Feburary 1908

Seagoe Parish Magazine

FEBRUARY, 1908.

BAPTISMS.

“The Circumcision of Christ.” —Col. ii.ll.

Jan. 4th--Thomas, son of John and Sarah Weir.

“ “ --Mary Isabel, daughter of William and Margaretta Sherman.

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BURIALS.

“O Death, where is thy sting?”

Jan. 10th—John Sweeney, Lower Seagoe, aged 68.

“ 22nd—Jane Hall, Kernan, aged 70.

“ 25th—Edward Quigley, 11 James' St., aged 25.

OFFERTORIES FOR JANUARY.

" She of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.”

MorningEvening

£. s. d. £. s. d.

Jan. 1—Circumcision 0 1 8 0 3 11

“ 5—2nd Sun.after Christmas 1 5 9 0 7 6

“ 6—Epiphany 0 2 0

“ 12—1^st Sun. after Epiphany 1 0 6 0 11 10

“ 19---2^nd Sun. after Epiphany 4 13 9 0 19 3

“ 26---3^rd Sun. after Epiphany 0 10 4 0 10 9

Other Sums ________ 0 4 3

Total £ 7 12 0 £ 2 19 6

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

We acknowledge with many thanks the receipt of the following subscriptions from the Rev Canon Blacker —Protestant Orphan Society, 8£ 8s, Sunday School Fund £5, Men's Hall £1, Seagoe Day School £2, Lads' Brigade £1. Total £12. 3s.

Through the kindness of a Parishioner who desires to remain anonymous, substantial help has been afforded in several cases of distress through the Parish.

COLLECTING CARDS.

All Collecting Cards and Boxes for Missionary and other objects should be sent in to the Rector without further delay.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

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Prize Distributions.

This month we have to chronicle a series of Prize Distributions in connection with the Sunday Schools of the Parish. A very large number of splendid books have been given out to the children who have been regular in attendance at Church and Sunday School, and have also from Sunday to Sunday learned their lessons carefully. As usual a great number of the children have asked for Bibles and Church Services. We hope that they will bring the Bibles to Church with them so that they can follow the Lessons which are read and find out the Text of the Sermon. But now we must begin to say something about the Meetings in the various centres. We take them in the order of date and so the first to be mentioned is Carne.

The annual distribution of Sunday School Prizes took place in Carne School on Tuesday, 14 ^th ult. The chair was occupied by the Rector and there was a crowded attendance. After an abundant supply of tea and cake a very enjoyable programme followed. Songs were sung by Miss Maude Dickson, Mr. D. Livingston, and Messrs T. H. Wilson, and D. Murray. Recitations and Readings were given by Miss Roland and Messrs J. Twinem, and J. Lynass. A very interesting feature of the entertainment was a Phonograph manipulated by Messrs Lynas and Hickland, which discoursed some splendid pieces. At the close of the Programme a large number of valuable Books were distributed to the children, Mrs Murray at the request of the Rector kindly handing them to the successful competitors. Much credit is due to all who helped and especially to Mr. D. Murray our energetic superintendent and Mr. Atkinson Costello.

Levaghery School held its Social on Tuesday, January 21st (see special notice) and was followed by Hacknahay on Tuesday, January, 28th. The fine school buildings were crowded with children and teachers who very soon caused the abundant supply of cakes and tea to disappear. The programme had been arranged by Miss Calvert, and was performed altogether by those connected with the Sunday School. It was most enjoyable. Here are the items. Chorus, "My old Kentucky home," Song, “Geneiveve," Miss G. Best, Recitation, Miss R. England, Duet, “Poor old Joe," Misses Templeton, Reading, “Paddy McQuillan's Courtship," in two parts, T. E. Magenniss, Recitation, “Killecrankee," Thomas England, Song, “The Song that reached my heart," Miss McMurray, Song, “Won't you tell me why, Robin," Miss Neill, Recitation, “Treasures of the Deep," Miss R. England, Chorus " Auld lang syne." At the conclusion of the Programme the Prizes were distributed by Miss Calvert, and Silver Medals with Blue Ribbons were given to Thomas

England, and Jeannie England, who had not missed a Service in the Parish Church during the year.

