Feburary 1909

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

FEBRUARY, 1909.

Lent, 1909.

THE season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday February 24th. On that day there will be Morning Prayer in the Parish Church at 11-30 a.m., and the Commination Service will be read. In the evening there will be a Service at 8 p.m., and an address will be given on "Sin and its Remedy."

The Lord Bishop in a recent letter to the Clergy of the Diocese makes the following reference to the

season of Lent: —

The week of self-denial in Belfast last year, at the commencement of the season of Lent, was so acceptable to our Church people, and made so practical the Church's call to self-denial that I do think such an effort might well be an annual one in all our Parishes both in the city and country. Care should be taken to devote the offerings of the faithful to some object that will not appeal merely to the narrower and parochial interests of our people, The cause of Missions, the Protestant Orphan Society, the Diocesan Board of Religious Education, Diocesan Church Extension or the Women's Settlement in Belfast might well be chosen. I do not intend to make any further appeal for Belfast additional Clergy till the year 1910 when the balance of £4500 must be raised.

In accordance with the Bishop's suggestion we will be glad to give a special cardboard Lent Collecting Box to anyone who would wish to give their self-denial offerings to the objects mentioned in the Bishop's Letter. We think the Women's Settlement in Belfast would be an excellent object. It provides a Home on the Crumlin Road for Women who give up all their time to work in the poorest parts of Belfast.

A List of Special Preachers is being arranged for the Sundays and Wednesday Evenings during Lent.

Prizes.

January is the month for Prizes and each week in one or other of our Sunday Schools the children have assembled to receive their long looked for Books. The first gathering took place in Hacknahay School on Thursday, January 21st. Mr. George Calvert, and Miss Calvert with their usual kindness hospitably entertained the Teachers and Children. The school was crowded and a large number of beautiful books were distributed. The programme consisted of songs, recitations, and a Dialogue. There is a lot of talent in Hacknahay. The Misses Neill, Templeton, McNally, Robinson, and England helped in various items. The day school children sang two action songs very well. Messrs. Maginnis and Heathwood also assisted.

Edenderry followed on Monday, January 25th. A large number were present. The Rector presided. A very good programme had been arranged. Edenderry is certainly distinguishing itself and the items were splendidly done.

The Prizes which were very numerous were kindly distributed by Mrs. Smith and Mrs Stephenson.

A Silver Medal was awarded to Sarah Dawson who obtained 239 points for Church Attendance and

School efficiency during the year. This was the highest total obtained in the Parish.

Seagoe Distribution came next on Thursday, January 28th. Mr and Mrs Watson Walker, of Seagoe, most kindly entertained the children to a splendid tea. Mr. Smith brought his gramophone and the programme was interspersed with songs, readings, and recitations. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr and Mrs. Walker. A large number of Prizes were distributed to the children.

Drumgor Sunday School had a most successful Distribution of Prizes on Friday, January 29th. The

Tea was generously provided by Mr Robert Gracey, who is ever ready to help us in every possible way. Mr. Allen, of Lurgan, and Mrs. Porter, of Portadown, kindly sent presents of fruit for the children. Mr. Allen's gift took the form of a large barrel of rosy apples. Mr. Mawhinney, and Miss Gordon of Balteagh School, assisted by Miss Andrews, most kindly prepared a programme of Music and Recitations. "The Town of Maralin," was sung by Master Livingston and caused much merriment. Mrs.McMullan our excellent and devoted Superintendent kindly distributed the Prizes to the successful pupils.

We are greatly indebted to the kind Parishioners who in Hacknahay, Seagoe, and Drumgor, generously bore the cost of the entertainments. We believe the similar expense in connection with Edenderry, Carne, and Levaghery, will also be met by kind friends in those districts.

Baptisms-

“I will remember my Covenant."

Jany 2^nd – James, son of George and Caroline Jennett,

„ ,, —Esther, daughter of James and Elizabeth McNally,

„ ,, —James Alexander, son of Thomas Henry and Anne Russell,

,, ,, —Anne, daughter of William James and Jane Eliza Hynes,

Burials.

“In the midst of Life we are in Death,"

Jan, 11^th —Margaret Watson, Killycomaine, aged 35 years,

Jan, 28th —Elizabeth McCully, Kernan, aged 66 years,

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Offertories.

Morning. Evening.

£ s. d. £ s. d.

