Feburary 1910

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

FEBRUARY, 1910.

Lent,

THE Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday,

February 9th. It is a time set

apart each year for the purpose of directing

the minds of Christian people towards

the great Question of Sin and its

Remedy. The Prayers and Hymns and Addresses in

the Parish Church during the next five weeks will

have special reference to that subject, and we invite

all the Parishioners to join heartily in our Services

and avail themselves of the special opportunities

which this season brings within their reach. On

February 13th, the 1st Sunday in Lent, Sermons on

Temperance " will be preached.

Missionary Sermons,

Special Sermons on behalf of Foreign Missions

will be preached in Seagoe Church on Sunday,

February 6th, at Morning and Evening Prayer. The

preacher will be the Rev. John Hinde, M.A., at pre-

sent Curate of St. Mary's Church, Belfast, and until

recently for seven years a C.M.S. Missionary in the

Province of Fuh-Kieu, China. Mr. Hinde will be

able to speak of Missions from personal experience,

and that too in the most interesting land of China.

The collections will be in aid of Foreign Missions.

Lecture on Palestine.

Lecture on " A Visit to Palestine " was delivered

in the Parochial Hall, on Thursday week by the Rev.

George G. Mervyn, of Belfast. There was a good

attendance and the Lecture was most interesting. It

was illustrated throughout by fine series of photographic

slides which were taken by Mr. Abernethy

of Belfast, who accompanied Mr. Mervyn. After a

detailed description of the voyage out to Jaffa, the

lecturer described vividly and clearly the various

places visited. The tour extended to Jericho and the

fords of the river Jordan.. At the close number of

slides depicting scenes in Bethlehem and Jerusalem

were thrown. on the screen.. At the close of the

Lecture a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr.

Mervyn, and also to Mr. McKittrick, who skilfully

manipulated the Lantern. The proceeds of the

Lecture will be devoted to the Sunday School Funds.

The Men's Social.

The Men's Social in, Edenderry Hall on Tuesday,

February 1st, proved very successful. There were

over 150 men present representing all the parish

organisations for men. The proceedings began with

Tea which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

Everybody seemed .in the best humour and the

occasion was the means of bringing together men

from all parts af the Parish in social intercourse.

Tamnificarbet conversed with Hacknahay and Edenderry

with Lylo and Tarson with Drumlisnagrilly

That is one great advantage of a combined social.

It makes us realise the greatness of the work in

which we are engaged. The presence of the Dean of

Belfast lent great interest to the meeting. During an

interval in the Programme he spoke on Lessons from

the Life of Hezekiah. His words were closely

followed by all present, and the many stories which

he told were much enjoyed by the men. The musical

items and readings and recitations were excellent and

contributed greatly to the pleasure of the

Several ladies kindly assisted by presiding at the

Tables. At the close the Medal and Prizes were

distributed to the members of the Bible Classes and

many also received Special Certificates. A Gold

Medal suitably inscribed was presented to Mr. Isaiah

Shanks for an unbroken attendance for 3 years at the

Edenderry Men's Bible Class. Mr. Thomas McCrory,

wearing his Gold Medal, was presented by the Dean

with a Special Certificate for not having missed

during five years., The following also received

Certificates for not having missed once during the

year. Messrs. Thomas Best (two complete

James Shanks and William Freeburn. A cordial

vote of thanks to the Dean and all who had helped

was then passed and after the singing of the Doxology

the meeting concluded. Mr. R. T. Montgomery

had charge of the Tea arrangements and managed

very successfully.

Seagoe Abroad.

The Rector has received an interesting Letter from

Mr. Thos. Webb who recently left Seagoe with Mrs.

Webb to reside in South Manchester, Connecticut,

U.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Webb had a rough passage out

and suffered from sea sickness. They are now

engaged in work in the Silk Mills at South Manchester.

There is a strong public opinion there in

favour of Total Abstinence and Prohibition. Mr.

Webb attends St. Mary's Church and is a member of

the St. Mary's Men's Club. We wish Mr. and Mrs.

Webb much success in their new home. There is

quite a colony of Seagoe people in South Manchester.

Parish Register for January.

Baptisms.

Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom

of God. "

Jany. 1st—Sarah. Anne, daughter of William and Sarah Elizabeth Best,

„„—Gertrude, daughter of James and Anne Freeburn.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Marriages.

That ye may so live together in this life, that in the world

to come ye may have life everlasting.' '—Prayer Book.

Jany. 3rd—Robert Harra, Edenderry, to Mary Rainey, Edenderry.

