Dec 1939

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

DECEMBER, 1939.

CLERGY:

J. tv. APPELBE, M.A., B.D., Seagoe Rectory.

W. F. HAYES, B.A., L.Th., The Bungalow,

Lower Seagoe.

CHURCHWARDENS.

Rector's—S. McCORMICK.

People's—J. G. GRACEY, J.P.

THE CLERGY WILL ESTEEM IT A FAVOUR IF

IN CASES OF SICKNESS THEY ARE INFORMED

IMMEDIATELY.

CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER.

December 3rd—1st Sunday in Advent.

,, 6th—Advent Service in Parish Church at 7.30 p.m.

,, 10th—2nd Sunday in Advent.

,, 11th—King's Accession.

,, 13th—Advent Service in Parish Church at 7.30 p.m.

,, 17th—3rd Sunday in Advent.

,, 20th—Advent Service in Parish Church at 7.30 p.m.

,, 20^th Ember Days.

,, 22^nd ,, ,,

,, 23^rd ,, ,,

,, 21st St. Thomas.

,, 24th—4th Sunday in Advent.

,, Christmas Day.

,, 26th—St. Stephen.

,, 27th—St. John the Evangelist.

,, 28th—Innocents' Day.

,, 31st—Sunday after Christmas Day.

ADVENT.

Once again, we find ourselves in the season

of Advent, which marks the beginning of the Church's

year. Each season in the Church's Calendar is meant

to convey its own particular message. This is

something for which we should be thankful, for the

Church's seasons help us to keep a balanced view of

the Christian Gospel, no aspect is overlooked. The

note of Advent is suggested by the name itself—

Advent means "approach," "coming"—it is the time

when our thoughts are specially directed to the

Comings of Christ. Advent calls us to prepare for

the festival of Christmas, when we commemorate our

Lord's first coming into this world as a little child.

The first coming is sometimes called the Incarnation,

because "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

This is the greatest fact in all history, it has changed

and deepened our notion of God, it has enriched and

ennobled our notion of our own lives, it has altered

the whole course of human history. Advent stresses

the amazing condescension of God in taking the

initiative, it annually reminds us of that and calls us

to stop and think of the significance of it for us. That

Christ came in human form is a unique fact, but it is

more than an event which is past, it has a present

significance for each one of us, for the Christ of

Bethlehem and Galilee and Calvary is our Living

Lord and Saviour. What He did in condescending

love on the first Christmas Day in coming down to

a weary, sin stained, selfish world, He is eternally doing

for individuals in every age. To-day He wants to come

into your life and mine and live in our hearts. It is only

by His power that we can hope to live victoriously in

these difficult days. Advent speaks of a past coming,

in love and mercy, of a present coming in power to

save; it also speaks of a future coming of Christ in

judgment; it re-echoes St. Paul's warning, "we must

all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." Can

we afford to ignore these aspects of the Advent call?

Does it not call us to think afresh of these truths in

order to apply them to our own individual lives? The

mid-week Advent services are meant to be extra

opportunities for us to draw night to God that He may

draw nigh to us. Commencing on Wednesday,

December 6th, at 7.30 p.m., and on the two following

Wednesdays, there will be a special intercession

service in Seagoe Parish Church, with a short address.

Printed leaflets containing the form of service will

be used so that all may be able to join in, Now, more

than ever there is need for Christians to pray fervently

that God in His mercy will bring us safely through

the present catastrophe which the human family has

brought upon itself by the selfishness and

ungodliness of past years. We need to pray that we,

together with men everywhere, may be brought to

realise that this is God's world and that until we

respect and love His laws, we will never be free from

fear and war and all the other hateful things, which

make this world a Hell. God's plan for the world

is, not that it should be an armed camp, bursting at

intervals into the cruel slaughter of Armageddon, but

that it should be a place where His children may live

as members of the great human family, a place where

righteousness, justice, goodness flourish. In Gal. chapter

5, verses 22, 23 we read "the fruit of the spirit is love,

joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

meekness, temperance"; these virtues we are called

to make our own here and now by the power of the

Living Christ working in and through us. Christians

must ever strive to make these values realities in the

present world in which we live.

