December 1922

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

DECEMBER, 1922.

WE WISH ALL OUR READERS AT HOME

AND ABROAD A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

AND A BRIGHT NEW YEAR.

Important Notice.

A series of meetings for the Men of the Parish

will be held in the near future. The first of them

has been arranged to take place in Carne Church

Hall on Monday, December 4th, at 8 p.m. A Paper

will be read by the Rev. A. O. Draper on "The

Privileges and Duties of a Churchman." A discus-

Sion will follow the reading of the Paper.

Meetings at other centres will be announced later.

Special Advent Services.

During the season of Advent, beginning Sunday,

December 3rd (Advent Sunday) Special Sermons will

be preached in the Parish Church as follows —

On Sunday Mornings:

Dec. 3rd—The Second Advent. Dec. 10th—The Day

of Judgment. Dec. 17th—Our Opportunity.

On Sunday Evenings—

Dec. 3rd—National Sins—lntemperance. Dec. 10th—

Indifference. Dec. 17th—Impurity.

On Wednesday Evenings at 8

Dec. 6th—Foreign Missions—Chota Nagpur. Dec. 13th

—Fuhkien. Dec. 20th—South America.

CHRISTMAS DAY.

On Christmas Day Services will be held as follows:

8 a.m.—Holy Communion.

11.30 a.m.—Morning Prayer, Sermon, and Holy

Communion.

The Offerings at both Services will be on behalf

of the Poor Fund.

To Sunday School Teachers.

Miss M'Keown, of St. Luke's Schools, Belfast, has

kindly consented to give an Address to our Sunday

School Teachers and Superintendents in Seagoe

School on Friday evening, December 15th, at 8

o'clock. Her subject will be "Sunday School

Reform." Miss M'Keown is an expert in modern

Sunday School methods, and has taken out special

courses of study in this subject in Manchester and

other Teaching centres. A collection will be made

to cover expenses.

Townland Teas.

November has been a record month in the Parish.

There have been no fewer than six large Socials

held in six different centres in the Parish—Carne,

Bocombra, Drumgor, Seagoe, Hacknahay, and

Edenderry. Each has been managed by a committee

of ladies. Invitations have been issued broadcast to

the members of the Church, and no charge has been

made for the Tickets, thanks to the kind gifts of

many Parishioners. The object of these Social Teas

has been to bring before the Parishioners the needs

of the Parish. Mr. W. J. Green, of Edenderry, most

kindly spoke both at Carne and Drumgor, and made

a great impression on his hearers as he detailed the

needs of the old Church and the duty which rests

upon her members of making sacrifices on her behalf.

At Edenderry Mr. W. H. Wright, of Portadown, gave

a stirring and helpful address. At each centre the

Rector presided, and the Rev. A. O. Draper was also

present. The interest taken by those present was very

deep, and we believe that the Parish has been roused

to a sense of its duty in giving larger financial support.

The Weekly Freewill Offering system has been

explained to the people, and many have expressed

their intention of taking the Envelopes in the coming

year. Mr. James Twinem, Mr. Moses Gilpin, and

Mr. Richard Hoy spoke at the meetings, urging the

people to help; and Mr. Isaac Dickson, of

Crossmacaughily, also helped at several of the Socials.

We express our sincere thanks to all who so kindly

assisted to make the Socials a great success.

Seagoe in 1833.

[We publish below a letter which has been copied

out of the "Belfast Guardian" for November 8th,

1833. The "Guardians" are bound up with the 1833

Volume of the "Belfast News Letter" in the Linenhall

Library, Belfast. The letter presents us with a very

vivid and interesting picture of Seagoe some

90 years ago, when things were very different from

what they are in these latter days. Archdeacon

Saurin became Vicar of Seagoe in 1826. When the

letter was written the "Tithe War" had broken out.

