killaloe. The Parish is

the most important in that Diocese. Archdeacon

Hemphill, now Rector of Drumbeg, in this Diocese,

was for many years Rector of Birr. During his stay

in Seagoe Mr. Wilson made many friends. His

large Men's Bible-class in Edenderry, which he

taught every Sunday morning in the Recreation

Room, decided to mark his departure from the

Parish by presenting him with a gift. On Monday,

July 27th, a social meeting was held in Seagoe

School, at which the members of the Edenderry

Men's Class and the Seagoe and Edenderry Girls'

Classes were present. The Rector presided. After

tea, all present enjoyed a succession of games until

a late hour. During a break in the programme the

Rector announced that a presentation was to be

made to Mr. Wilson. In a few words Canon Archer

spoke of the faithful work done by Mr. Wilson

during his stay in the Parish. His diligent visiting

and his care of the sick were specially referred to,

and regret was expressed at the loss which the

Parish would sustain in Mr. Wilson's departure.

They all wished Mr. Wilson much blessing and

happiness in his new sphere of work, and they

hoped that from time to time they would see him

again in these parts. The Rector then called on

Mrs. Rennix to present Mr. Wilson with a leather

attaché case as a gift from the Men's Class. In a

few well-chosen words Mrs. Rennix expressed

the good wishes of the Men's Class for Mr. Wilson

and their regret at parting from him. The members

of the Seagoe and Edenderry Girls' Classes also had

a present for Mr. Wilson—a fountain pen, and it was

handed to him by Miss Sarah Coulter on behalf of the

Classes. Mr. Wilson, in reply, expressed his sincere

regret at leaving the Parish of Seagoe, where he had

spent such a happy time and made so many good friends.

He spoke of his pleasure at the success of the Men's

Class in Edenderry, and thanked them from his

heart for their good wishes for his future and their

kindness to him at all times. He thanked also the

members of the Girls' classes for their kind and

useful gift, which would at all times remind him

of his happy days in Seagoe.

Mr. Rennix, Mr. George Watson and Mrs. Magee

also spoke. A pleasant evening was brought to a

close by the singing of the Hymn "Sun of my soul"

and the Benediction.

Mr. Wilson left Seagoe last Thursday for Birr.

He had spent two years in the Parish, having

entered upon his duties here in June, 1923. He had

previously held the Curacy of Maryborough, in the

Diocese of Ossory.

Mothers' Union Excursion.

The members of Seagoe Mothers' Union had a

splendid day's outing on Tuesday, July 21st, at

Newcastle, Co. Down. It had at first been arranged

that there should be only one char-a-banc, but so

many expressed their wish to take part that at the

last moment a second vehicle—one of Brook's Busses

—had to be commandeered. The number of the

excursionists was fifty-eight. The Rev. Canon Archer

accompanied the excursion. At 12-30 we left the

Parochial Hall. The weather was perfect and the

country looked its best after the recent heavy rains.

Our route lay through Gilford, Banbridge, Katesbridge

and Castlewellan. All along the way we were greeted

with hearty cheers. We reached the station at Newcastle

at 2-30, and the members having dismounted adjourned

to the shore to enjoy the pretty views of mountain and

sea. At 4 all gathered at the station tea room, where a

splendid tea was provided and was thoroughly enjoyed

by the excursionists. After tea, the members scattered

to wander at their own sweet will along the shore

and up the mountain. The Rector of Newcastle, the

Rev. Otway Woodward, met some of the party and

cordially welcomed them to Newcastle. Newcastle

looked its best, and everyone was delighted with

the excursion. At 8-30 a start was made for home,

and in a brief two hours we caught sight of Seagoe

Church once again and knew we were near home.

The return journey was made under the pleasantest

conditions, a beautiful sunset adding a fresh glory

to the day's pleasure.

Dangerous Corner.

