December 1914

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

DECEMBER, 1914.

" for King and Country ! "

THIRD LIST OF NAMES.

A List of the Names of Residents in the Parish of Seagoe, or attached thereto, who have

answered to the call of King and Country, and have Volunteered to serve anywhere, at home or

abroad, during the War.

Thomas Montgomery, N. I. H.

Robert McKerr, R.I. F.

Francis McKerr

Thomas Lyness

William Gillespie „

Thomas Porter, Naval Division.

Robert Porter, Navy, Portland.

James Gracey, R. I. F.

John George Chambers, R. I. F.

Wellington Graham

First List Seventy-Seven Names.

Second List Seventy Names.

Third List Ten Names.

TOTAL—157 NAMES.

Advent, 1914.

THE Season of Advent begins on Sunday

November 29th. With it begins the

round of the Christian Year, just as

the civil year begins on January 1st.

It has been the custom of the Church

for many centuries to make these weeks

preceding Christmas a time of special

preparation for the second coming of our Lord

and Master. The true note of Advent is struck in

the opening words of the Collect for the Sunday

next before Advent, " Stir up, O Lord, the wills. of

thy faithful people."

Special preachers have been

arranged for the Sunday evening and Wednesday

evening services in the Parish Church as follows :—

Sunday, December 6th— Rev. F. J. Halahan, M.A.,

Rector of Drumcree.

December 13th—Rev. O. W. Scott, M.A.,

Rector of Gilford.

December 20th—Rev. R. Patterson, B.A.,

Rector of Ardmore.

Wednesday, Dec. 2nd—Rev. W. F. H. Garstin, M.A.,

Rector of All Saints Parish, Londonderry

Dec. 9th—Rev. T. G. G. Collins, M.A.,

Rector of St. James' Parish, Belfast.

Dec. 16th—Rev. R. H. S. Cooper, M.A.,

Rector of Christ Church, Lisburn.

On Advent Sunday, November 29th, there will be

a celebration of Holy Communion after Morning

Prayer. The collections at both services will be on

behalf of the Hibernian Bible Society, and the

Diocesan Fund for Poor Parishes.

A School Cantata.

A cantata entitled, " The Picnic Party " is to be

performed by the pupils of Seagoe Day School

assisted by some others, on Thursday, December

17th, in Seagoe School, at 8 o'clock. Tickets 1/-

and 6d are now on sale. The Cantata describes a,

happy picnic to Woodlands Glen. The old

grandmother brings her girl grandchildren to the glen, but

leaves the boys at home. What happened afterwards

is very interesting and you will learn the whole story

when you hear the Cantata.

Seagoe Parish Almanac for 1915,

The new Parish Almanac is now on sale at Mrs.

Metcalfe's, High Street, and Mrs. Collin's, Bridge

Street. As only a limited number (350) have been

printed the Parishioners should purchase their copy

without delay. The following Parishioners .have a

supply for sale. Drumgor— Mrs. MacMullen, Ballinacor

—Mr. Robert Price, Hacknahay—Mr. George

Calvert, Levaghery—Mr. John Montgomery, and a

supply will also be available at Seagoe Day School.

The Almanac is very brightly coloured, and

contains a text from the Bible for every day in the

New Year. The subject of -the central Picture is

" Sunday Morning : Finishing Touches." The price

of the Almanac is One Penny.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Germany in War Time,

BY IAN AND MAUDE GRAY.

[Mrs. Gray of Ashton, Lurgan Road, and three

members of her family had the misfortune to be on

a visit to Germany at the outbreak of the war. The

following experiences kindly written for the Magazine

by her two younger children will be read with interest.

Our readers will congratulate Mrs. Gray on her happy

escape from such unpleasant surroundings.

Early in June of this year we went to stay at Gotha,

at the Pension Palais„ Augustenberg, which was the

home of the present Empress of Germany, before her

marriage

Gotha has an English Duke, and was the birthplace

of Queen Victoria's husband. For almost fifty

years, it has been a favourite place for English families

to stay.

The proprietress of the Pension welcomed us with

much pleasure as some of her dear English," and as

there were nice people staying there we had a very

agreeable time up to the last days of July.

The yearly Market was held in July, and it was

interesting to see the booths of fruit, and makers of

sweets and sausages, and the stalls of lace and fancy

goods. Then there was a Red Cross festival, to get

funds for Red Cross work, and there was dancing in

the Market Place in the evening to a band, and

illuminations which were very effective, while flowers,

badges and postcards were sold.