Jan. 3rd—2nd S. after Christmas 1 13 2 0 10 7

,, 10^th —1st S. after Epiphany 1 9 4 0 10 9

,, 17th —2nd ,, ,, 0 15 11 0 8 3

„ 24th —3rd ,, ,, 1 3 2 0 10 6

„ 31st —4th ,, ,, 1 5 11 0 10 8

Week Days _______ 0 15 8

Total £6 7 6 £3 6 5

Band of Hope.

EDENDERRY.

This month we have to tell of two meetings that have been held since last we informed our readers of the doings of our Temperance Society. The first of these was held in Edenderry Parochial Hall on January 8th. We are glad to say there was an exceptionally large audience, which received the various items on the programme with marked appreciation. Songs, recitations, and dialogues, were supplied in rich profusion, all showing how earnestly each one had laboured to do his or her part in as perfect a manner as possible. Referring to the performers, we see that lack of years is no barrier in the way of helping in our work. Songs were admirably rendered by both small and great.

Some very small boys acquitted themselves very creditably, These were supported by other well-known helpers whose names follow :—Annie Smith and Maggie Allen, duet; Maggie Magee and Sarah Martin, duet; Miss Armstrong, Hettie Wright, Annie Graham and Sissie Martin, duet; and six small girls also contributed an enjoyable chorus in addition to the foregoing. Interspersed with these were recitations and dialogues of a decided temperance tone. The recitations were given by F. Wright, S. Martin, T. Smith, H. Wright, M. Livingston, C. Killow, B. Magee, F, Thompson, L. Magee. The dialogues, of which we had three, gave evidence of much dramatic talent among our supporters. “The Bird's Evidence" was given by six young teetotallers; “Who is Happiest" by

T. Smith, V. Irwin, and C. Killow; and "Real Crusade Work" by S. Allen, M. Livingston, E.Holland, I. Shanks, D. Livingston, and J. McNally. The Rev R. S. Morrison, Senior Curate of Portadown, was warmly welcomed on his first appearance at our meetings, and gave an impressive address.

The meeting having been closed in the usual way, a number of new members were enrolled.

CARNE.

On Thursday, January 21st, a meeting was held in Carne Church Hall. If the attendance on that occasion may be accepted as proof of the interest of the residents in Temperance work, we may rest

assured that there will soon be strong public opinion against indulgence in alcoholic liquors. The hall was filled to its utmost capacity with an attentive audience, largely composed of adults. Turning to the programme we must congratulate Carne on its talent. Willing found contributors of recitations

and readings were in E. Browne, G. Price, A. Reid, G. Wilson, S. Price, R. Connolly. For Songs we

were indebted to:—A. Murray, S. Price, M. Gordon, T. Roland, and G. Price. Of dialogues we had two “The Reason Why" by "Harry" “Tom" and “Dr Browne," and Jane and Abal" done by S. and G.

Price in a manner which should encourage others to follow their example. Some other items having

been given by kind friends from Seagoe School, showing the painstaking work that Mr. Chambers

does, a short address was given by the Chairman.

We hope that all in that neighbourhood will continue to show zeal in this cause, and do what they can to further Temperance work. When votes of thanks had been passed to Mr D, Murray, who laboured almost without cessation to organise a successful meeting, and to Mr Chambers, and the members from Edenderry Branch who so ably and willingly assisted, the meeting was closed with the Benediction.

The School Concert,

The concert given by the pupils of Seagoe Day School on Friday, January 15th, proved a great

success. The Schoolroom was crowded. A large platform had been erected to accommodate the performers, and this together with the removal of the partition doors, quite transformed the appearance of the school. The chair was taken by the Rector at 7-30 p.m. The Programme opened with an attractive Piano Solo, excellently played by Mr. R. S. Chambers, Principal of the School. It would be impossible to mention every item separately, but some call for special mention. Minnie Birney's song with chorus, “Won't you buy my pretty flowers” was very nicely sung. The ‘Flower ' Drill, by the Senior Girls, was very pretty and showed careful training, “Barney O'Hea" was capitally sung and acted by Sarah Martin and David Gates. The Infant Drill was extremely well done, the movements being precise, and we did not notice a single false movement. “John Brown's Knapsack" was sung with great vigour by the Senior Boys, and proved very amusing. “Joan and Darby" a Duet, was splendidly performed by Norman Holmes and Tom Watson. Sarah Martin recited in good style a short piece called “Kissing-time." Near the end of the Programme the Senior Boys sang in costume, "The Tall Top Hat." We wonder where they got all the top hats from. The audience enjoyed the fun immensely. Every item was very good, and the whole entertainment reflects the greatest credit on the Teachers in Seagoe School, who spared no pains to make the Concert a splendid success.