The Rectors of Seagoe were landlords of the townlands

of Lower Seagoe and Kilvergan. The Railway had

not yet been made in 1833, and the present Lurgan

Road had just been cut. The Mrs. Saurin who

is mentioned died in 1839, leaving two daughters,

Caroline (Mrs. Cave-Brown-Cave), and Christina

(Mrs. Stewart). There were no trees around the

Rectory grounds in those days, so the glare of the

bonfire could be reflected in the Bann. We would

like to know where M'Cu11y's public-house was

situated. We imagine the letter was written by

Richard M'Caughi11y, of Derryvore, a very famous

letter writer in his day. A parishioner tells us that

anyone who lived in a "Derry" was in those days

termed a " Moyntaughyman."]

POPULARITY OF THE ARCHDEACON OF DROMORE

To the Editor of the "Guardian."

Sir, —That the rev. gentleman whose name heads

this article has by his acts rendered himself popular

with his numerous parishioners is a fact well known

to the readers of the "Guardian." Some months ago

I had the pleasure of submitting to them an account

of a Vestry meeting in Seago Parish on the subject

of Tithes. In that communication, which you, sir

had the goodness to publish, I detailed the pleasing

fact that the Rev. Mr. Saurin had actually consented

to a reduction of his tithe, and for this act of generosity

so honourable to the man the parishioners surrounded

their high-minded and generous Rector, and elevating

him

On Their Shoulders,

carried him round the Church in the midst of the

most cordial and enthusiastic cheering! This kind

act of Mr. Saurin was the more gratifying to the

inhabitants of Seago, both Protestant and Roman

Catholic, for it occurred at a time when clergymen

and their parishioners in sundry other parts of Ireland

were at variance on the subject of Tithes. Since

then Mr. Saurin has reduced the rents on the Glebe

lands more than 7s 6d per acre per annum. It may

be presumed from this that he is highly respected,

nay, beloved, by his parishioners, and they only

waited an opportunity of testifying their gratitude

and respect to their Rector, and this opportunity

presented itself on the 18th ult. The readers of the

periodical Press are already aware of the recent

marriage of Mr. Saurin to the beautiful and highly

accomplished Miss Simpson, of Bath, and it having

transpired that he, with his lovely bride, would reach

Seago on that evening, his parishioners and tenants

resolved to avail themselves of this occasion of

marking their respect for their generous Rector, and

considerate landlord, by chairing him home with every

demonstration of respect. Accordingly, early in the

evening preparations were made on the lawn

Fronting the Glebe House

for a bonfire. Tar barrels and other combustibles

were in requisition, while at the same time might be

seen hundreds of men and women hurrying along

the turnpike road towards Lurgan to meet him. At

about 5 o'clock his long expected carriage drove up,

when the immense crowd opened to admit the carriage,

and received it with the most warm cheering.

They then closed around it, and contrary to Mr. and

Mrs. Saurin's remonstrances, unharnessed the horses

and yoked themselves to, and in this manner rapidly

drew the carriage along to Seago, a distance of 2

miles, the crowd keeping up one continual and

deafening cheer. On the procession entering the

gates leading to the Glebe house they were received

with 3 rounds of

Cannon and Musketry.

and cheering both loud and long. The coup d'oeil at

this time was really grand. The large fire in front

of the Glebe house, whose vivid blaze illumined

the waters of the lovely and romantic Bann, on the

verge of which the Glebe house stands, the repeated

discharge, of cannon and musketry, intermingled

with the soul-inspiring cheers of a warm and

grateful multitude, was a scene at beholding which

Mr. Saurin might (and no doubt did) feel proud. The

lady with much humility and good humour testified

her thanks for the flattering reception she received,

and Mr. Saurin on alighting from the carriage

addressed the immense crowd from the steps

of the hall door in a feeling and eloquent speech.

