December 1918

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE, DECEMBER, 1918.

Thanksgiving for peace.

O ALMIGHTY God, the Sovereign Commander of all the world, in whose hand is power and might which none is able to withstand; We bless and magnify thy great and glorious Name for this happy Victory, the whole glory whereof we do ascribe to thee, who art the only giver of Victory, And, we beseech thee, give us grace to improve this great mercy to thy glory, the advancement of thy Gospel, the honour of our Sovereign, and, as much as in us lieth, to the good of all mankind. And, we beseech thee, give us such a sense of this great mercy, as may engage us to a true thankfulness, such as may appear in our lives by an humble, holy, and obedient walking before Thee all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom with thee and the Holy Spirit, as for all thy mercies, so in particular for this Victory aud Deliverance, be all glory and honour, world without end. Amen.

The End of the War.

Monday, November 11th, 1918, will be a day as famous in the annals of the world as Tuesday, August 4th, 1914. The return of Peace after more than four years of War is a blessing for which we all feel profoundly thankful.

The first intimation received in Seagoe that the Armistice had been signed was conveyed by a persistent and long continued blast of a Factory syren just after noon. Then other syrens joined in, and the Locomotives in the station added their notes until the air throbbed with the welcome noise.

Groups of people gathered at their doors to wonder if the news were really true. In a few minutes after the syrens had sounded the big bell in Seagoe Church tower (the biggest steel bell in Ireland) pealed out its mellow notes. The Rector rang the first peal and he was followed by Joseph Ruddell and Robert Richadson, The Union Jack was then displayed from a flagstaff on the tower. The factories closed for the afternoon, and the streets were decorated with a great display of bunting. A cordon of flags was stretched across Goban Street. General rejoicing took place everywhere, and as the day was beautifully fine, and a bright moon shone at night from a clear sky, the streets were filled with a joyous crowd. At night many private houses had their windows illuminated. Mr. Bell's house, Ashton, Lurgan Road, being specially bright. Drumming parties went along the various roads in the parish, small boys whistled, and girls sang, and everyone in some way or other expressed their joy that Peace had come again.

At 8 p.m., a short service of Thanksgiving was held in the Church. On Wednesday, November 18th, the usual week night service took the form of a Special Service of Thanksgiving for the Restoration of Peace. There was a large congregation and the Church was decorated with laurel wreaths and Union Jacks. The "Te Deum" was sung, and joined in heartily by all present. The Rector gave an address on I Cor., xv.-57, "Thanks be to God which giveth us the Victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ." The offerings were devoted to the providing of framed, illuminated, War Roll of Honour to contain the names of all who had gone from the Parish to service in the Great War.

The Thanksgiving Services were continued on Sunday, November 17th. Special Hymns were sung and the Special Form of Thanksgiving ordered by the Bishop for use in the Diocese was said. Jackson's setting of the "Te Deum" was sung at Morning and Evening Prayer. The Church was decorated, and there were large congregations. Liberal offerings were given towards the War Roll of Honour for the Parish.

Peace Notes.

The first intimation of the signing of the Armistice in Ulster seems to have been Secured by Enniskillen. The Military wireless operator there picked up Marshal Foch's wireless message at 6:45 a.m., and a Thanksgiving Service was held in the Parish Church at 8:30 a.m., on the morning of Monday, November 11 ^th.

The fine dry spell of weather at the time of the signing of the Armistice enabled the people to celebrate the great event with fulness of rejoicing.

The bells of Seagoe, Portadown and Drumcree Parish Churches all rang out together.

The Rector has received the following card from Pte. Jacombs, a soldier in the Camp at Leneghem, whom he met while stationed there in the Church Army Hut this year. It describes how the news of the Armistice was received along the Western Front. 17th Nov., 1918-- “At 11 o'clock on Monday whistles, hooters, all round our Camps, in towns and villages from 3 to 20 miles away began shrieking out, also the bells in the French village churches went ringing. It was a great time.”

Advent, 1918.

We enter on the season of Advent on Sunday, Dec. 1st. This year we shall spend it in the atmosphere of Peace, although the echoes of war still linger around us. It is the solemn season of the Christian Year when we recall the promise of Our Lord's Second Coming to judge the world. It is for the Christian a season of self-examination and fresh consecration to the service of the Most High.

The Influenza Epidemic.

