December 1907

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

DECEMBER, 1907.

SEAGOE HARVEST CAKE.

We are sure our readers will like to see the Seagoe

Harvest Cake once again, and so we present them

with a fine picture of it taken from a photograph by

Messrs, Moffett of Bridge Street. The Cake measured

2 1/2 feet in diameter, 1 ft. in depth, and 7 1/2 ft. in

circumference. The total weight was 103 lbs. On

the top of it were written in coloured sugar lettering

the names of the 28 Townlands of the Parish, and in

the centre there was a picture of the Church with the

name Seagoe in large letters. The Cake was surrounded by

Harvest emblems of Corn, Fruit. and Flowers. It was baked

by Messrs. Davison Bros., at the Alexandra Bakery, and

in every way reflected much credit on that establishment.

The Cake when on exhibition in Messrs. Davison's

window attracted crowds of sightseers. The Cake should

serve a useful purpose from a Parochial point of view. It

will teach us the lesson of unity and the fact that

the Church is the centre of spiritual life just as on the

Cake the various townlands are grouped round the

Church as a centre.

Postcards with pictures of the Cake as above will

be ready in a few days price ld each. They will be

on sale at Mrs. Metcalfe's, Bridge Street. They will

make appropriate Christmas Cards.

ADVENT.

The season of Advent is with us again, bearing its

message to every heart to prepare for the second

coming of our Lord. We hope to mark it this year

by series of Missionary Addresses which will we

trust kindle amongst us a more earnest desire to

spread Christ's Kingdom throughout the world. The

collections on next Sunday, December 1st, will be

devoted to Foreign Missions both at Morning and

Evening Prayer. We ask our people to give liberally

to this best-of-all objects.

Dec. 1st—lst Sunday in Advent.—11-30 Morning Prayer

and Holy Communion. Preacher—The

Rector. Subject – “The Progress of Missions."

7— Evening Prayer. Preacher — Rev. Edward

Hayden, LL.D., Curate of St. George's Church,

Belfast. Subject, "The Claim of Missions."

Dec. 8th— 2nd Sunday in Advent.— 11-30 Morning Prayer

and Litany Preacher The Rev. W.R. Crichton, B.A.

Subject— “St. Andrew, Apostle and Missionary."

7—Evening Prayer. Preacher— Rev. T. W. Clarendon, B.D„

Rector, Maralin. Subject —"The Martyr Bishop Patteson

of Melanesia."

Dec. 15th—3rd Sunday in Advent. —8 a.m. Holy

Communion. 1-30 Morning Prayer. Preacher—

The Rector. Subject —"Early Irish Missionaries."

7—Evening Prayer. Preacher—The Ven. E. D.

Atkinson, LL.B., Archdeacon of Dromore, Rector

of Waringstown. Subject The Pan-Anglican

Conference of 1908."

Dec. 22nd—4th Sunday in Advent – 11-30

Morning Prayer and Litany. Preacher — The

Rector. Subject—" The Christmas Festival."

7 Evening Prayer. Preacher Very Rev R. S.

O'Loughlin, D D., Dean of Dromore, Rector of

Lurgan. Subject— “The World for Christ."

Christmas Day.—8 a.m. Holy Communion. 11-30 a.m.

Morning Prayer and Holy Communion.

Preacher—The Rector. Subject—" The Message

of Christmas."

HARVEST THANKSGIVING AT SEAGOE.

The annual services of Thanksgiving for the

Blessings of Harvest were held in Seagoe Parish

Church on Thursday, November 7th, and Sunday,

November 10th. The preacher at the service on

Thursday evening was the Rev. T. G. G. Collins, B.D.,

Rector of Warrenpoint, who took as his subject

“The Rainbow," and preached an eloquent sermon

on the covenant mercies of God. On Sunday the

special preacher was the Rev. F. M. Moeran, M.A.,

Rector of Cookstown. At morning prayer, a most

interesting description was given by the preacher of

an Eastern harvest, and useful spiritual lessons were

drawn from it. At the afternoon service the children

of the various parish Sunday schools assembled in the

church, and an address was given on "The Sower and

the Seed.” In the evening the preacher chose as

his subject “The Harvest of Life." At all the

services the church was crowded. The musical

portions of the service reflected great credit on the

talented and popular organist, Mr. T. H. Wilson.