CHRISTMAS DAY.

On Monday, December 25th, Christmas Day, there

will be Holy Communion in the Parish Church at

8 a.m., Morning Prayer and Holy Communion at

11.30 a.m.

The collections on Christmas Day will be in aid of

the Parish Poor Fund. From this fund parcels are

sent to the very deserving poor in our parish at this

season. Many calls of need are also met from it

throughout the year. The Rector will be grateful for

subscriptions for this fund from those who cannot

attend the Christmas Day Services.

Christmas speaks to us of God's great love in

sending His Son down to this world of sin and sorrow

to bring us back into happy fellowship with Himself.

It is a time of happiness and joy for our hearts are

filled with hope and light from the Eternal World.

For many this year the shadow of war will cloud

their skies, the absence of loved ones on active service

will make complete family re-unions impossible;

but amid the clash and noise of war the eternal message

of God's love in Christ should bring light into our

darkness, hope and courage for the future. The

sacrifice of God in Christ began on the first Christmas

Day and culminated on the Cross on Calvary.

The Holy Communion service is the memorial of the

Cross appointed by our Lord Himself; this suggests

the appropriateness of the Holy Communion service

for Christmas Day. It commemorates Christ's sacrifice,

which began on the day "when for us men and

for our salvation" He took upon Himself our flesh.

Every communicant is specially invited to be present at

His Table on Christmas Day to express thankfulness to

Him, who said "This do in remembrance of Me.

CAROL SERVICE.

This will take place on Sunday evening, December

24th, at 7 p.m.

HARVEST APPEAL.

Since our last issue the following amounts have been

received: —

4/- —Miss L. Gracey.

2/6 —Mr. and Mrs. Wallace; Mrs. and Miss Crawford;

Miss Margt. Gracey.

W.F.O. FINANCIAL YEAR.

We would remind W.F.O. subscribers and those who

subscribe annually to the Sustentation Fund that the

Hon. Treas. will be making out his balance sheet for

the year on December 31st, when the accounts close.

Money received after this date may not be

acknowledged in the Parish annual report for 1939.

CHURCH LADS' BRIGADE.

The Officers of the Seagoe Company have decided

to carry on the work of the C.L.B. in our Parish in

spite of numerous difficulties brought about by war

conditions.

It is the wish of the Battalion Commanding Officer

that companies should endeavour to overcome any

difficulty that may arise, for during this time of

national crisis the work of the C.L.B. becomes more

important than ever. We are faced with a winter

period of long and dark evenings, which for young

people may be detrimental, if they are not occupied

with some useful pursuit.

The C.L.B. offers to lads scope to follow their

natural inclination to band together. In the ranks

of the Brigade the best examples of esprit de corps

are found. The team spirit is cultivated when each

lad strives to make his squad the best, and in like

manner when the squad competes for company

honours. Drill is used as a means to an end, in the

belief that any lad is better equipped to take his

place in the world after undergoing a period of

strict discipline such as is afforded by the C.L.B.

The lads in our Company are trained to be obedient

to their Officers and N.C.O's; to be alert and quick

in executing orders. All these aims are subsidiary to

the main aim of C.L.B. work and this is the advancement

of Christ's Kingdom among boys.

In various ways the lads are encouraged and guided

to become useful Christian citizens and to play their

part in a clean and manly way, hence our motto,

"Fight the Good Fight."

War or no war this fine work must go on. We appeal

once more to the parents and friends of the C.L.B. to

support it in whatever way they can; funds are needed,

many more boys of our parish could be encouraged to

join our ranks. Prizes are given to encourage Church

attendance as well as for various competitions. Any

parishioner can become an Honorary Member and

by doing so he or she would be helping this splendid

work in a very practical way. An Hon. member pays

an annual subscription of 2/6, and the badge costs 1/-. —(E.M.)