The Peace rejoicings have unfortunately been marred by the very serious epidemic of Influenza, which is raging at present in the parish, and which has claimed many victims as our obituary lists this month will show. We had hoped that Portadown and the neighbourhood would have escaped the epidemic, as this district had been comparatively free from it up to a few weeks ago, but unfortunately it has not spared us. The closing of the day schools some weeks ago was a wise preventive measure, and no doubt checked its advance. The classes most susceptible to attack seem to be the young. Mothers of young families have, sad to relate, been carried off. Three such cases have already occurred in the parish, in which five young children have in each household

been left motherless. A remarkable feature in the epidemic has been that in many cases all the members of the family have been stricken down at the same time. Neighbours have been exceptionally kind and attentive in such cases, and in at least one case death has followed as a result of this devoted attendance. The Doctors have been unwearied in their attention to the sick, and have in several cases acted the part of nurses as well as doctors. In Lurgan Infirmary, to which several from our Parish have been brought, nine of the nursing staff have been prostrated, and two of them, Nurses Curran and M'Stravick have died. Several motherless children have been sheltered in the hospitable and useful Carleton Home. While the epidemic lasts people should be reminded that absolute cleanliness, good food, and fresh air are the best preventives. The mouth and throat should be rinsed and gargled with some simple disinfectant three times daily. It has been noticed that people of a tubercular tendency of constitution are more liable to severe attack. The virulence of the epidemic seems to be slightly on the decline during the past week; there are not quite so many new cases.

Prayers for the sick have been offered in the Church during the epidemic. In such a visitation

God speaks to us with no uncertain voice of the weakness of our mortal nature, and of the uncertainty of life. Jeremy Taylor, the famous Bishop of Dromore, said—"At the first address and presence of sickness, stand still and arrest thy spirit." It may be that our Heavenly Father in this time of sickness and sorrow is leading us, through Jesus Christ, to a deeper consciousness of our sins and a fuller realization of his perfect holiness.

The Rector hopes that parishioners will, without any delay, inform him of cases of illness occurring in the parish.

Items.

Deep sympathy is felt for Mr. Robert Livingston, of Upper Seagoe, who has suffered a sad bereavement in the death of his wife and two little children, a son and daughter, who have fallen victims to the prevailing epidemic of influenza.

Edenderry at the Front.

The following interesting letter comes from Private William M'Crory, of Joseph Street, who is at present on the Western Front—

France, 18/11/18.

My Dear Father,

I take great pleasure in answering your ever kind and welcome letter received (yesterday)

Sunday. Pleased to see by it that all at home are in good health, as for myself, I AM IN THE PINK,

and having a jolly fine time. I suppose by this time you have received my field card. You say the "flu" is ripe in Portadown, but I sincerely hope it won't visit our house. Well father we are stationed in one of the biggest towns in Belgium, but I dare not say what town it is. Dancing every night until 10. We don't have any parades in the evening, only football. We have THE BEST TEAM IN THE BRIGADE, Lovely beds to sleep in; rise at 7 a.m. You can guess we are not having so poor a time. Well, father, now the war is about finished. What will the boys say for themselves—I mean the boys that stood holding up Moffett's corner? I am not sorry I enlisted, for I can say a lot of things when I come home that other fellows can't say, I had a letter from Lucy, and she says she has the "flu." I didn't half have a laugh, when I read it. Tell mother I received her papers alright. Well, father, just today I met that fellow, M'Mahon. You know Jimmie M'Mahon that has the fruit shop, his brother? I had a good chat with him, I also met a chap who was in Portadown about a week ago to see his girl. He lives in Belfast. Well, father, will you tell mother to send me some writing paper, for we can't get it out here. I went into a shop today to get some, so I had to pay 1 franc and a half—that is 1/3 in English money, for FIVE SHEETS of NOTEPAPER AND FIVE ENVELOPES. So I think it is cheaper than that in Portadown. How is things going in Portadown ? I hope the yarn is good in the "diggins." That was a lovely piece of poetry you sent me, entitled —"On the battlefield." I showed it to some of the boys, and they were pleased with it. I have some souvenirs for you when I come

home. I have a crucifix of our Saviour, and some Rosary Beads which I got from an old Belgian couple, and I mean to keep them too.

Well, father, having told you all my news I will close now with best love to all at home. I remain your loving son,

BILLY.

Write soon, and good night.

OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

Sub-aqueous Seagoe—A Curious Fact—

That interesting book, Lewis's Topographical Dictionary, contains many interesting facts about Seagoe Parish. One of the most curious recorded is, that no less than 1236½ acres of old Seagoe Parish are under the waters of Lough Neagh, and at the bottom of the River Bann. On the Ordnance Survey Maps and by Ancient Ecclesiastical and Civil rule, all land covered by territorial waters, such as lakes and rivers was included within Parochial boundaries. The old boundary of Seagoe Parish lies far out in the waters of Lough Neagh, and the actual boundary on the side of the River Bonn is not its right bank, but a line in the bed of the River half way between its banks.

Moyallon in 1685.—Lewis's Dictionary informs us that the Townland of Monallen (Moyallon) was given as a grant to a Colony of the Society of Friends in England in 1685.

The "Hearts of Oak Boys" attacked Gilford Castle in the year 1772.

The Moral Agency System of Education in Seagoe Parish, 1830,--- This special system of

Education was in existence in Seagoe Parish about the year 1830. The Schools at Bluestone and Balteagh on the Mandeville Estate were carried on on its special lines. Lending Libraries, Loan Clothing Companies and Dispensaries were attached to the Schools. Perhaps some of our readers could give us particulars concerning the history of this interesting Educational Movement of a century ago.

Some Wise Advice from Olden Times —The following lines were written very many years ago, and are to be seen to-day in a frame on the walls of a house in Seagoe Parish.

The Rules of This House which are Strictly Carried Out.

Ale, Beer, Liquor, and Wine,

Are not to be had in this house of mine.

Business transactions go on without these,

So stay, then, if you will, or go if you please.

Do not mistake, the cupboard's not empty,

There's bread, beef, and butter, in plenty.

There's coffee and milk, and sugar and tea.

And all that is useful for you and for me;

To grudge my friend is not my intention,

But Liquors and Ale I beg you'll not mention.

THE PORTADOWN YEOMANRY, 1821-22— Continued—

30th March, 1822, Saturday. —Parade to-morrow (Sunday) without Firelocks for Vinecash Meeting at 10 o'clock morn.

Sunday, 31st March, 1822—Absent, Michael Anslow, Hugh Berry, Wm. Brownlee, Thomas Boyce, Thomas Crockett, Robert Crockett, Thomas Cooney, Charles Magee, John Magee, Jos Robinson, Henry Sinnamon, Wm. Sinnamon, John Tedford, James Watson. Though I did, before leaving the town for Vinecash, caution the men against the shameful practice of Drinking in Public Houses on Sunday, yet I found great numbers on my return home quite drunk particularly in the Light Infantry.

C. WOODHOUSE, Lieut.

Absent 3rd April. 1822, Henry Sinnamon, Dawson Robinson, Henry Richardson. Jo Robinson.

Major- Gen. Egerton to inspect the Corps at Tandragee at 11 o'clock Saturday morning, 20th April. Seagoe and Tandragee are also to be inspected same place and time.

General Egerton expressed approval of Discipline, Appearance and State.

Fines imposed on John Carter, John Brownlee, Thomas Flavell, Wm. McCormick, Thomas Cooney, John Fullerton, Wm. Carr, David Campbell, Corporal.

Parade in coloured cloathes 7 p.m., 29th May.

The men being about to march to Athlone, all fines were forgiven up to this date.

Transmitted to Tandragee Corps the Body of James Andrew, deserted from 3rd Regiment, by order from Government.

Inspected at Loughbrickland with Seagoe, 22nd June.

21st June—Order for Disbandment.

I express my entire approbation of the zeal and alacrity with which the Portadown Yeomanry

tendered in extension of their services, and the very creditable example of disinterested spirit evinced by them.

WM. GREGORY.

Wellesley, 21st June—yeomanry to discontinue from 24th June, 1822.

Signed, E. CONNOR.

James Derry behaved in shameful manner this day on Parade.

Dismissal Parade 7 p.m.. Monday, 24th June.

Paid-off 18th July.

Church Parade on 23rd June, at 10 a.m.

Organ Recital.