Little did one think how soon the Red Cross

Ambulances would be on active service. The Germans

mobilized at the end of July, and we began to feel

uneasy as no trains were available for any but the

military, but it was not till the declaration of war by

England, that we found we were sitting on hornets'

nest. At once the police arrived to take our names

as alien enemies, and the proprietress said we must

leave—that we were called " dogs" and "swine" by

the people, and that we should be mobbed. As a

matter of fact we were often stoned, and once had

the good fortune to have damsons thrown at us, stones

being rather scarce near the Pension.

All the English were most vilely treated by the

proprietress, who said “there is no more Christ in

Germany, war makes all barbarians, so you cannot

expect other treatment." Owing to illness we got

special permission through the doctor to stay on when

the other families were obliged to go to Berlin, in a

fourth class carriage, guarded by armed Policemen,

to be under supervision there, but we had no freedom

as we were not allowed to play in the grounds, and if

we went down the town the German Colonel

commanding, (who was resident in the Pension) threatened

to treat us as spies! The English Church and

Rectory were taken for Military stores, and the Chaplain

and his family were taken off to Berlin, having

to leave most of their clothes and all furniture behind!

The Chaplain did not get to England till late in

October, and we hear from him that he cannot get

his property. He has written something about the

treatment we all experienced in Gotha to the English

papers, and one of the English retired Colonels who

was also of our party has described in the 'Evening

News' how he was imprisoned along with two others

in Berlin, and given black bread and water

On the 11th of September we got leave through

the Consul at Erfurt to travel to Dresden, where we

heard from friends that we should be better treated,

and there was a chance of getting a train through

with police protection to Rotterdam, but we were told

that if the people knew we were British when

travelling they might attack us, as they heard the English

soldiers were gouging out the eyes of German

prisoners! We were of course very indignant, and

said it was a vile lie

The train as far as Corbetha was full of soldiers,

some wounded, and others going to the Eastern

frontier. We were able to visit the famous Dresden

Picture Gallery which had been closed when war

first broke out, and could get about freely, but were

warned not to speak English in the streets. Though

the police and the American Consul were very polite,

there was no prospect of a train for the English, and

we grew very impatient. At last we got a telegram

from Berlin to say that a protected train would leave

there on September 30th, so we got away from

Dresden with the help of a naturalized German lady who

looked after our luggage.

We had to go through a great deal of red tape in Berlin

though the American Ambassador had been specially

asked by a friend of his to help us.

Both Berlin and Dresden showed signs of the

effects of war, No English names or words were

allowed on buildings, Japanese goods were labelled

" from China," and petrol could not be bought ; home

grown fruit was reasonably plentiful, but we tried to

get bananas for our journey, and thanks to our Navy,

none were obtainable in Berlin !

The newspapers all preached deadly hatred of the

English, and the German people seemed to believe

everything they read.

The Dresden lady who befriended us was in Germany

at the time the " Titanic " struck an iceberg and sank,

and she told us that all the Germans in the Pension

were delighted to hear of the catastrophe to a British

ship, and held quite a celebration, and that they were

equally inhuman in their joy when the " Empress

of Ireland " met her doom this year. They are

aiming now at the heart of England, and we owe

much to the brave soldiers who so far have borne the

brunt of their terrible and hate-inspired attacks, and

it is to be hoped that more and still more men will

be forthcoming till We Can drive the barbarous hordes

back into their borders, and impose such conditions

on them that they will never dare again to overpower

their neighbours or tear up treaties.

We were glad to see an English newspaper again,

as we had heard of nothing but German victories and

English atrocities for two months. When we crossed

the frontier the Dutch people were most friendly and

sympathetic, and, of course, our own countrymen

gave us a warm welcome at Folkestone.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

PARISH REGISTER FOR NOV.

Baptisms.

Baptized on Saturday, November 7, 1914

Grimason—Ellen, daughter of Edmond and Sarah Grimason, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Sarah Grimason, Sarah Grimason.

Graham—Margaret, daughter of William John and Martha Graham, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Mary Jane Ellis, Martha Graham.

Girvan—John, son of John Girvan, 1st Batt. R.I.F. and Martha Girvan, of Tarson.

Sponsors—Hanna Bella Coulter, Martha Girvan.

Robinson—William John,son of Thomas George and Mary Alice Robinson, of Tamnifiglasson.

Sponsors—Martha Campbell, Mary Alice Robinson.