The Rector cordially thanked Mr Calvert for his kindness in entertaining at his own expense the

children of the Sunday School, and for his careful superintendence of the School during the year. Miss Calvert was also loudly applauded in acknowledgement of her kindness in arranging the Programme and training the choir. On the motion of Mr Calvert seconded by Mr T. E. Maginniss, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman. Oranges were handed to the children as they passed out after the meeting.

The Distribution of Prizes at Drumgor took place on Friday, January 31st. The children and their friends met in large numbers in the Hall and enjoyed immensely the tea and splendid raisin loaves provided for them. The Programme which followed was undertaken by a party of Drumgor children who attend Balteagh National School and who were kindly accompanied by Miss Andrews their teacher. All the items were very well done and reflected the greatest credit on children and teachers. The boys sang “The Laughing Song," then followed a Recitation called " Wishing," Willie Livingston sang very nicely “Massa's in the cold cold ground," Recitation, “Miss Minnie," by M. Anderson, “The Burlesque Band," Recitation, "Granny's Little Man" very well done by a “wee" fellow, Solo, “The Farmer's Girl," sweetly sung by Adelaide McLoughlin, Solo, “If I were a Sunbeam," by M. Anderson. Miss Maud Dickson also sang two songs very sweetly. After the programme the Prizes were distributed, and the Chairman, the Rector, then spoke a few words in which he thanked Mr. Robert Gracey, who very kindly and generously provided the entertainment at his own expense. At the close of the meeting a large supply of apples and oranges were given to the happy children. Mr. W. J. Allen, of Lurgan, most kindly supplied the apples, and Mrs. Archer, of Drumgor, the oranges. The prizes were distributed to the successful children by Miss Gracey, of Balteagh.

Edenderry had its prize-giving on Monday, February 3rd, at 7:30. The Hall was full of children, who were supplied with a plentiful repast of cakes and tea. Instead of a programme of music the entertainment took the form of an exhibition of lantern slides, illustrating life in the Zoological Gardens. The pictures were most life-like. The prizes were handed to the children by Miss Armstrong and by Mrs. Stevenson. Silver medals were given to Lily Magee, Alfred Richardson, and Maggie Magee, and, amidst loud applause, the Rector presented a gold medal to Mr. Thomas M'Crory for three years' attendance at the Men's class without missing a Sunday. The Rev. W. R. Crichton said few words of thanks on behalf of Mr. M 'Crory. A large number of Bible class prizes were also distributed. The meeting closed with the singing of the Doxology and the Benediction.

Seagoe held its festival on Tuesday, February 4th, at 7:30. There was a great gathering of young people, with their teachers. The catering was done by Mr. John Davison, who supplied all liberally with tea and cake. After tea a number of beautiful lantern slides were thrown on the screen, and caused much applause. The prizes were distributed by Mrs. Walker, of Seagoe Farm, and medals were given by the Rector to Maud Dickson and Victor Walker. The children seemed greatly pleased with the beautiful books they had received. The Doxology was sung at the close of the meeting. Mr. Ernest Holland skilfully manipulated the lantern both at Edenderry and Seagoe.

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PARISH NOTES.

The Portadown News " had a long and appreciative notice of our January number.

Mr Thomas Albin has been appointed a superintendent in Edenderry Afternoon Sunday School.

Influenza of a severe type has been prevalent in the Parish.

The Infant Sunday School in the Men's Hall is largely increasing. Mrs. Pentland has joined the Misses Montgomery in the charge of it.

There are now 33 members in Hacknahay Men's Class. They are studying the Acts of the Apostles, and the History of the Church of Ireland.

A Sunday Afternoon (3 p.m.) Men's Class has been started at Hacknahay. Mr. T. B. Stothers

conducts it.

We thank Mr. Ernest Holland for two neat wooden boxes, one for Sustentation Fund in the

Church porch, the other for the Men's Hall.

The picture of Seagoe School on the Magazine cover has been much admired, and in a few days post cards containing it will be on sale at one penny each.

A weekly payment of one halfpenny is asked from each child attending Seagoe Day School, to provide for the heating and the support of the school.

The Pan-Anglican Thankoffering from Seagoe Parish amounted to £5. 13s. 0d. We hear that this Diocese contributed some £600 towards the Thankoffering.