6^th —David Hugh Adair, Edenderry, to Elizabeth Brown, Edenderry.

14^th —James Rea, Tamnifiglasson, to Jane Medlow, Drumgor.

“ —George Robinson, Ballyhannon, to Christina Atkinson, Drumnagoon.

Burials.

" I know that my Redeemer liveth."

Jany. 4th—Thomas Henry Gilpin, Drumnagoon, aged 42 years.

21 st—Elizabeth Brown, Edenderry, aged 77 years.

22^nd William Best, Ballyhannon, aged 52 years.

23rd—Margaret Livingston, Edenderry, aged 51 years.

25th—Robert Wilson, Kernan, aged 85 years.

28th—Sarah Robinson, Tamnifiglasson, aged 25 years.

Obituary.

Many in the Parish have been called away during

the past month from Time to Eternity. Last month

we noticed the absence of sickness and Death, but

this month Man's last Enemy has demanded a heavy

toll. Two of our number were snatched away with

awful suddenness. William Best passed away, with-

out a moment's warning of his coming end, while

standing in an office in Portadown. Though never

very robust he had not recently complained of illness.

In the monthly services at Bocombra he had always

given ready help and was never absent. His bright

manner and genial willingness made him a general

favourite. His death is deeply regretted by his many

friends. Robert Wilson also died very suddenly and,

though advanced in years, seemed almost up to the

moment of his death to have been in his usual health.

Others passed away after long continued illness. To

the bereaved amongst us we offer our sincere sympathy.

May they be able to realise the truth of the

'Psalmist's words, " Though I walk in the midst of

trouble yet shalt Thou refresh me."

Offertories for January-

" All Things come of Thee."

Morning. Evening.

£ s d £ s d

Jan. 2nd—2nd S. aft. Christmas 1 11 8 0 9 9

9^th 1st S. aft. Epiphany 0 17 0 0 9 1

16th—2nd S. 018 9 0 10 0

23rd —Septagesima 0 18 0 0 10 4

30th Sexagesima 0 17 11 0 8 7

W eek days 0 9 0

---------- ----------

£5 3 4 £2 16 9

Band of Hope.

CARNE.

We regret that in our last issue no mention was

made of a Service of Song held in Carne Church

Hall on December 23rd, and we hasten to repair the

omission. Now that a tremendous wave of Temperance

enthusiasm is passing over the country, it is

intensely gratifying to see our young people in the

van. To them, under Mr. David Murray's careful

tuition, was due the success of our meeting. We

also may record our delight at seeing so many grown up

people present to show their interest in it and

their approbation of their juniors' efforts. At the

conclusion of the Service a short Address was given,

votes of thanks duly honoured, and some new names

received for enrolment.

HACKNAHAY.

On January 21st Hacknahay School was the

scene of operations. A most enjoyable and instructive

programme was provided by the children

attending the Day School, and some of their friends.

A pleasing feature of the occasion was the number

who signed the pledge, about sixteen cards in all

being taken during the evening. As space is limited,

it is impossible to refer to each item, and it must

suffice to say that a high standard was reached by

all. The Chairman, having addressed the Meeting,

conveyed a hearty vote of thanks to Miss Wilson, and

closed the Meeting in the usual way.

EDENDERRY.

This was our Battlefield on January 28th. Those

who could discern the signs of the times saw long

ago that an important event was coming off.

Ample grounds for these expectations might be

shewn. However, the length of the programme

forbids detailed notice of each item. Where big and

little vied with each other in attaining perfection, it

would be invidious to draw comparisons, and we only

ask leave to compliment all on their performance.

The Rev. F. J. Halahan was present, and gave an

inspiring address to one of the largest audiences we

have had for some time. The usual votes of thanks

having been proposed and passed by acclamation,

loud and long, the meeting terminated.

Items,

There were four Social Meetings in the Parish

during one week in January.

We regret that so many were unable to procure

copies of our January number. All our issue was

sold off at once.

During the recent hard frost the roads were

very slippery. Unfortunately Mr George Sherman

sustained a severe fall, but is now better we are glad

to say.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Mr William Sweeney, one of our oldest parishioners,

has been seriously ill.

Mr. Walby, C.E., has drawn out plans for the

enlargement of the Edenderry Hall.

A large number of our Sunday School Teachers

did not take Prizes this year, so as to reduce expenses.

Mr. Herbert M. Murray has successfully passed

his Junior Freshman Examination in Trinity College.

There were 76 present on Sunday week at the

Evening Service in Drumgor.