The anthem, "Praise the Lord O Jerusalem," was

sung with much expression, the solo being taken by

Miss Amy Walker, who sang with great taste and

sweetness. The quartette was sung by Mrs. Stephenson,

Miss Walker, and Messrs. Crookes and D. Murray.

The church was prettily decorated with the emblems of

the season. On Monday, 11th inst., a harvest tea was held

in Seagoe schools. The large rooms were crowded

with representatives from every townland in the parish.

A feature of the entertainment was a large harvest cake,

the first cut in which was made, at the request of the rector,

by Mrs. Atkinson, of Eden Villa. A programme of music and

selections on the gramophone followed. The cake, which

was made at Mr John Davison's Bakery, was of fine quality,

and did the utmost credit to that well-known establishment.

During the evening a pleasant programme of music was

performed by Miss Armstrong, Miss Amy Walker, and

Messrs D. Murray, and Sam Currie. Mr. Smith delighted the

audience with his gramophone. We owe our hearty thanks to

our good friend Mr. Ruck, who presented a giant loaf for our

Harvest Festival. On the invitation of the Rector Mrs. Ruck

made the first cut in the loaf. Altogether our first Harvest Tea

was a great success.

Harvest Thanksgiving Services have also been held at various

centres through the Parish. At Carne Church Hall, a service was

held on Sunday, November 17th, at 3-30. The room had been

tastefully decorated and the words Harvest Thanksgiving were

put up in large letters on the end wall surrounded with flowers

and foliage. The congregations both on Sunday and

Tuesday were large, and the services were most hearty. The

special preacher on Sunday was the Rev. P. Marks, B.D., rector

of Annaghmore, and on Tuesday Captain Gaskell spoke eloquently

of Harvest Blessings. The collections were in aid of Carne

Sunday School.

On Sunday, November 24th, Harvest Services were held in Drumgor

Church Hall. The room was crowded. The decorations were very nice,

the walls being quite covered with the fruits of Harvest. The service

was read by the Rev. W. R. Crichton, assisted by Captain Gaskell, and

the sermon on the Harvest of Life' was preached by the Rector. The services

were continued on Monday 25th, when Captain Gaskell spoke on the

subject of "Our Father." The offertories amounted to £l 18s 4d. We have

to thank Miss Macoun, an old friend of Drumgor, for a kind subscription

towards the Local Sunday Schools. Both at Carne and Drumgor Mr. T. H. Wilson

kindly assisted at the Harmonium.

BAPTISMS.

" They brought young children to Christ."

Nov. 2^nd — Lily, daughter of Leonard and Sarah Jane Mayes.

„ ,, —John, son of Robert and Sarah McKerr.

„ ,, —George Victor, son of George and Esther Fletcher.

MARRIAGE.

“The Lord bless thee and keep thee."

Nov. 15th. —Robert Jones, Irish St., Dungannon, to Margaret Jane

Armstrong, Ardville, Stewart Avenue, Edenderry.

BURIALS.

“In sure and certain hope."

Nov. 10^th —George Brown, Ballinacor, aged 78.

Nov. 26^th —Sarah Jane McLaughlin, Levaghery, aged 78.

SUNDAY SCHOOL QUESTIONS.

DECEMBER 8th.

MORNING —Judges, i.—vi.—

1. What was the old name of Bethel? 2. Who was Othniel?

3. What judge was left handed?

4. Who was “a mother in Israel.”?

AFTERNOON —Husbandmen—S. Matt. , xxi., 33—45

(Central Thought— God speaks to us) —1. Whom

did the householder send last? 2. What was his

fate? 3. Against whom was the Parable spoken?

4. Why was Christ not seized?

DECEMBER 15th.

MORNING —Judges, vii—ix.—

I. How was Gideon's army reduced? 2. What

was Gideon's War-cry? 3. Who was Jether? 4.

How was Abimelech killed?

