Feburary 1911

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

FEBRUARY, 1911.

Rev. W. T. Grey.

THE REV. W. T. GREY visited Seagoe the

week before last, after an absence of five

years. He left Seagoe in September,

1905, and has ever since been working as

a Missionary in Japan, under the Society for the

Propagation of the Gospel. His headquarters have

been at St. Andrew's Mission at Tokyo, the capital

city of Japan. Mr. Grey's work has been chiefly

educational in character. He Lectures classes of

Japanese Divinity Students in Christian Doctrine.

The Bishop under whom he is placed is Dr. Boutflower,

who at the time of the Pan-Anglican Conference

gave up his position as Bishop of Dorking in

the South of England, and offered himself for

missionary work in any part of the world where he

was most needed.

Mr. Grey returned from Japan by Manchuria,

Siberia, Russia, and Germany. He was three weeks

in the train crossing Siberia, which was covered with

snow. Three times the train was blocked by snowdrifts

and had to be dug out. He wag greatly interested

in the ancient Russian city of Moscow, and

in the modern city of Berlin. During his few days

stay in Seagoe as the guest of Mr. W. R. Atkinson

he visited a great many of his friends, and every-

in Seagoe Church at Morning Prayer on January

22nd. His subject was " God's family of Nations.'

He made touching reference to his former work as

Curate in Seagoe Parish, and to the changes which

had occurred since he had left especially the death of

Dean Dawson, Rector of the Parish.

Mr. Grey was also present in Seagoe Church at

Evening Prayer. At the Afternoon Sunday School

in Edenderry he gave a short address to the children

on " The work of Foreign Missions." Mr. Grey hopes

to return to Japan next September.

Five Years in Japan.

The Rev. W. T. Grey has kindly consented to

deliver a Public Lecture in Edenderry Parochial

Hall, on Thursday, February 23rd, at 8 0'clock on

" Five Years in Japan." The Lecture will be

illustrated with photographic lantern slides and will

we believe be extremely interesting. The Tickets

are now on sale. Reserved 1/-; Unreserved 6d.

The proceeds of the Lecture will be devoted to the

Improvement Fund for Seagoe School. Everyone

should be present at this Lecture.

Offertories during January.

Morning. Evening.

Jan. 1st —Circumcision £1 18 10 £0 10 2

8^th —1st S. aft. Ephip. 3 9 3 0 19 6

15^th —2nd 1 4 2 0 10 4

„ 22^nd —3rd 1 2 11 0 13 5

„ 29^th —4^th 1 5 5 0 12 3

Week-days 0 3 2 0 10 4

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

£9 3 9 £3 16 0

Baptisms.

“He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost."

Jan 7^th —Lucy Eleanor, daughter of William John and Lucy McDonald.

; , „ —Mary Jane, daughter of Frederick and Margaret Jane Freeburn,

„ —William Robert, Son of James and Elizabeth Jane Gracey.

„ —Francis, son of John and Martha Girvan.

„ —Margaret, daughter of John and Martha Girvan.

—Anne, daughter of John and Martha Girvan.

Burials,

—William Webb, Edenderry, aged 67 yrs.

—Joseph Laverty, Drogheda, aged 56 yrs.

—Minnie Wilson, Lurgan, aged 32 yrs.

—Hannah J, Walker, Kernan, aged 49 yrs.

—William Graham, Lurgan, aged 72 yrs

Lent Preachers.

Lent begins on March 1st. The special Wednesday evening preachers in Seagoe, as far as arranged,

will be as follows :—

March 1st (Ash Wednesday), Rev. A. J. Murray, B.A., St. Nicholas Belfast.

March 15th, Rev. T. W. E. Drury, M,A., Rector of Rostrevor.

March 22nd, Rev. J. H. Sides, M.A., Rector of Castlecaulfield, Co. Tyrone„

March 29th, Rev. Canon Left, M.A., Rector of Aghaderg.