A recent motor-cycling accident in which two of

our Seagoe Parishioners were involved and which

might easily have had fatal results reminds us

of the many dangerous corners where high hedges

obscure the view of the road. The road authorities

will do nothing until some of our people are killed.

The two double right-angle corners on the Carne

road are death-traps at present; so are the roads

running into the main Lurgan road at Church Lane,

a most fatal spot; also the roads from Drumnagoon

and Balteagh, and at Bachelor's Walk. The hedges

at these corners should be cut down to the bank

and kept cut. We are glad to see that a railing

has been inserted in the wall where the Portadown

and Lurgan roads join near Gilford, but three

unfortunate people had to be killed before this was

done.

Presentation.

A very enjoyable evening was spent in Seagoe

School on Thursday, July 23rd, when a large number

of the Parishioners assembled to welcome Mr. and

Mrs. David Murray on the occasion of their recent

marriage. After tea, the Rector took the chair.

The programme opened with a pianoforte solo

played by Miss Mary Wilson. Mr. Stratford sang

with great spirit some favourite songs. A presentation

was then made to Mr. and Mrs. Murray. The Rector

spoke of the good work which Mr. Murray had done

in the Parish as Churchwarden, member of Vestry,

Superintendent of Carne Sunday School, and member

of the choir. He welcomed Mrs. Murray to the Parish

and wished her and Mr. Murray many years of health

and happiness. In the name of the subscribers he then

presented to Mr. and Mrs. Murray a handsome oak

sideboard, and also to Mrs. Murray a nicely designed

fern stand. Mr. Murray thanked all present for their

handsome gift, and Mrs. Murray also expressed her

gratitude for the kind and beautiful gifts they had

received. The presentation was organised and the

social meeting arranged by Mr. T. H. Wilson,

Organist of Seagoe, with the assistance of the choir.

The Mothers' Union.

A meeting of the Mothers' Union was held in

Seagoe School on Tuesday, July 7th, at 4 p.m. The

Rector presided. Tea was kindly provided by the

members and there was a good attendance. The

Rector gave a Bible reading on St. Mark x., 13-16.

The second part of the meeting was occupied with

the election of officers and committee for the

ensuing session. Mrs. Rennix was elected President

of the Branch, being proposed by Mrs. Twinem and

seconded by Mrs. Coulter. Miss G. Atkinson was

elected as Hon. Sec., being proposed by Mrs. Stoops

and seconded by Mrs. Best. The following were

elected a committee—Mrs. Best, Mrs. Hall, Mrs.

Sherman, Mrs, Stoops, Mrs. Twinem, Mrs. Vance,

Mrs. Walker. The next meeting of the Mothers'

Union will be held (D.V.) on Tuesday, September

8th, in Edenderry Parochial Hall at 4 p.m. No meeting

will be held in August.

Confirmation Cards.

Those who have not yet received their Confirmation

Cards can have them by waiting in the Church after

the services at morning or evening Prayer on Sunday,

August 2nd.

The Anniversary Service.

On Sunday evening, July 12th the Parish Church

was crowded on the occasion of the Anniversary

Service. The hymns were heartily sung and all

present joined in the service. The sermon was

preached by the Rev. Canon Moeran, M.A., Rector

of St. Mark's, Portadown, who took as his text "If

ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them."

The collection was in aid of the Lord Enniskillen

Memorial Orphan Fund and amounted to £10 7s 8d.

Seagoe Day School.

Seagoe Day School, or (as it is now known under

the new Education Act) Seagoe Public Elementary

School, will re-open (D.V.) after the, summer holidays

on Monday, August 10, at 9-30 a.m. A punctual

attendance of the children is expected. During the

holidays the school has been thoroughly cleaned.

The schoolrooms are large, lofty, well-lighted, and

well ventilated. The playgrounds are the largest

and healthiest in the neighbourhood of Portadown.

The School has a remarkable record of health owing

to its situation on high ground and in beautiful

surroundings. A thorough education is provided,

and a feature of the school is the school garden.