The silver medals for Church attendance were very pretty, and on each of them the initials of the winner were neatly engraved.

The members of the Physical Culture Class in Edenderry, under Mr. Ardrie, hope shortly to give a public gymnastic entertainment.

Special preachers have been arranged for the Sunday evenings and Wednesdays during Lent,

which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 4th.

The name of Lily Magee was accidentally omitted from the list of Silver Medallists published last month.

The following sums are acknowledged :—For Bible Society, collected by Miss Armstrong, £2 2s 6d; subscription from Miss Rachel Magee, 1s.

“The notes on the Roads of Seagoe Parish years ago," which are appearing in the Magazine,

ought to be carefully read.

An order for four copies of Archdeacon Saurin's portrait was received during the month by the Rector from a former parishioner, now resident in Queensland, Australia.

Over 500 Sunday School prizes hove been awarded in the Parish this year. The number of children who qualified for prizes, both by attendance and knowledge of lessons, was very large.

Purchase a copy of the beautiful coloured picture now on sale at Mrs. Metcalfe's, entitled “Sweehearts Still." It is a companion picture to Sweethearts," the picture given away with the January number. Price 2d.

The next Band of Hope meeting in Edenderry will take place on Friday evening, February 14th. A most interesting and novel programme has been arranged, and the address will be given by the Rev. J. W. Johnston, Curate of Drumcree.

We are glad to notice signs of an awakening of public opinion in the Edenderry district against the habits of drinking which prevail. It is lamentable to see mere boys staggering along our streets under the influence of strong drink.

Every right-minded citizen of Portadown must admire the energy with which the police, under our worthy District-Inspector, Mr. Hussey, are trying to enforce the licensing laws; but we wish the magistrates would give them more support.

The Men's Hall is frequented each evening by large numbers of men Mr. Maxwell Stoops is

organising a Bagatelle Competition for valuable prizes.

We are glad to hear that Mrs. James Atkinson, of Lower Seagoe, is recovering from her recent illness.

Cookery classes will be started shortly in Seagoe Day School.

Mr. John M'Mullan, of Drumgor, has been seriously ill, but is now much stronger.

A soiree will be held at Carne on Tuesday, February 11th. A most attractive programme has been arranged. Tickets, 9d each.

The Bible Class social will take place on Monday evening, February 17th, in Seagoe School. Tea at 7-30. A nominal charge of threepence will be made on each ticket.

Sermons on behalf of the Hibernian Bible Society will be preached in Seagoe Parish Church on Sunday, March 1st, by the Rev. D. H. Hall, B.D., Deputation Secretary.

The Lord Bishop purposes holding a Visitation in Lurgan on Friday, March 13th, at 2:30, to meet the Clergy, Churchwardens and Select Vestry of Seagoe and other neighbouring parishes.

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BAND OF HOPE.

The monthly meeting of the Seagoe Band of Hope took place on Friday, 10th January, in Edenderry Parochial Hall and was a great success. Space does not permit us to give a list of all the items, but the whole programme was most successfully carried out. A novelty was the Recitation entitled S-E-A-G-O-E, in which each verse brought out a Temperance thought suggested by the letters of the word. At the close a most stirring and eloquent address on Total Abstinence was given by the Rev S. Mayes, Curate of St. Mark's, Portadown. Seventeen joined the Band of Hope at the close. We congratulate Rev Mr. Crichton on the success of the meeting, and also Miss Armstrong who had carefully trained the children. The Dialogues were very good

OUR ADVERTISEMENTS.

We desire to call the attention of our Readers to the Advertisements inserted in the Magazine. It is good testimony to the popularity of the Magazine that we have been able without difficulty to fill all the space available for advertisements. It is scarcely necessary to say that in these advertising days a great deal of the success of a Magazine like ours depends upon the number of Advertisements inserted. You can help materially to make our Magazine a still greater success than it has been, by reading through the advertisements carefully and making your purchases as far as possible from the firms which advertise with us. You ought to be able to say when you go into a shop in the town “I see you advertise in our Magazine and so I am going to buy from you." We offer our best thanks to all those who have so readily helped us by inserting advertisements.

LEVAGHERY SOCIAL.