AFTERNOON – Marriage – S. Matt., xxii., 1-14

(Central Thought—Do not let opportunities pass).—

1. How was the king's invitation received?

2. How were the second messengers treated? 3. What

sort of guests did the servants gather together?

4. Who was cast out?

DECEMBER 22nd.

M0RNING—Judges, x—xiv.—

1, Who had thirty sons? 2. How did the Gileadites

know the Ephrairnites? 3. Who was Manoah?

4. What was Samson's riddle?

AFTERNOON Perseverance - Luke, xviii., 1-8—

(Central Thought—Try Again).

1. What was the object of the Parable? 2. What

was the character of the judge? 3. Why did he

avenge the widow? 4. What did he say?

DECEMBER 29th.

M0RNING—Judges, xv.-xviii —

1. What does ‘En-hakkore' mean? 2. Who was

Delilah? 3. How did Samson die? 4. With what

is Micah connected?

AFTEROON—The Bridegroom—S. Matt. xxv., 1-13.

(Central Thought—The Need of being Watchful).—

I. What two classes are here described?

2. Wherein was the wisdom of the five? 3. How

did they wait? 4. What answer did the Lord make

to the foolish virgins?

MENS' RECREATION ROOM.

As we go to press, we hear of important new

developments. The Rector has secured the Wooden

Hall on Carrickblacker Road, as a new Recreation

Room. The fine Bagatelle Table and fittings are also

being purchased from the Committee formerly in

charge of the Wooden Hall so that we will now have

a chance of offering the men of Edenderry opportunities

of recreation which should enable them to pass pleasant

hours together. The total cost entailed in the purchase of

the Table and fittings of the Hall will amount to £20, and

the Rector hopes that those who see the need of providing

recreation for the men will assist him in raising that sum

before January. Subscriptions will be acknowledged in our

January number.

SUSTENTATION FUND.

There are three questions which our people should

ask themselves when they are thinking how much

they will give to this, the most important Fund in the

Parish.

1. How much can I give?

2. How much ought I to give?

3. How much will I give?

Let Questions 1 and 2 decide Question 3 and we

will see a large increase in the Fund this year.

OFFERTORIES FOR NOVEMBER.

" Of Thine own have we given Thee."

Morning. Evening.

Nov. 3—23rd S. after Trinity £1.13.1 ½ 0.11.0

,, 10—24th ,, ,, £3.15.0 3.1.0

,, 17—25^th ,, ,, £1.0.9 0.13.0

,, 24—S. next before Advent £1.0.3 0.10.8

,, Children's Service (Nov. 20th), 0.14.3

,, Church Army, 1.19.9

,, Harvest Service (Nov. 7th) 3.12.6

Week Days, 0.8.5

£7.9.1 ½ 11.10.7

GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY.

The G.F.S. session opened appropriately with a

service in the Parish Church on Friday evg, November

15. The Rector preached on the text, -"Consider the

Lilies," urging those present to centre their thoughts

upon the pure and white things of life.

We are glad to hear of renewed interest in the

work of G.F.S. in the Parish. All work amongst

girls should gather round the G.F.S. and our aim is

to enlist the sympathy of every girl in the Parish on

behalf of its excellent work. Miss Armstrong, of

Eden Hall, has been appointed Branch Secretary, and

we feel confident that her unflagging energy and

enthusiasm will make the G.F.S. a splendid influence

for good in the Parish. New associates are about to

be enrolled, and we are glad to hear that the list of

Honorary Associates has been greatly increased. The

Society has centres at Edenderry, Hacknahay, Drumgor

and Carne.

A HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

We wish all our Readers at Home or Abroad a very

happy Christmas and bright New Year. We hope in

the New Year to publish a list of Friends abroad who

regularly receive the Parish Magazine, and we would

recommend our Parishioners beginning with the New

Year to purchase extra copies for their friends in

America, and elsewhere.

OUR JANUARY NUMBER.

A beautiful coloured Picture, " Sweethearts" will

be given away with the January number of this

Magazine and companion Picture “Sweethearts

Still" may be had (price 3d), at Mrs. Metcalfe's early

in January.

OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

The contract with Messrs Collen Bros. for the

restoration of Seagoe Church was signed on February

10th, 1890, and amounted to £2832. A period of

eighteen months was allowed for the completion of

the work.

***

On Friday, April 11th, 1890, the Foundation stone

of the new Chancel was laid by the Baroness

Von Stieglitz. There were 400 persons present. The

day was one of the finest of the season, bright and

warm.

***

The first signature of Archdeacon Saurin in the

Seagoe Vestry Books was made on April 17th, 1827,

and the following were present:—John Beatty,

Curate, W. Blacker, John Wilson, and Robert

Calvert (Churchwardens), Robert Mays, George

McKaughley, Vestry Clerk, Tolerton Lutton, and

John Magee.

***

The last signature of Archdeacon Saurin in the

Seagoe Vestry Books was made on April 29th, 1873,

and the following were present:—Messrs. T. Armstrong,

and Leonard Jennett (Churchwardens), Robt. Best,

Joseph McCune, Wm. Dixon, Jas. Atkinson, Wm. Armstrong.

***

The following is a description of the first church

ever built in Seagoe. The framework consisted of

studs or rude posts and the roof of rough beams

covered with coarse thatch. The walls were formed

by an interlacing of ropes of hay wound in and out

through the studs, and over this both inside and out

was a thick covering of yellow clay. The windows

were merely small openings in the walls and without

the protection of glass which at the time was not used

for such purposes and was very expensive.

***

Some of our older Parishioners remember the time

when the singing in Seagoe Church was led by a flute

played by Mr William Chace, who lived in Edenderry.

The Clerk, Mr. Walker, also performed this duty from

time to time.

***

In Kernan on the farm owned by Mr. Collins

there is a remarkable sand-bed which bears all

appearance of having been formed at a very distant

date by the action of water. The stones which

mingle with the sand have evidently been swept down

from a great distance by a flood. Flints and fragments

of Basalt (Lava or molten stone) are frequently met with.

***

The picture of the Rev. John Campbell, Rector of

Seagoe, from 1689-1730, which the Rector recently

obtained, has been carefully cleaned and renovated

and the features are almost as clear as when first they

were painted. It is hoped to insert a reproduction of

the portrait in the Magazine at an early date.

ITEMS.

There were 300 present at the Harvest Tea.

A special Certificate in the Vere Foster Writing

Competition has been awarded to Annie Russell of

Drumgor.

Four Lectures on "Temperance" are being delivered in

Seagoe Day School this week by Mr E. Atkinson,

Lecturer to the Irish Temperance League.

The Men's Bible Classes in Hacknahay, Carne and Drumgor,

are now at work each week, and are very successful.

A Christmas Shooting Competition with valuable

prizes is being organised in connection with Seagoe

Men's Recreation Room.

A most successful Shooting Competition took place

in the Rooms last month. The Prize was a Melodeon

kindly presented by Mr. Maxwell Stoops.

The new Bible Class Programmes for 1908 will shortly be issued.

Superintendents of Sunday Schools are requested to send

in their annual returns at the earliest convenient date.

The Annual Collection for the Sustentation Fund

is now taking place. We want many new subscribers

and larger subscriptions from the old ones.

Yellow envelopes for ‘The Earner's Fund' are now

in circulation.

Some of our young people brought home pieces of

Seagoe Cake to dream on! We are sure they had

pleasant dreams.

Miss Armstrong is to read a paper on ‘A Model

Sunday School' at the Teachers' Meeting in Seagoe

School on Monday at 8.

The widening of the road at Seagoe is a great improvement.

A Box will be placed in the Church Porch each Sunday.

Drop your Sustentation Envelopes into it and save the

Collectors trouble. We hear that a grand Concert is to

take place in Edenderry Parochial Hall on Monday,

December 16th. Tickets now on sale 6d each.

A Christmas Party will be held at Hacknahay on Thursday,

December 19th, at 7.30. Tickets 9d each.

Mr. Worsley, Government Inspector under the National Board,

examined the Day School in November, and gave a most favourable

report. Needlework and Music were characterised as excellent.