The senior children, under the rules of the Ministry

of Education, are instructed in practical gardening

by the Principal of the School, Mr. S. Rennix. At

the recent Musical Festival two choirs from the

School carried off first-class honours. The senior

choir have now won the Challenge Shield in two

successive years, and hopes to win it again next

year. The present school building was erected in

1859, and a third class room was added in 1913. The

School, the existence of which can be traced back

for 200 years, was formerly situated in the old School

Park (as it was called) a triangular plot of ground

at the lower side of old Seagoe Graveyard. It was

moved to its present site in 1859.

Intending Emigrants.

Parishioners who are about to emigrate should

get a letter of reference from the Rector. He will be

very glad to give them an introduction to the clergyman

of the Parish where they are going to reside, whether

in the States or in any of the British colonies.

Visitors to Seagoe.

During the month we have had several visitors

from across the Atlantic. We are always glad to

see these old friends—Seagoe of the Dispersion—to

use a Biblical phrase. Mr. M'Dowell, of Killicomaine,

has been over on his annual visit from Providence,

Rhode Island. He was accompanied by Mrs. M'Dowell

and his son (who is a graduate of the University of

Pennsylvania) and daughter. They paid a visit to Seagoe

Rectory and were very much interested in the old house

and gardens. Miss Lizzie and Miss Annie Gates, of

Edenderry, are also on a visit home from New York.

Certificates of Baptism.

The Baptismal Registers of Seagoe are becoming

more useful than ever. Owing to the destruction by

fire during the Sinn Fein rebellion all the Census

returns were utterly destroyed but fortunately the

Lurgan Register of Births from 1864 onwards, which

had been kept in Lurgan, are safe. An Act of Parliament

passed in 1863 directed that a Register of Births should

be established in every Poor Law Union.

Edenderry Sunday School.

The numbers attending this Sunday School have

recently increased so much that the Parochial Hall

is crowded out on a Sunday afternoon. It is very

gratifying to see the children assembling in such

large numbers, but some of the classes have grown

so large that it becomes a difficulty to teach them.

We are glad to record that several new teachers

have offered their services and are now actively

engaged in the good work of instructing the

children in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The

parents of the children can help us greatly by seeing

that their children learn the repetition portion carefully

at home before coming to the Sunday School, and also

by advising them to listen attentively to their teacher

during the school hour. One inattentive child can disturb

the entire class. It is hardly possible to realise the

importance of the work done Sunday by Sunday in our

Sunday Schools. Eternity alone will reveal how many

young lives have been saved from destruction by the

diligent work of the Sunday School teacher. Parents

should realise how much is being done in the Sunday

Schools for their children and should help them by

their prayers and offerings. The collections made in

the Schools on certain Sundays are our only means

of support. There is no endowment for the schools. A

large number of the children who attend the Schools

give nothing to the collection. If each child gave even a

small gift at the collection our financial difficulties

would vanish. Some of the children never fail to

give an offering and they have the satisfaction of

knowing that on them the efficiency of the Sunday

School depends. Every child who attends Sunday

School is expected to bring with them a Bible; and

Prayer Book and Church Hymnal.

Mr. David Rock, M.B.E.

Mr. Rock has added to his distinctions by having

the M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) conferred

him by his Majesty King George V. Mr. Rock was

summoned to Buckingham Palace for the investiture,

and he received the honour direct from the King's hand.

We congratulate Mr. Rock on this further honour, which

he so well deserves. Seagoe feels honoured when Mr. Rock

is honoured for he is a very loyal parishioner.

Parochial Hall Services.

The Thursday evening services in the Parochial Hall

will be suspended during the months of August and September.

The Annual Report.

The Annual Report is now published and will be

circulated among the Parishioners without delay.

We hope it will be read carefully. If any mistakes

are noticed please communicate with the Hon.

Treas., Mr. Hugh Stoops. The total sum received

for the Sustentation Fund from the envelopes and

annual subscriptions up to December 31st, 1924,

was £358.