THE COST OF THE BLACK-OUT.

The obscuring of the windows for the Evening Service

entailed an extra outlay of almost £8 on material.

Mr. J. H. Twinem very kindly made the curtains and

fitted them gratis, thus saving considerable expense.

To enable all to have a share in this necessary extra

expenditure, and to save our general account, which

has already more calls than it can meet, it has been

decided to have a retiring collection at both services

on Sunday, December 31st.

SIDESMEN FOR DECEMBER.

Morning Prayer Churchwardens, Messrs. R

Scott, Wm. Hutchinson, W. R. Sherman, D. Allen.

Evening Prayer—Messrs. N. Campbell, Thos. Stanfield,

H. Ellis, G. Nixon, Wm. Neill, Holmes White.

CORRECTION.

Edenderry Parochial Hall. — ln last month's issue

giving the list of subscribers to the heating apparatus

Repair Fund the following item: Mr. and Mrs. Roney

should read Mr. and Mrs. James Roney.

DISTRICT SERVICES.

Sunday, December 10th—Drumgor, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, December 19th—Bocombra, 8 p.m.

Sunday, December 31st—Hacknahay, 3.30 p.m.

NEW RECTORY BUILDING FUND.

We print below a summarised cash account in

connection with the above, setting forth all receipts and

payments up to 27th November, 1939.

It should be noted that, although this account

shows a balance at the moment, yet against this there

is outstanding £22, being remainder of architect's fee

still unpaid; also the annual instalments of interest

due on the sinking fund loan of £1,000 from the

Representative Church Body. This amount borrowed

is repayable over a period of 35 years at £5 7s 2d per

cent. This means that an annual payment for 35 years

of £53 11s 8d will wipe out the debt to R.C.B. on

their loan. If the parish wishes, it can, at any time

pay off part of this loan and thus reduce the annual

charge by a corresponding amount.

The Select Vestry are greatly encouraged by the

splendid response made up-to-date and are grateful

for the help of the collectors. They hope that those

who undertook to contribute over a period of five

years to the building fund will, if possible, fulfil their

promise regularly. If through an oversight no collector

has called, subscriptions could be handed to any member

of the Select Vestry or Mr. H. M. Gibson, Hon. Treas.,

Rathlin, Carickblacker Road.

RECEIPTS

Sale of Old Glebe 1,100 19 1

Interest from R.C.B. 19 1 5

Loan from R.C.B. 1,000 0 0

Subscriptions from Parishioners 554 14 7

Interest from Belfast Savings Bank 4 2 4

£2,678 17 5

PAYMENTS.

Contract Price of New Rectory £2,105 0 0

Cost of Site 300 0 0

Architect on account 50 0 0

Sinking Well 55 14 6

Land Registry, Certificate & Search Fees 3 16 2

Transfer and Agreement Stamps 2 1 6

Fee for Map 1 11 6

Interest to R.C.B. (Dec., '38—June '39) 12 19 10

Insurance 0 10 10

Valentine Wilson & Co. (Costs) 12 12 0

Electricity Board for Poles 9 0 0

Gate and Posts 6 0 0

Shrubs 7 15 0

Permanent Blinds and Fixtures 10 7 6

Carting of soil 5 12 0

Expenses of Sale of Old Glebe: —

Advertising, Stamps, P.L.V. Certificate 12 2 9

Law Costs to R.C.B. 3 3 0

Valentine Wilson & Co., Costs 25 0 0

Balance on hand £2678 17 5

NEW RECTORY BUILDING FUND.