The Teachers kindly entertained the pupils to Tea in the Schoolroom on Monday, January 18th. The

Rector was present and all the School children. There was a substantial repast and then games and music were enjoyed up to a late hour.

We hear that the Programme of the school concert is likely to be repeated in Edenderry Hall at an early data.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

"His Majesty."

Our readers will be interested in a description of Messrs. McGredy's new Gold Medal Rose. The Rose is strong and sturdy. The wood is smooth with few thorns and the foliage is full and spreading. The colour of the flower is dark crimson, shaded deep vermilion crimson. The blooms are upstanding. The rose was grown from a blend of three other varieties, Horace Vernet, La France, and Anna Olivier. The depth of petal is due to A. Ollivier, the colour to H. Vernet, and the fragrance to La France.

Old Age Pensions.

A large number of our older Parishioners are now in receipt of these Pensions, They will prove a great benefit to many a poor person, We hope the money will be well spent. Some portion of it ought to find its way into God's Treasury. We read in the papers of one old woman who put her first 5/- on the plate in Church on the first Sunday in January. We congratulate all in Seagoe Parish who have got this useful addition to their income.

Our Advertisements.

We respectfully ask our readers to study the Advertisement columns of this Magazine. And when they see what they want to buy we hope they will go at once and buy it, and say to the genial man behind the counter "We saw your Advertisement in Seagoe Magazine and have come to buy our goods at your shop."

Men's Social.

The Social will take place in Seagoe School on Monday, February 15th. A most attractive Programme is being arranged. No less then twelve Parish organisations for Men will be represented.

The Bible Class Prizes and Certificates will be distributed. This promises to be the biggest men's

gathering ever held in Seagoe Parish.

Items.

Every copy of our January issue was sold within a week.

A portable Harmonium is now used at the Sunday evening Service in Tamnificarbet.

An Afternoon Sunday School will, it is hoped, be opened in Bocombra Orange Hall in the near future.

The Inspector of National Schools (Mr. H. Worsley) paid a visit to Hacknahay School on Tuesday, January 26th.

The Men's Social comes off in Seagoe School on Monday, February 15th. Tickets complimentary.

On Monday, February 22nd, a Social Meeting for the Women's Bible Classes will be held.

If you have not sent in your annual subscription to the Sustentation Fund do so without delay.

Miss Woolsey, of Bridge Street, has taken charge of a girls class in Edenderry Afternoon Sunday School.

Mr McKittrick has been appointed Superintendent of Seagoe Afternoon Sunday School.

The attendance at the Wednesday evening service in the Parish Church has greatly increased.

We regret to announce the death of Mr William Smartt an old and respected Parishioner.

Parents should see that their children have got copy of the new Sunday School Calendar.

There are now 63 children on the rolls of Hacknahay Day School.

Two Portadown publicans have been made J.P's by Lord Gosford.

A Presentation was made to Mrs Morrow (Miss Ramsey) at Carne Church Hall last Friday.

New Labourers' Cottages are being erected in various parts of the Parish.

The Rev J. Crichton, late Rector of Ballyjamesduff, has been recently on a visit with his son the Rev W. R, Crichton.

The new cover of our Magazine has been much admired both for colour and design.

Some people are beginning to say we should have a new heating apparatus in the Church.

Protestant Orphan Collecting Cards should be returned at once.

The Bagatelle Table in the Men's Recreation Room is being re-covered by Messrs Orme, of Belfast.

No less than sixteen “wee" ones were transported from Edenderry to Carne last month in one trap

without injury to horse, wheels, or cargo. This is a record.

Much sympathy has been expressed with Mr Joseph Watson of Killycomaine, at the early death of his wife after a few days illness.