April 12th, Rev. O. W. Scott, M.A„ Rector of Gilford.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Distribution of Prizes,

This is the season of the year for Sunday School

Prize Distribution. We have had many pleasant

gatherings throughout the Parish during the last

few weeks and those children who have been regular

in attending Church and Sunday School have got

very nice prizes. There has been a great demand for

Prayer Books and Hymnals. The Prayer Books

contain the name of King George and Queen Mary

in the State Prayers. At Carne the Distribution

took place on Thursday, January 19th. The Hall

was crowded. An abundant supply of Tea and Cake

was followed by an excellent programme of Music

and Recitations. A pleasant feature of the evening

were the items performed by some of the Edenderry

children. We like to see one part of the Parish

helping another part. Wee Joe Hynes delighted all

with his patriotic songs. Ile is the youngest per-

former in Seagoe Parish. A large number received

Prizes. Mr. D. Murray, the energetic Superintendent

of Carne Sunday School, made all arrangements.

Mrs. Price, of Ballinacor, kindly distributed the

Prizes to the successful pupils Hacknahay was

the centre of interest on Monday, January 23rd.

Mr. and Miss Calvert as usual most generously

entertained the teachers and children to tea. An

attractive programme of music and recitations

was also provided, and some items were creditably

performed by the children of the Day School under

Miss Stevenson's supervision. The Rector presided

and Miss Calvert handed the books to the prize-

winners. Edenderry had its turn on Friday,

January 27th. There was a large attendance and a

great many prizes were won even though the

standard for a prize had been raised from 35 to 40

Sundays. The Morning School especially distinguished itself.

Special allowance was made for Church Attendance

which is now being more than

ever regarded as a qualification in our children for a

good Prize. A series of fine Missionary photographs

of Mid-China were shown on the Lantern by Mr. R.

J. McKittrick, and explained by the Rector. A

most enjoyable evening was spent. The Prize-

giving in Seagoe was held on Monday, January

30th, at 7-30, There was a good attendance, and

the entertainment took the form of an exhibition of

Lantern slides which were much appreciated. The

Prizes were then distributed by the Rector, assisted

by the Rev. 11.. Crichton. Mr. R. J. McKittrick,

late Superintendent of Seagoe Afternoon School,

Was presented with a handsomely bound Teachers

Bible on the occasion of his departure from the

Parish.

Drumgor Distribution of Prizes takes place on

Monday. February 6th. Tea at 7-30, and

Levaghery Prize-giving will be held on Monday,

February 13th. Tea at 7-30. We hope that the

result of our Prize Distributions will be to increase

the efficiency of our Sunday Schools. Children who

did not get a Prize should be careful to attend better

so as to get a nice book next year. We believe the

standard of attendance for Prizes should be raised in

all the Sunday Schools to 40 Sundays. 45 Sundays

constituting the standard for a First Prize, and 40

for a second. We also hold that no child should get

Prize (except in the Infant Classes) unless they

attend Service in the Parish Church regularly on

Sunday mornings, and (if living at distance from

the Church) a District Service on Sunday evenings.

The Misses Dawson,

The Misses Dawson sail from Liverpool n

Saturday, February 4th, by the S.S. Beldragon for

Rio de Janeiro, South America. They will be on the

staff of the South American Missionary Society. We

are sure the thoughts and prayers of the Seagoe

people will follow them in their journey to that

distant land.

Missionary Meetings

For some time past it has been felt that we are not

doing our duty in regard to Missionary work. While

smaller and poorer parishes have been supporting

their Own Missionaries, we have been content with

sending in a mere pittance to support Christian

enterprise in heathen lands. Lest this parsimony

might justly be attributed to ignorance of the

conditions in the foreign field, it is purposed to hold

Missionary Meetings at various centres in the Parish.

Two of these have already been held, On January

10th, Miss Greer, formerly a Missionary in China,

addressed a large meeting in Carne Church Hall,

when she gave a vivid description of the missions to

the heathen Chinese. A most gratifying feature of

this meeting was the number of adults present,

almost all the men from Tamnificarbet Bible Class

availing themselves of the opportunity of hearing

something of a subject which permeates the Gospel.

Hacknahay was the next district visited. On

January 12th, Miss Greer again placed herself at

our disposal, and again brought before large

audience many interesting incidents of missionary

life, interspersed with facts, which showed

immeasurable misery Of those living in darkness

caused by the absence of the Light of the World.

On Friday morning, January 13th, a short visit

was paid by Miss Greer to Seagoe School. Chinese

Curios were exhibited to the children and many

customs and details of Chinese child-life graphically

described.