Best—Wolsey, son of Henry and Helena Best, of Portadown.

Sponsors—Henry Best, Helena Best.

Marriage,

Smith and Richardson —Nov. 1st, 1914, William Smith, of Edenderry,

to Elizabeth Richardson, of Portadown,

Burials.

England—Nov. 7, Ellen Jane England, of Killicomaine, aged 7 years.

Gracey—Nov. 8th, Margaret Ann Gracey, of Drumgor, aged 61 years.

Joyce Nov. 23rd, Sarah Joyce„ of Balteagh, aged 80 years.

Offertories for November,

Sunday Mornings £4 15 2

Evenings 1 12 0

Week Days 0 6 4

Total, £6 13 6

Healthy Portadown,

Our genial and efficient Medical Officer of Health

for Portadown and District,Dr. Rowlett, had a unique

experience during the week ending Saturday,

November 21st. Not a single death was registered in that

week in the District, Urban and Rural, under his

control. During the fifteen years which have passed

since Dr. appointment to the post every

week, except last week, has been marked by the

registration of several deaths. When we remember

that the population of the District is 15,000 the

significance of the record becomes greater. This is a

healthy season but the fact mentioned above would

seem to prove that Portadown and the surrounding

district is especially healthy. In the same week

twelve births were registered.

ITEMS.

A collection for Princess Mary's Christmas Box

Fund for our Soldiers and Sailors, will be made in the

Sunday Schools of the Parish on Sunday, December

6th.

For the List of Services in the Parish Church

during Advent, and on Christmas Day, see special

handbills.

Don't give drink to the men in khaki.

Mrs. Metcalf has removed from Bridge Street, to

shop in High Street, two doors from Mr. Waugh's

book shop.

The Sustentation Fund Collectors are now making

their Annual Collection in the Parish. We hope

every Church Family in the Parish will subscribe to

this Fund. The Collectors go to a great deal of

trouble in making the collection, so please try to have

your subscription ready for them when they call so

as to save them having to call a second time.

If by any chance, a collector fails to call on you

before the end of the year, you should send your

subscription to Mr. W. R. Atkinson, Hon. Treas., Eden Villa.

A Weeknight Men's Bible Class meets every Thursday

in Carbet Orange Hall, at eight.

The Hacknahay Branch of the G.F.S., meets at

Miss Calvert's house, Breagh, every second Tuesday

beginning on Tuesday, November 24th.

Christmas Day this year falls on a Friday.

Seagoe War Notes,

Every Sunday we are glad to notice men in khaki

at our Services and Bible classes.

Two illuminated cards containing the names of all

those who have volunteered from Seagoe Parish have

been placed in the Porch of the Parish Church. Miss

G. Atkinson kindly wrote in all the names.

Deep sympathy has been expressed with Mr. and

Mrs. Hamilton Robb at the sad death by drowning of

their elder son Lieutenant H. J. Robb of the Royal

Marines. It is a consolation to the bereaved relatives

to know that their son lost his life in a brave endeavour

to save the lives of others. At the time Lieut.

Robb was attached to H.M.S. Sutlej at Queenstown.

Our Sunday Schools.

The New Sunday School Programme begins with

Advent Sunday. This year it has been decided to

adopt the Diocesan Calendar. Books of notes for

both Morning and Afternoon courses are now to be

had by the Teachers, price 9d each.

The notes are most carefully prepared by experienced

writers, and every teacher should possess

copy. In fact the course cannot be efficiently taught

without them.

The Annual Examinations will be held on Sundays

during the month of December, and prizes will be

awarded to those who answer best. The Examination

will be in the work done by the children during the

past year.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Seagoe Men in the Trenches.

Interesting Letters.

Private William McNei11, "A" co. R.I.F„

of Ballymacrandle, writes home under date

October 27th.

I got the parcel you sent

me, and was glad to see that you were all well,

as this leaves me well at present, only I may let you

know that we had a terrible rain here on Sunday

night. There was about six inches of water in the

trenches. We are in them now eight days. We had

a very heavy shell fire and rifle fire on Monday

morning, so you may guess the state we were in after

the wet night. We hardly dare look over the bank.

I have not had a wash this last eight days, as we risk

our life in going for one. You can send a dozen of

Packets of Cigarettes about every 3 weeks. We write

letters when we get the chance, but they might not

be lifted from us for about 3 or 4 days after they were

written. I will say good-bye. I hope and trust in

the Lord that I will be spared to see you all once

more. The Germans are destroying every town and

village they get into. There is some nights when

there are three or four fires burning. The cake was

very nice indeed. God bless you all.