Nine Years Ago.

(Extracts from the War Diary of the late Herbert

W. Murray, P.P.C.L.I.)

Friday, March 10th, 1916—Got up at 7-30. Packed

up ready to march to billets at Mont des Cats, about

seven miles; arrived at farmhouse about 4 o'clock

and quartered in loft over cows. Weather fine.

Sunday, March 12th—Breakfast 6-45. Bath parade

10-30. Marched up to Pay Office, but found money

ran out when we got there, so came back rather

disappointed, but got paid 15 francs in afternoon.

Church parade held in one of the billets. Very nice

and short service. Chaplain spoke on self-sacrifice.

Weather fine and spring like.

Monday, March 13th—Got up at 7 for physical drill

before breakfast. Morning parade at 9 o'clock. Inspection

of iron rations and smoke helmets. Squad and company

drill for an hour and trench instructions read out. Sports,

jumping, etc., in afternoon. Football match between No. 5

Platoon and No. 7 resulted in tie—one goal. Weather fine

and warm.

Friday, March 17th, St. Patrick's Day—Wore shamrock

sent from Ireland. Tug-of-war and football match before

breakfast. Parade 9-30. Practised how to carry out an attack.

Afternoon got boots soled at bootmakers.

Saturday, March 18th—Afternoon, Battalion inspected

by Gen. Alderson, Officer Commanding Canadian Forces.

Praised very highly on our smartness and steadiness on parade.

Sunday, March 19th—Got up about 8 o'clock. Parade at 12.

Afternoon went for walk to Meteren. 8-30 fell in to see new

S.O.S. signal, two bright red asteroid rockets fired. New draft

of fifty men arrived from England.

Parish Register for July.

Baptism.

Hall—July 4th, 1925, William Nelson, son of William

John and Letitia Sophia Hall, of Lower Seagoe.

Sponsors—William John Hall, Letitia Sophia Hall.

Marriages.

Gilliland and Robinson—July, 14th, James Gilliland,

of Edenderry, to Jane Robinson, of Edenderry.

Hughes and Kilpatrick—July 15th, John Hughes, of

Portadown, to Anne Kilpatrick, of Upper Seagoe.

M'Cann and Kelly—July 17th, James Herbert Hugh

M'Cann, of Edenderry, to Sarah Elizabeth Kelly,

of Portadown.

Baird and M'Corkell—July 21st, John Alexander Baird,

of Strabane, to Sarah M'Corkell, of Levaghery.

Outward Bound.

The tide of emigration has again set in and almost every

day we hear of someone or other who is leaving for the

States or Canada or Australia. We are very sorry to part

with those whom we have known so intimately but we

believe that those who go out from Seagoe to the distant

parts of the world will carry with them the teaching and

training they received in the old Parish and will thus

become missionaries of the Christian life in the lands

where they settle. In June we lost a very faithful worker

in Arthur Allen, who has gone to reside in New York.

He was one of our most regular worshippers in the Parish

Church and was also most helpful in the Sunday Schools,

where he taught both morning and afternoon. We miss him

very much and it will be hard to fill his place. John Gracey,

of Edenderry, who was confirmed at the recent confirmation,

sailed for Australia on July 21st. He has gone out under the

Boys' Emigration Scheme to engage in farm work. We wish

all our emigrants a happy voyage and much prosperity in

their new homes. We will always be glad to hear from

them and to print their letters in the Magazine.

The Weekly Envelopes.

It is most important that everyone who has taken

a set of envelopes should bring or send them in

regularly and not allow them to get into arrears.

The majority of those who have taken the envelopes

do send them in regularly, but there are some who

do not. If you have not given in your envelopes

regularly please begin to do so at once. Come to the

House of Prayer next Sunday and make your offering

to the God who has made and redeemed you and who

sanctifies you. Your gift is part of your worship. See

Acts x., 31.