He thanked them for the proof of their respect and

friendship, which he would long remember; he told

them

In Glowing Terms

that this was certainly the proudest moment of his

life to behold himself surrounded by approving

parishioners and a grateful and contented tenantry;

and, lastly, he directed 2 of his tenants to conduct

the crowd back to M'Cully's public house and to

treat them there. He did not limit them to any sum;

his only injunction to them was this: —My dear kind

friends and parishioners, be steady, be peaceable,

be well-conducted and be merry; do not get drunk,

and do not spare my purse. Let me hear how well

you will behave, and I will not regret the event.

The crowd then, after giving 3 cheers more, proceeded

to M'Cully's, and were handsomely treated, and

after toasting the health and long life of their "good

Rector" and his fair consort, returned to their

respective homes with as much order and regularity

as they assembled, and without one angry word

occurring during the night. —l remain, sir, with many

thanks for former favours, your much obliged and

humble servant,

A MOYNTAUGHMAN.

Derryvore near Portadown. Nov. 2nd, 1833.

Parish Register for Nov., 1922

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized on November 4th.

1922, in the Parish Church: —

Watson—Ethel, daughter of George Annesley and

Mary Watson, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Sarah Jane Craig, Mary Watson.

Hall—William Henry Preston, son of William Henry

and Mary Jane Hall, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Margaret Hall, Emma Best.

Finn—Ethel, daughter of Moses Henry and Margaret

Finn, of Portadown.

Sponsors—Jane Haire, Margaret Finn.

M’Cann—James, son of James and Minnie M'Cann.

of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Sarah Kane, Minnie M'Cann.

Marriage.

Wilson and Wilson—November 29th, 1922, William

Wilson, of Garrendenny, Crettyard, County

Carlow, to Jane Kathleen Elizabeth Maud

Wilson. of Hacknahay.

Burials.

Vaughan—November 14th, John Vaughan, of Tully1ish,

late of Kernan, aged 81,

Wilson—November 16th, Mary Wilson, of Lurgan,

aged 70.

White—November 17th, Sarah White, of Killycomaine,

aged 66.

Cottage Services.

A Cottage Service will (D.V.) be held in Mrs. Best's

house in Drumlisnagrilly (kindly lent for the occasion)

on Wednesday, December 13th, at 8 p.m. Last month

a Cottage Service was held in Mr. W. J. Gracey's

house in Drumgor on Wednesday evening, November

22nd. The Rev. A. O. Draper conducted the Service.

The Sunday Schools.

A new Sunday School Calendar (specially drawn

up for the Parish) has been issued. The charge is

ld. It is arranged on new lines, and covers the period

between Advent Sunday and Trinity Sunday

(six months). A full Infant Calendar forms part of it,

and the classes are graded into three Divisions—infant

(ages 4—8), Junior (8—12), and Senior (12—16).

Those over 16 are invited to join the Bible Classes.

The Seniors are studying a new course called "Christ's

First Missioners."

Resolution Cards for 1923.

Resolution Cards for the New Year will be

circulate throughout the Parish at the end of this month.

We hope many will sign them-

Concert.

Please remember the Concert in Edenderry Parochial

Hall on Thursday, December 7th, at 8 o'clock.

A most attractive Programme has been arranged,

and Mr. Power has kindly consented to give two of

his famous "Sketches." The Tickets are 2s (reserved)

and 1s each, and the proceeds are towards the up keep

of Seagoe Parochial Schools. Secure your Ticket

without delay.

Communicants' Guild.

The members will meet (D.V.) in Seagoe School

on Monday, December 11th, at 8 p.m.

Seagoe Parish Almanac.

This Almanac is now on sale throughout the various

Sunday Schools and at Kyle's Grocery Store, 16

Bridge Street. The price is 3d per copy. It is a

very pretty Almanac with a text for every day. The

Rector has signed each copy at the foot of the

Address. We hope the Almanac will find a place

in every Church home in the Parish.

ITEMS.

Miss Ellen Matthews arrived safely at Brisbane,

Queensland, on board the ss. "Orvieto" on

November 19th.

***

Mrs. Nesbitt, of Sydney, Australia, writes that she

wishes to have the Magazine sent to her every month.