The Hon. Treas. for the above gratefully acknowledges

the receipt of the following subscriptions: —

David Kane, Ballymacrandle £0 5 0

J. Connelly, Carne 0 3 0

William Simpson, Carne 0 2 0

David Webb, Lylo 0 10 0

Jos. Ed. McMurray, Lylo 0 10 0

Misses McCormick, Lylo 0 6 0

Miss Minnie White, Lylo 0 2 6

Mrs. Henry Sinnamon, Levaghery 0 10 0

Mr. Thos. Laverty, Levaghery Gardens 0 2 6

Mrs. Heyburn, Bachelor's Walk 0 2 6

Jas. Turkington, Kernan 0 10 0

T. J. Dundas, Kernan 0 2 6

T. H. Walker, Kernan 1 0 0

4 6 0

Already acknowledged £551 10 7

Total £555 16 7

LEVAGHERY SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Two interesting functions took place recently in

Levaghery School. The first was a presentation to Mr.

W. H. Best on the occasion of his recent marriage.

It took the form of a beautiful tea service, which was

handed over on behalf of the School to Mr. and Mrs.

Best by Mr. E. Gibson. A sumptuous tea was provided,

and the various popular games were played during the

evening. The Rector, who presided, paid a high tribute

to the work of Mr. Best for the Sunday School,

and wished him and Mrs. Best a long and happy

married life.

On Tuesday, November 28th, about forty members

of the Royal Welch Fusiliers were entertained to tea,

given by the teachers and their friends. The Rector,

who presided, welcomed the guests. After doing full

justice to the nice things provided all settled down to

a varied programme of games and vocal items. Our

Welsh friends entered into the spirit of the fun and

were quite at home at "The farmer wants a wife," etc.

Capt. Leonard, who was accompanied by Capt. the Rev.

J. E. Robertson, B.A., Chaplain, at the conclusion

expressed the appreciation of the guests for the kindness

shown to them. The teachers are to be congratulated

on the success of the venture and on their thoughtful

initiative in showing this friendly spirit towards the

troops.

SUMMARY OF W.F.O. & CHURCH COLLECTIONS

(for quarter ending September 30th, 1939).

July 2^nd W.F.O... 6 4 11 Collections £1 1 8

July 9^th W.F.O... 5 8 6 Collections 0 11 10

July 16^th W.F.O.. 5 9 6 Collections 1 3 4

July 23^rd W.F.O... 5 3 7 Collections 1 2 7

July 30^th W.F.O.. 6 14 7 Collections 1 7 0

Average per week £6 17 6

Aug. 6^th W.F.O.. £8 6 2 Collections £1 2 1

Aug. 13^th W.F.O.. 4 10 5 Collections 1 2 9

Aug. 20^th W.F.O... 7 15 8 Collections 0 19 11

Aug. 27^th W.F.O... 5 14 5 Collections 1 11 8

Average per week—£8 0s 9d.

Sept. 3^rd W.F.O.. 7 2 4 Collections 1 3 2

Sept. 10th W.F.O... 6 8 3 Collections 1 19 8

Sept. 17^th W.F.O.. 8 11 11 Collections 1 12 4

Sept. 24^th W.F.O... 8 15 3 Collections 1 8 2

Average per week £9 5s 3d

MOTHERS' UNION.

The monthly meeting took place in Seagoe School on

Thursday, November 14th, at 3.30 p.m., when a helpful

talk "On things that Abide" was kindly given by the

Rev. G. A. Boulger, Ardmore.

A considerable amount of knitted articles, etc., has

been sent in to the Portadown Hospital Supply Depot

from the M.U. work party.

There will be no ordinary meeting in December, but

instead the members are asked to attend the Advent

Service in Church on Wednesday, December 13th,

at 7.30 p.m.

ARMISTICETIDE.

The annual Remembrance Day Service took place in

Seagoe Parish Church on Sunday, November 12th, at

11.30 a.m. The British Legion members did not parade

as was expected, but the collection for the Earl Haig

Poppy Dag Fund was as good as in former years.

There was a fine turn-out of the Seagoe C.L.B.

Company, under Capt. E. Mitchell. After the service in

Church a wreath was laid at the Parish War Memorial

at the Church gates by the C.L.B.

An inspiring sermon was preached by the Ven. A. G.

Hannon, M.A., Archdeacon of Dromore.