ITEMS.

Miss G. Atkinson, of Eden Villa, has recently returned

from a visit to the resting places of our brave men who

fell at Hamel. The cemeteries and graves are kept in

beautiful order.

One of the fiercest thunderstorms that ever passed

over Seagoe occurred on the morning of Thursday,

July 23rd. It lasted for 5 hours, from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.

We have not heard of any injury done by the storm

in this neighbourhood, but the lightning was extremely

vivid.

The Rev. J. N. Mackenzie, Rector of St. Stephen's,

Grand Island, Nebraska, U.S.A., and formerly of

Edenderry, will (D.V.) preach at the service in

Seagoe Church on Sunday morning, August 16th.

There were no marriages in Seagoe Church for

seven months, from October, 1924, to May, 1925, but

as will be seen from our Parish Register for July

there were four marriages within seven days during July.

A stall on behalf of the Drumgor Hall Renovation

Fund was held in the grounds at Richhill on Monday,

July 13th. It was well patronised, but owing

to the comparatively short time during which the

proceedings lasted the sales were smaller than were

expected. Our thanks are due to the authorities who

kindly permitted the stall to be erected in the field.

Sometime about the end of October it is proposed

to have a Hallow Eve Jumble Sale and Work Sale

in Edenderry Parochial Hall to clear off the balance

of debt still remaining on the new heating system

which has been installed in the Hall.

SERVICES.

THE PARISH CHURCH.

HOLY COMMUNION—1st Sunday after Morning

Prayer; 3rd Sunday at 8 a.m., and on the Chief Festivals.

HOLY BAPTISM—1st Saturday of Month at 3 p.m.,

and during any Service in the Parish Church,

if notice be given; Two Sponsors at least are

required, and they must be, Confirmed members

of the Church. Churchings are held at each

Baptism. Mothers are expected to bring a thank

offering. (See Book of Common Prayer.)

MORNING PRAYER—Sundays and Chief Festivals

11.30 a.m.

EVENING PRAYER—Sundays 7 p.m., Wednesdays

8 p.m.

EDENDERRY PAROCHIAL HALL.

EVENING PRAYER—Sundays at 7 p.m., Thursdays

at 8 p.m.

DISTRICT SERVICES.

Hacknahay—Last Sunday of Month at 3.30 p.m.

Drumgor-—Second Sunday of Month at 4 p.m.

CLASSES, &c.

ADULT CLASSES - Sundays at 10 a.m.

For Men—Edenderry and Seagoe for Women—

Seagoe School.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS—10 a.m. Edenderry Parochial

Hall and Seagoe School. 3 p.m. Seagoe, Edenderry

Parochial Hall, Levaghery, Hacknahay, Carne, Drumgor.

Girls' Friendly Society meets at Breagh (Miss

Calvert's) on alternate Tuesdays at 7.

Seagoe Scouts in Seagoe School and in Edenderry

Parochial Hall, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at

7.30.

Seagoe Girl Guides meet, in Seagoe School on

Saturday at 3.

Mothers' Union, Edenderry 1st Tuesday, at 4 p.m.

DAY SCHOOL—Seagoe, 9.30 a.m. Principal—Mr. S. Rennix.

MARRIAGES must be performed between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Licenses are issued by Rev Canon Hannon, Rectory, Lurgan. Due notice (48 hours) must be given to the Rector of intended weddings. FEES— By License—Labourers 5/-, Tradesmen 10/-, Merchants and Farmers 15/-, Professional £l. By Banns 5/-.

FUNERALS will be attended by the Clergy if proper notice be given. SICK CASES should be notified to the Clergy without delay. FEES FOR CERTIFICATES BAPTISM, 3/7; Children (Factory), 1/- and 2/- (non-residents). Marriage 3/7. An extra search fee is chargeable in certain cases.

(non-residents) ; MARRIAGE, 3/7. An extra search fee is chargeable in certain cases