Mr. M'Kenzie, late of Canada, has helped in

many ways in the Parish during the past few months

by giving addresses and reciting at the Social

Meetings. He hopes shortly to return to Canada as

a Catechist.

The Photograph of Edenderry Hall on the cover

was taken just after it was built, and before the

shrubs had been planted round it.

The Cookery Classes in Seagoe Day School are

creating great interest. They are proving very

useful. The health of people depends very largely

on the way in which their food is cooked.

A fine gas Cooking Stove has been erected in the

School.

The Girls' Bible Class Social comes off on Shrove

Tuesday, February 8th, in Edenderry Hall at 7-30.

Five members of the Edenderry Men's Bible Class

did not miss once during 1909.

Some of the new advertisements in Seagoe

Magazine are very attractive. The Printer has done

his part well.

Read the list of Services, Classes, Schools, etc., on

the cover of Magazine.

We thank Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Costello for their

kind gift of a Bible to be used at the Evening

Services on Sundays in Tamnificarbet Hall.

The Sunday Schools.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS.

January is the month set apart for the important

duty of distributing prizes to the successful pupils in

the Parish Sunday Schools. This year, as usual,

a large number of splendid books have been awarded.

It was a wise resolution agreed to a meeting of the

Superintendents and Teachers to do away with Third

Prizes. The standard of attendance meriting a Prize

was raised this year from 35 Sundays to 40. An

important change has been made in most of the

Schools for this year. No child will in future get

Prize for attendance only. There must be evidence

that the child not merely attends regularly but also

comes in good time, is well behaved, and has prepared

the Calendar Lessons carefully. This is a good

rule and we ask the Superintendents and Teachers to

see that it is carried out. Every Church Child

(except Infants) will also be expected to attend the

Church service on Sunday mornings and evenings

and if they live at a distance from the Church their

attendance at the District Evening Services in

Hacknahay, Drumgor, and Carbet, will be counted as

equal to an attendance at the Parish Church for

Evening Service. By this means the difficulty which

has hitherto been experienced of applying the Church

Attendance Cards to the children living in the country

districts will be overcome.

The Prize Distributions in the various centres were

very largely attended, and were very successful. At

Hacknahay Mr. and Miss Calvert with their usual

generosity entertained the children. The gathering

took place on Friday, January 7th, at 7 0'clock. An

abundant supply of Tea and Cake was provided, and

after the Feast an interesting and amusing programme

was provided. The children of Hacknahay Day

School, under the direction of Miss Wilson, sang

several action songs very cleverly. The " Railway

Porter's Song" was especially good. The Prizes

were then distributed. A hearty vote of thanks was

given to Mr and Miss Calvert. Each child on

leaving the School was presented with an orange.

On Thursday, January 13th, Edenderry had its

turn. Several kind friends had given subscriptions

towards the cost of the entertainment. The children

present numbered over 150. After Tea a splendid

programme was gone through. Some of the Sunday

School Children sang and recited very well. We

noticed some of the senior boys assisting the Teachers

both during the Tea and at other times. This is.

good sign. We want more helpers among the young

people. A great number of Books were given in

Prizes. The Rector presided and congratulated the

Superintendents and Teachers on the efficiency of the

School and the good attendance of the children at the

Church.

Drumgor Distribution was held on Monday,

January 17th. The Hall was quite filled with the

Children and their Teachers. Here the cost of the

entertainment was borne by the young men of the

District who had raised the necessary Funds by a

Concert. Tea and Cake was present in abundance

and there were many willing helpers to dispense the

good things. The Programme was unusually attractive

and the singing and reciting by the children provided

much amusement. The Drumgor and Balteagh style

of Recitation is very effective. A solemn face, slow

utterance, and old fashioned or funny words when

oombined together create much amusement. Mrs.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

McMullen, the Superintendent of the School, was

indefatigable in her efforts for the success of the

evening, and kindly entertained the visitors to Tea

after the meeting.

Levaghery held high festival on Thursday,

January 20th. The room was crowded, so much so

that there was scarcely space to move, Tables were

arranged down the room and the usual good things

were liberally provided. Miss Atkinson, the energetic

Superintendent, had drawn up a most enjoyable

programme. The Dialogues were especially good

and some of the pupils of the school sang very

nicely. We are glad to find that our friends in

Levaghery are practising Dialogues. They can do

them well. The Rector who presided spoke of the

importance of the work in Levaghery, end thanked

the many helpers in the District.

The Distribution in Seagoe School took place on

Friday, January 21 St. The children from the neighbouring

District attended. Mr. Chambers had drawn

up a varied programme consisting of Songs, Rounds

and Recitations. Little May Hynes sang several

songs, and delighted everyone with her clear voice

and clever actions. She sang standing on chair.