On October 29th he writes—A few lines to let you

know I am well. It is very cold in the trenches this

weather.

If we have to stay here in the winter it

will be very cold on us. You might send a small lot

of Tea and Sugar. The best way would be to mix

the two together and put in a tin box. May God

send a speedy return home.

Private John Girvan, 1st R. I. F. , of Tarson,

writes as follows to the Rev. G. Bloomer ;—I received

your kind and welcome letter all right. God has

blessed me in taking care of my life in this war,

where there are shells flying day and night. There

is one thing the Germans do not like to see, and that

is a British soldier, and more so when they can see his

bayonet. We had one charge at them, and they ran

and left their trenches for all they were worth. They

are not as good soldiers as the British, for when a

British soldier gets in a trench he is not going to be

put out of it. The Germans are very bad on the

people. When they get into a village they plunder

and take all they can get away with them. We are not

allowed to take a pennyworth of anything, We would

be punished very heavy for it, and I think it is right.

When we go to a village the people come out to see

us and they bring us coffee and anything they have ;

they are very kind to us.

I am trusting in God to

bring me back to Seagoe. Day and night there are

shells and bullets going in the air, and you cannot

tell when you might be hit. God has heard my

prayer, for I am safe and sound, and I will not

forget to thank Him for His goodness to me. It is

very hard sometimes to get writing, but I do like to

get some word from home. I am glad to hear of so

many Volunteers having gone to serve the King and

Country. We had Volunteers in Seagoe in days gone

by, and the same Blood is still in it; I am just writing

this while you are in Church. May God bless your

work, and when I go home I will be in it oftener than

I was. Yours truly,

John Girvan.

Letter from a Wounded Soldier.

Private Robert Calliston, 1st Irish Guards,

an Edenderry man, writes from the General

Infirmary, Leeds, under date November 1st, 1914, as

follows :— The bullet entered my back and left

nice mark behind it. I was satisfied to get off so light.

The morning I got it there were men getting knocked

out all together, so I was one of the lucky ones.

There are 38 in the ward that I am in, all suffering

from Heads, Arms and Backs. There is one of Dr.

Heron's daughters as a nurse from Portadown. I hope

all the boys at the Station are getting on well. Tell

them I was asking about them.

Church Attendance Cards.

EDENDERRY SUNDAY SCHOOL.

1st. Rank and Gold Seal. —39. None. 1st Rank

35—39. None.

2nd Rank—30 — 35. None. 3rd

Rank --25-—30. Emma Best 27 ; Annie Walker 26;

Dinah McNally 26; Rosina McCann 27; Arthur Allen

29; Robert Crawford 26; Sam Magee 26; Richard

Best 26; Wm. H. Best 26 ; Robert Watson 26 ; Willie

Best 26; Willie Cranston 26.

4th to 25. Willie Coulter 20; Willie cox 23;

Robert Boyce 24 ; Mary Best 22 ; Agnes Johnston 22.

SEAGOE SUNDAY SCHOOL.

1st Rank—35—39. Mary J. Atkinson 39 ; Mary

Best 39 ; Minnie McCormick 39 ; Lizzie Webb 39 ;

Isabella Best 39.

2nd Joe Kelly 33 ; Willie Holland

32 ; Maggie Mathers 31 ; Mary Wilson 32.

3rd James Porter 28.

4th Rank 20—25. Minnie Hara 22; Eliza J.

McCormick 24.

CARNE SUNDAY SCHOOL.

1st Rank—35—39. None. 2nd Rank 80—35.

None. 3rd Rank—25 - 30. Margaret Costello 29 ;

Hannah B. Caddell 25 ; Taresa Ramsey 29 ; Wm. J.

Costello 26.

4th Rank—20—25. Maggie Simpson 21.

NATURE'S HAIR RESTORER,

This Preparation will restore Grey

Hair to its original Colour.

IT IS NOT A DYE.

But acts directly upon the roots of

the Hair, therefore its effects are

gradual. It removes dandruff and all

impurities from the Head, and prevents

the Hair from falling off. It promotes the

growth and strength of the Hair, giving it

the lustre and health of youth,

1/- & 1/6 EACH

SOLD IN BOTTLES AT

ISAAC DAVISON, M.P S I

PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMIST.

THE MEDICAL HALL,

PORTADOWN.