Before the end of December the collectors for the

Armagh Protestant Orphan Society will again be

making their annual round. It is hoped that, as in former

years our parishioners will make a generous response

to this most worthy cause. Though many calls are

being made on our purses, the cause of the orphan

must always have a prior claim on our sympathy.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

In spite of the very inclement weather a well-attended

meeting of Sunday School Superintendents and

Teachers took place in the Parochial Hall, Edenderry,

on Wednesday, November 29th, at 8 p.m. The Rector

presided, and a most interesting and helpful discussion

took place on the aims, difficulties and opportunities

of a Sunday School teacher.

At the present time there is a great need in our

Parish for more teachers. Here is an opportunity for

men and women in our parish to come forward and

offer their services for this vital work. The Rector

would be glad to have the names of any who would

like to help in this capacity. It will be a sad day if

our Sunday Schools are handicapped for lack of

teachers; it is a service that requires no great learning

or skill but a keen earnestness to serve Christ and His

Church, for the Sunday School is meant to be the link

between the child and the Church. In these days of

secularism and apathy the Church looks to its faithful

members to help in this way.

TWO SEAGOE STALWARTS.

We are glad that Mr. T. H. Wilson is well enough to

take his place at the organ again after his recent

indisposition. He has been playing the organ for over

sixty years.

Another fine record is that of Mr. Joseph Monroe

who has been Sustentation Collector and later W.F.O.

distributor for over sixty years, and he is still rendering

valued help in this capacity.

OBITUARY.

The late John Adams came to reside in Levaghery

a few years ago. His sterling Christian character

endeared him to all who knew him. After a comparatively

short illness he passed away in Lurgan Hospital. Kathleen

Sharpe was in failing health for some time; during a trying

illness she was bright and cheerful to the end. Rosina

Glassey underwent a serious operation in Belfast. She

leaves a young family to mourn her loss. To all the

bereaved we express our deep sympathy, and pray that

God may strengthen and comfort them in their sorrow.

BAPTISMS.

“Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid

them not for of such is the Kingdom of God."

4th Nov.—Anna Rachel Patricia and Mabel Moira

Hazel, daughters of Robert John and Mabel

Lavery, Kilvergan.

BURIALS.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from

henceforth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest

from their labours."

13th Oct.—Henry Wiggins, 36, Sarah Street, Portadown,

aged 65 years.

1st Nov.—John Henry Adams, Levaghery, aged 61 years.

3rd Nov.—Kathleen Sharpe, 29 James St., Portadown

aged 19 years.

7th Nov.—Rosina Glassey, Tarson, aged 39 years.

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 Sunday of each Month at 4 p.m.,

and during any Service in the Parish Church, notice to be

given; Two Sponsors at least are required. The father and

mother must be present. 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.

DISTRICT SERVICES.

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

Drumgor—Second Sunday of Month at 3 p.m.

Edenderry—Wednesdays at 8 p.m., Oct—Easter.

CLASSES &c.

BIBLE CLASSES FOR MEN in Edenderry on Sundays at 10.15 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS—10.15 a.m. Edenderry Parochial

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

Parochial Hall, Levaghery, Hacknahay, Carne, Drumgor, Bocombra

MOTHERS' UNION—2nd Tuesday of each month at 7.30 p.m.

CHURCH LADS' BRIGADE in the Parochial Hall on Tuesdays.

GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY in Seagoe School on Mondays at 8 p.m. as announced

G.F.S. Candidates - Oct. – Easter, Edenderry Parochial Hall, Saturdays at 3 p.m.

SEAGO CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR SOCIETY – Mondays, Orange Hall, at 8 p.m.

SEAGOE P.E. SCHOOL—9.15 a.m. Principal—Mr. R. Scott.

MARRIAGES must be performed between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Licences are issued by Ven. Archdeacon Hannon, the 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 £1, 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. It will be a help to the Clergy if they are notified of the arrival of new Church families in the Parish.

A copy of the Magazine will be sent by post to any subscriber for 3/- per annum.