An organ recital will (D.V.) be given in the Church on Thursday evening, Dec. 5th, at 8 o'clock, by Mr. Sidney P. B. Smith, A.R.C.O., organist, of Shankhill (Lurgan) Parish Church. A collection will be made and will be divided equally between St. Dunstan's Hospital for blinded soldiers and the Church Army Hut Fund. This latter fund is now more than ever deserving of support. The Church Army, being now engaged in setting up recreation huts and tents in all centres in Germany where the British Army of occupation will be stationed. Mr. Smyth, who will preside at the organ, is known as one of the leading organists in Ulster. The following interesting programme of music will be given :—

Organ solo, March Triumphale (Theo. Bonheur); song, “The Lord is my Light” (Allitsen), Mr. W. Watt; organ solo, "Largo" (Anton Dvorak); song, “Abide with me” (Liddle), Miss K. Pollock; organ solo, "Allegretto" (J. Lemmens); song, Mr Murray; organ solo, "Cantilene" (Theod. Dubois); song, "Nazareth" (Gounod), Mr. W. Watt; organ solo, “Military March” (Schubert); song,

“The Lost Chord” (Sullivan), Miss K. Pollock; hymn during collection; National Anthems—Belgium, France, America, Britain.

Roll of Honour.

It is proposed to place in the Parish Church a War Roll of Honour, containing the names of all those from the Parish, who volunteered for Service in the Great War. The Roll of Honour will consist of a richly bordered scroll, painted and illuminated by hand, containing pictures of Old and New Seagoe Church, the colours of the Allies, etc. It will measure 4-ft. by 8-ft., and will be framed in oak. The estimated cost will be £12 12s, towards which we have already obtained from the offerings on Peace Thanksgiving Day a sum of over £6. As the collections for the Prisoners of War taken up at the Church Doors on the second Sunday of each month will in future be unnecessary, owing to the signing of the Armistice, it has been decided that a collection will be made at the Church Door on Sunday, December 8th, so as if possible to complete the Sum required for

the Roll of Honour.

The Rector's Lecture—Receipts, £3 7s 5d; expenses, 9s 6d; nett balance, £2 17s 11d.

Parish Almanacs for 1919--(two kinds)—Now on Sale at Collins' Grocery Store, and from Sunday

School Superintendents—Price 1½ each.

Special Advent Addresses —Sundays—Dec. 1st, "Authority;" Dec. 8th, "Discipline;" Dec. 15th, "Progress;" Dec. 22nd, "Victory." Wednesdays— Dec. 4th, The Chota Nagpur Mission. Dec. 11^th, The Fuh-Kien Mission. Dec. 18th, The War and Missions.

PARISH REGISTER for NOV., 1918

Baptism.

Magee—2nd November, 1918, Joseph, son of Joseph and Sarah Margaret Magee, of Edenderry. Sponsors—Anne Reid, Sarah Margaret Magee.

PRIVATE BAPTISM.

Grey—14th November, 1918, William David, son of Hugh Henry and Charlotte Grey, of Tarsan.

Burials.

Walker—November 7th, Frances Louisa Walker, of Upper Seagoe.

Stevenson—November 8^th, James Stevenson, of Drumgor, aged 23 years.

Benson—November 10th, Sarah Benson of Edenderry, aged 71.

Steenson—November 13^th, Mary Steenson, of Portadown, aged 31.

McAteer—November 14th, Lucy McAteer, of Edenderry, aged 62.

Grey—November 16th, William David Grey, of Tarson, aged 5 months.

Boyce—Nov. 16th, Dorothy Lydia, of Bocombra, aged 4½.

Forde—Nov. 20th, Mary Jane Forde, of Kernan, aged 82.

Marshall—Nov. 21st, Elizabeth Marshall, of Portadown, aged 22.

McNally—Nov. 21st, Anne McNally, of Edenderry, aged 27.

Reid—Nov. 24th, Katherine Reid, of Killicomaine, aged 37.

Hall—Nov. 27th, Charles James Hall, of Edenderry, aged 7.

Freeburn—Nov. 27th, Joseph Freeburn, of Edenderry, aged 85.

Burniston—Nov. 27th, Henrietta Burniston, of Lurgan, aged 30.

Watson—Nov. 27th, Joseph Watson, of Killicomaine, aged 13 months.

Watson—Nov. 28th, James Henry Watson, of Killicomaine, aged 54.

Offertories for November.

Sunday Mornings £9 1 2

“ Evenings 2 10 2

Week-days 1 6 2

£12 17 6

Collections for War Roll (included in above) £6 3s 4d. Collection November 10th, for Prisoners of War, £5 16s 10d.