The children seemed greatly pleased with their prizes.

Some kind friends gave subscriptions which helped to

defray the cost of the entertainment. Messrs. L.

Twinem and R. M'Kittrick, the superintendents, gave

useful help in making the evening a success.

The long series of Distributions came to a close at

Carne on Friday, January 28th. There was a full

attendance and the children enjoyed themselves

greatly. Through the kindness of a friend an abundant

supply of tea and cake was provided, and disappeared

with great rapidity. Mr. David Murray,

the, superintendent, had got together. an excellent

programme and two of the Edenderry children, David

Gates and May Hynes, sang very well. Emma

Brown and Gilbert Price gave great pleasure by their

Recitations. Many prizes were distributed and a

Bible was sent to little Sammy Coulter, who has for

a long time been very ill but who, we are glad to

hear, is now recovering. The Carne children

sang some pretty songs. Altogether the evening

was most successful.

We hope in the future that the Parents will begin

to take more interest in the work of our Sunday

Schools, and see that the children prepare their

lessons beforehand. Every parent should enquire

constantly from their children how they said their

lessons, and also should carefully examine the child's

Church Attendance Card.

Old Seagoe Notes,

LEVAGHERY SCHOOLHOUSE—This is the oldest School

house at present in use in the Parish It is very

quaint in appearance. An interesting fact about it

is that it was built out of the stones that remained

over after the building of the present Parish Church

in the year 1814.

ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF PORTADOWN—I€ has been

suggested that the name Portadown is a corruption

of Porta-Teg-Dagobhana, which means the Approach

to the House of Gobhan. It being the spot on the.

River Bann where pilgrims alighted on their way to

visit the Prayer House of Gobhan, now known as.

Seagoe.

SEAGOE IN 1798—During the Rebellion of 1798

much dissatisfaction was caused in Edenderry and

Seagoe by the fact that the North Kerry Militia were

stationed there. The Militia occupied the house at.

the corner of Foundry Street with garden in front.

The Militia men used to carry naked Bayonets in

their hand, with which they threatened to stab

unoffending residents. The result was that every man

in the district secured a gun for self-protection. We:

are indebted to Mr. George Sherman for this item of

Old Seagoe News.

THE SEAGOE YEOMANRY—We are anxious to find

out as many particulars as possible about this famous.

Corps of Yeomanry. Mr. James Atkinson, of Lower

Seagoe, has in his possession the last Roll Book used

by the Yeomanry. From it we gather the following

interesting facts :—The first item in the Book is

dated December 25th, 1820. On that date the

following were members of the Yeomanry

Cherry, Sergeant Thomas Atkinson, Wm. M'Cann„

James Monroe, John Greasey, James M'Cann, John

Bullock, Robert Brown, Wm. Brown, John Bradford,

John Bradford, jun., Sam. Cotter, Edward Costlow,

Thomos Cavnagh, John Craig, Wm. Craig, Hugh

French, Thomas Guy, Joseph Gilpin, Abel Cristy„

Thomas Hall, Wm. Horah (Hara 2), David Jonesy

Henry Jiney, Richard Livingston, Wm. Livingston„

John M'Cann, Wm. Wright, James M'Gee, Israel

M'Caghly, Robert Burill, Henry Morison, Robert

Murphy, Jacob Pollock, Thos. Rodgers, Alick

Russell, Jas. Rudy, Dynes Willson, Win. Willson„

Moses Walker, Merid Wallace, Jas. M'Cormick, Sam.

Fryers, Sergeant Geo. Joyce, Edward Burill, Richard

M'Comb. These names number 46 in all, but a few

of the pages are torn out of the Book. No doubt 50

was the complete number. The last entry in the

Book is June 24th, 1829.

We hope in our next issue to give some further

particulars, and shall be glad if any of our readers

can supply information regarding the Yeomanry„

LURGAN IN 1819—The old Directory from which

we made extracts last month says of Lurgan :—

Lurgan was founded by Wm. Brownlow, Esq. In

1619 it consisted of 42 houses. It is now a beautiful

town with 379 houses and 2,207 inhabitants. The

Church is spacious, and is furnished with an excellent

Organ. It has a beautiful spire. There is Poor

School with 200 children. The Rector is the Rev

Mr. Waring, who receives his tithe by a modus of ten

pence per acre, and it .is very cheerfully paid. The:

sales in the weekly Linen Market average £2,500 to

£3,000. The Rev. John Oldfield was curate of

Lurgan at that time.