Temperance Sermons will be preached in the Parish Church at Morning and Evening Prayer on Sunday, February 28th, being the first Sunday in Lent.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Old Seagoe Notes,

Little England—Lurgan was called Little England 120 years ago. So we read in Sir Wm. Coote's survey of the Co. Armagh, made about 1805. He suggests that the name was given owing to the

neatness and cleanness of the streets, and also from the numerous industries in the district. Sir Wm. Coote also notes that on his journey from Lurgan to Portadown (then a mere cluster of cottages) he saw numerous grocers' shops along the road, which proved the prosperity of this part of the country.

The growth of Portadown has, of course, lessened the number of country shops, but there are still many along our country roads.

Seagoe in 1687.—-At a Vestry held at the Parish Church of Sego for the said Parish on Easter Monday the 28th day of March, 1687, Agreed that the Minister and Parishioners of the said Parish do now elect and constitute Matthew Martin, of Sego Etragh, and John Wilson of Knockmenagh to serve Churchwardens of the said Parish for the present year. Likewise 'tis jointly agreed at request of ye parishioners and by the consent of the Minister that twenty oakes be fallen on the lands of Kilvirgan for to supply ye Parish Church with shingles, the old ones being very much decayed through long continuance.

Hen. Jenney, Clericus.

Richard Smurphett } Churchwardens.

James Walker. }

May 25th, 1690.—Baptism, Margaret Mulhallan (Mulholland) daughter of Daniel and Annie

Mulhallan baptized May 25th, 1690, godfather, John Hall, godmothers, Mary Campbell and Mary Allen.

Sept. 5th, 1690.—George ye son of Edw, Calvart baptized ye 5th of September, 1690, Alex, Wiley, and Wm. Arnel godfathers; Margaret Thompson, and Mary Hetherington godmothers.

These two entries follow each other in the Registers for 1690. The Battle of the Boyne was fought in the interval between them. The Rev. John Campbell, who was Vicar of Seagoe in 1690, is said to

have been present at the Battle under arms.

New Books 1695.—The following is an interesting note:-

I have borrowed the old Church Bible for which 'Mr. Richard Timmons, junr., said he would give 10 sh, ster„ and lent a new Bible in folio to the Church which cost £l 8s sterling. Besides I have bought a new Common Prayer Book for the Churches use and have left it in the Church, which cost me 7 sh. ster., and I have set up a Table of unlawful marriages according to the 47th Canon which cost me a shilling, viz., 6d for the printed matter, and 6d for the frame, and I have provided a Book of Canons for the Church which ordinarily cost 1s ster. June the 8th 1695.

John Campbell, Vicar of Sego.

Gobhan and the Box.—Gobhan Saor, who founded the Church at Seagoe, was, in his day, reputed to be the finest builder in Ireland, and was also very clever in metal and wood-work. Many tales are still current in Ireland regarding him.

Here is one of them—Although one of the most, clever of builders and carpenters, Gobhan found that, whatever piece of work he executed someone objected to it. Being of a very humble spirit, he thought he would like to hear all possible objections to his work, so that he might be able to improve it. With this object in view he made a great big box, in what he thought the best of taste, ornamented with fine carving, and painted in the most attractive colours. He placed the box one Sunday morning in the middle of the road leading up to the Old Church.

He then got inside the box and locked it, and waited to hear what the people would say about it.

Soon a crowd gathered. The general opinion seemed to be that it was the finest box ever made: only the legs were "a wee bit too long."

When all had gone into Church, Gobhan unlocked the box, got out and quickly sawed off a portion of the legs. He then got into the box again and waited till the people were coming out of the Church. Soon he heard the sound of feet coming down from the Church, and then a crowd gathered round the box. "The legs are a wee bit too short," said one. “Aye, aye,” all chimed in, and indeed some said it would be, better without any legs at all.

During the week Gobhan cut off the legs altogether and on the next Sunday got into his box again.

When the people gathered he could hear one and another say “The box is too long, whoever made it should have made it shorter." Gobhan began to lose his temper, but he determined during the week to shorten the box, and so he did. On the next Sunday he squeezed himself into it, 'locked the cover and waited.

“That box is too high," said all the people Gobhan's anger kindled, but he said, “Well, I'll please them next time." So, by the next Sunday he had lowered the height of the box by several inches. With a great effort he squeezed himself into it, turned the key, and waited. “That box is spoiled," they all cried out. Gobhan could stand it no longer. He unlocked the box, jumped out to the astonishment of the onlookers, and hacking the box to pieces, said in thunderous tones, "I'll never try to please everybody again, 1’ll just do what I think best myself."