***

The Rector has received a copy of St. John's

"Evangelist" from the Rev. J. S. Mackenzie, Rector of

St. John's Church, Cedar Rapids, U.S.A. Many of

our readers will remember Mr. Mackenzie. The

Magazine is most interesting, and excellently printed.

***

We acknowledge with thanks the receipt of £1

towards the Magazine from Lt -Col. Blacker.

***

Protestant Orphan Collecting Cards are in

circulation through the Parish.

***

A Christmas Anthem will be sung by the Choir

on Sunday. December 24th (Christmas Eve.)

THE "NINTH" IN FRANCE.

By Lieut.-Col. S. W. BLACKER, D.S.O.

(Continued from November Magazine.)

SUNDAY, JULY 16th.

We got back about 10 of our slightly wounded cases

to-day, Sergeant Johnstone among them, I'm glad to

say. He last saw 'At.' waving the men on. He (J,)

was hit about 30 yards from the German line, but

he didn't see 'At.' then. Smith, a L/Corp1 in 'A' also

back; crawled in from near German wire on Monday,

and says he saw Montgomery and Hollywood; were

lying dead close to him. So, I fear there is no hope

for them. Very few of the bodies were able to be

brought in; all energies were devoted to getting in

any that were alive. Of course, it's dreadful, but it

was impracticable, except at the cost of leaving

wounded men out. My orders were "concentrate all

energies on getting in the wounded." The area was

under fire and I could not risk loss of life to bring in

the dead; our time was limited. Of course, a few

near our line were brought in, but those far out had

to be left. The Border Regt. have been so good, and

have buried a number.

The present idea is we stay here till the end of

the month, and then go into the line somewhere near,

but it changes from day to day because no one knows

for certain—-nothing is certain. Personally, I have

not the least hope of any of the missing being alive,

but there is a bare possibility in 'At's' case, but Sgt.

Johnstone does not think so. About recommendations.

You must have evidence of some specific act

and this is impossible to obtain, though I know all

were splendid. Ah! the pity of it. No leave, I hear.

Gen. asked and was refused is the story. After all,

it's right. Good news again today. We are still

going forward—but they are far from beaten. We

have had 80 men back since coming here, most

from Ireland.

MONDAY, JULY 17th.

I'm so grieved for Willie Hughes. He was one of

the best in the Battalion. He had written to the S.

Maj. he was all right. Cheery to the end, a gallant

fellow. Dull heavy weather, very close, occasional

heat drops. There are heaps of small streams about

here, and water is plentiful for the first time. Such

a pretty country; wooded and with hedges, and

undulating. Very good billets, comfy, have straw. Few

people can realise the horror of war who haven't seen

it on this large scale, and what it entails; the dead

lying unburied; the awful state of everything really

in the fighting zone. Mercifully they can't. We seem

to be doing well, if only we could get Thiepval.

Captures of guns and Hows., excellent news. I cannot

understand why Mrs. Charlie hasn't had a notification

from W.O. I must try and verify my report at Bde. Office.

Am trying to find out about Harry Fraser. A letter

from old Gosford to-day, urged to write by his wife,

I'm sure. I've just answered it. I got your letters the

3rd day, much quicker. There's a lot of new Staff

work going on. I'm so saddened I cannot even strafe

them. Padre writes to relations day and night. Young

Burnett has lost his leg, but writes cheerfully. They

are wonderful fellows. Pratt's just come in to take

me out to see a range. The Gen. (N.) has softened

since just before the Push. I asked Gosford to set

inquiries on foot re prisoners. Please tell me any

discrepancies that come to your notice, and they

can be put right. It's so hard to avoid errors in

dealing with large numbers.

TUESDAY, JULY 18th.

M'Calmont came over to see me yesterday in the

P. of Wales' car! He has put on flesh, but is looking

well. The Prince specially offered the car to him to

come and see the Div. They are in the salient and

have been in since March. Not a salubrious spot. I

went to the Bde. Office yesterday and found out that

my amended report about C.M.J. had not reached

them, so got them to wire it at once.