On Tuesday evening, January 21st, Levaghery School was the scene of unwanted bustle and excitement, it being the occasion of the annual social gathering, and the distribution of Sunday School Prizes. When full justice had been done to the good things provided, Rev W. R. Crichton, in the unavoidable absence of the Rector, occupied the chair, and introduced a programme which did credit to all concerned in the arrangements for the meeting. Two items deserve special notice, a solo on the Guitar Zither, and also an original reading by Mr. James Killow, which fully deserved the rounds of applause by which the audience signified their delight. In connection with these we must mention an address by a gentleman who assumed the name of Rev Ebenezer Strong, and gave some sound practical advice. The following who are familiar figures on our platforms and whose names also convey a proper idea of their excellent contribution to the evening's entertainment, also recited and sang :—Messrs T. J. Atkinson, James Twinem, and Samuel Curry. In addition to the foregoing items, Mr. Andy Curry, gave a display of his skill on the Mandoline, and the Misses Irwin and Preston, along with Messrs Livingston, and McNally, did a dialogue. in a manner quite in keeping with their well deserved reputation. When the programme was finished a number of prizes were given to the children. Special mention must be made of Maggie Lewie, who attended service in the Parish Church twice every Sunday in the year. To mark in some way this record the Rector presented her with a silver medal. A hearty vote of thanks having been passed to those who had

helped during the evening, and especially to the Sunday School Superintendent, Miss Atkinson, who was indefatigable in her efforts to make the Social the success which it was, all dispersed, having enjoyed themselves immensely.

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OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

In old times one of the most important duties of Seagoe Vestry was the charge and oversight of the roads of the Parish. The Vestry Books give us some interesting facts about the old roads, which, of course, were much the same 200 years ago as they are now.

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At every Easter Vestry, even as far back as 1680, certain roads were given in charge for the year to men appointed by the Vestry and certain sums were applotted on the Parish for the upkeep of the roads.

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To understand the state of the Parish in those times we must remember that there was no Railway running through the Parish and no new Lurgan Road. The most important road, before the new road was made in 1835, was the road running through Killycomaine, Lylo, Bluestone, and Moyraverty to Lurgan. All the heavy through traffic passed along it in the coaches and caravans, and the busiest part of that road was just at Bluestone School, where the heavy traffic from Knock Bridge direction met the traffic on the old Lurgan road. This road was the only public road in the Parish, all the rest were called private roads, except the road through the “Manor of Kernan," that is the road running through Kernan, Drumnagoon, Kilvergan, Aughacommon, etc., or as it was then called often the Low Road to Lurgan.

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The old Lurgan Road through Lylo and Bluestone was called by various names. One of the oldest names for it in Seagoe Books in the year 1700 is the King's Road, because being the main artery of traffic it was under immediate government control. Another name given to it was the Great Road, possibly because it was wider than most of the other roads. It was also called The Turnpike Road from a Turnpike across the road at or near Moyraverty.

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In Coaching days this road must have presented an animated sight, very different from its present deserted appearance. The chief Coach that galloped along it twice each day was the Belfast to Enniskillen„ which left Belfast every evening at 5:20 o'clock, and pulled up at the old “Rosen Crown Inn " (Rose and Crown) at Moyraverty at 8 o'clock reaching Portadown, then an insignificant village, about 8:45. Enniskillen was reached at 6:20 in the morning. The return coach left Enniskillen at 5 p.m., passing through Seagoe by the old Lurgan road at 4 a.m., and reaching Belfast at 7 a.m.

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None of the Dublin to Belfast coaches passed through Portadown or Seagoe Parish. They went along the great coach road through Newry and Banbridge, which was then the most important road in Ulster.

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We hope next month to give particulars regarding the other roads in the Parish.

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Here are some curious extracts from the Registers—

March 31st, 1741. For maintaining Wm. Campbell a fool troubled with sickness, £2.

For maintaining Geo. Hughes, a person disordered in his senses £1.10s.

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1773, to Roger Highinses wife for keeping a Foundling 3s 3d. To Rebecca Richey for taking it by coach to the Dublin Hospital, £l 2s 9d. To one yard of Flannen to wrap it in 1s ld. Total £l.7s. ld.

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1770, To Mary Porter for filling a Big Hole in the Churchyard 4s. 4d.