Plumer is our Army Cr. He came round to make

our acquaintance today. Grown very white, but

very pleasant. He looked hard at me and mentioned

you and Hale, and he said "Of course, I knew your

face and couldn't place you." Don't know what

Corps we are in, but believe V. Don't know who

commands it. Wilson, Reg. Q.M.S., comes from

Poyntzpass, and was clerk in Gavin Low's house

in Dublin. A charming letter from the Primate.

Did you see an account of the rebellion in Wexford?

written by a lady living on the river below N.T. Barry?

Quite good. We sent a Sergt. and Pte. from each

Battalion in Div. to Paris for 14th. They have just

returned. They had a great time, and the Sergt.

(Campbell) said "We were just adored!" To-day I

was ordered to send in 1 of the names already

submitted, for immediate reward.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19th.

Orders just come for a move, and we have all out

on a route march. We move at 3 p.m., about 9 miles

up toward the line in the direction of P. (Poperingne)

—an awful rush. 1.30 p.m.—Such a hurry and turmoil,

collecting everything, and of course a whole lot of

clothing and boots come in at the last moment, and

nowhere to carry them. Am leaving some men

behind to look after the things, and bring 'em

when they can. Very sorry to leave this peaceful

spot. We are scattered here, which makes things;

more difficult.

THURSDAY, JULY 20 ^th. – “Bollzelle”

We go on to a camp near P. by train. Transport

by road, leave at 7 a.m. Hilda Booth's boy joined

12th. Came and talked to me yesterday. Such a

nice fellow, strong and well built. March severe

yesterday, hot, dusty. Very clean place here— B

( ). Don't think much kit has been lost so far.

We have managed to bring it all along. Before

going into the line last time we dumped all surplus

kit, and each man's pack, which contained clean

change. Poor Burnett was very plucky; he was by

the German broken wire with a broken leg, but

managed to crawl a bit after dark. Near

“Poperinghe” – 9 p.m.—We came here by light rail

way. Transport by road 18 miles. We were met on

arrival by P. of Wales, who escorted us to our camp

and was most kind. He is D.A.Q.M.G. XIV. Corps,

and I told him I had never received such kindly

treatment from any Corps Staff before, at which he

smiled. Such a nice boy and quite simple, and

unaffected. A nice, well appointed camp, about 2 miles

from Pop. Having just settled in we are told we are

to move early tomorrow into another Corps further

south. The P. was furious at this apparent muddling

and cursed Generals freely. The Div. H.Q. is miles.

away, Bde. H.Q. five miles away, so we shall not get

orders till small hours, and then to move at once, I

suppose. Quite a decent journey to-day. We left at

9.30 and got in at 11.30 and only a few minutes march

at each end. There are some huts, but I am in a tent.

These constant moves are irksome and seemingly

unnecessary. The rail runs along the road. We passed

our transport and caused much alarm among the horses.

Result—three waggons were smashed.

FRIDAY, JULY 21st.

Orders to move at 10.15 a.m. Came at 9.5 a.m.

Again, hurry packing. We go today to Locre, about

9 miles, I think. Don't know what it means. We

go now to V. Corps. I saw John Hotham on the road

and had a short talk. He says they are off South.

We go into the line tomorrow night. Not too bad a

part, I believe. Came on this morning with Coy.

Commanders and Fergie, and am just going up now

with them to have a look. 2 Battalions (ourselves

and 12th) take over I Battalion front. Of course,

this means a squash for headquarters, 2 Battalions

having to share. Cloudy, looks like rain, but very

hot. We are just south of M (Messines).

SUNDAY, JULY 23rd.

The evidence about 'At.' is most confusing. I

enclose list of men. Our casualty list went to Base,

and they notify W.O., I suppose, but you may

imagine, with such numbers, how difficult it is, and

mistakes occur.

(To be continued.)