After each meeting boxes and cards were given to

all who wished to do something to extend Christ's

Kingdom. We hope that there will be a marked

increase in our contributions, and that many will be

led to pray for this work. To pray intelligently we

must have knowledge. This can, be gained by

reading missionary literature much of which can be

obtained for a halfpenny or penny per month.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Items;

We regret that some of our readers were unable to

obtain copies of last month's Magazine. Always get

your copy early in the month. The best way to

make sure of getting your Magazine is to pay your

shilling in advance for the whole year.

In next month's issue we hope to publish a photograph

of our excellent Churchwardens for this year,

Mr. Charles Collins, of Edenderry, and Mr. Thomas

Reid, of Lower Seagoe.

We congratulate Mr. T. J. Atkinson a useful

member of Seagoe Select Vestry, on obtaining the

degree of LL.B., at the recent University

Commencements in Trinity College, Dublin.

On several recent Sundays the congregations in

Seagoe Church have been very large, but the offerings

have not been as liberal as they might have been.

" Freely ye have received, freely give."

Miss Rhoda Guy, of Seagoe, has been very ill, but

we are glad to hear that she is now getting stronger.

We hope soon to welcome her back to Seagoe Sunday

School where she has done good work as a Teacher.

Miss Miriam Holmes, and Miss Nellie Best, have

been appointed Teachers in Seagoe Sunday School.

There were 76 people at the Evening

Service in Carbet on Sunday, January 29th.

This year Lent begins on March 1st (Ash

Wednesday).

Our Protestant Orphan Collectors have done well

this year. Over £15 has been handed in.

Some people have been asking what is the colour

of our new Magazine cover. It is known to the

trade as Chrome Yellow.

Mothers who are present at the Baptism of their

children , and join in the Churching Service, are expected

to make a thank offering (see Churching Service in

Prayer Book). No matter how small the offering be

it is the gift which accompanies the Service of

Thanksgiving. A box will be placed in the Vestry

for such offerings and they will be given to the

Protestant Orphan Society.

Men's Social in Seagoe School, Tuesday, February

7th. Tea at 7-30. Address by Rev. F. W. Austin,

M.A., of St. Columba's Church, Belfast, late Rector

of Drumcree.

The Postal Arrangements in Seagoe Parish are

altogether out of date, If two letters were posted in

Portadown on Friday night at 12-30 a.m., one being

addressed to Brussels in Belgium, and the other to

someone in Seagoe Parish, the person in Brussels

would receive his letter before the person in Seagoe !

Brussels is 600 miles from Portadown, and Seagoe is

one mile.

Social in Levaghery

On Monday, February 13th, a Social Meeting will

be held in Levaghery School. These Socials are

always success. Secure your Ticket at once. On

sale everywhere

Men's Social,

The Annual; Social for Men will take place in

Seagoe School, on Tuesday, February 7th. Tea at

7-30. We hope every member of the Bible Classes

and all others who are invited will come. We can

guarantee that they will spend most pleasant and

profitable evening. The Tickets are complimentary.

'The Rev, F. W. Austin, Rector of St. Columba's

Knock, is coming from Belfast to speak to the men.

Mr. Austin was well known to many as Rector of

Drumcree some years ago.

Mr, R. J McKittrick

We congratulate Mr. McKittrick, the Second

Assistant Teacher in Seagoe School, on appointment

as Principal of Shane's Castle School' Randalstown,

Co. Antrim. The School is a very important

one, and is an object of special interest to Lord and

Lady O'Neill who live in the neighbouring Shane's

Castle. Mr. McKittrick carries with him the good

wishes of all in Seagoe Parish where he has done

good work during the 2 ½ years of his residence in the

Parish. We wish him much success in his new

sphere of work.

Matthews Ministrels

This entertaining troupe of Musical Minstrels

gave an excellent entertainment in Edenderry

Parochial Hall, on Thursday, January 26th, at

8 0'clock. There was a large attendance and every

item was loudly applauded. The Matthews boys are

very clever, and their programme is so varied that

it never gets monotonous.

Some of the items were

very comical. The " Whistling Coon " was very

well done by the youngest member of the company.

A very pleasant evening was spent. Mr. Stevenson

and the Hall Committee are to be congratulated on

their enterprise in having the entertainment, and we

hope they will have a good balance in hand from the

proceeds towards extinguishing the small debt

on the up-keep Of the Hall.

SEAGOE PARISH

The New Primates

We are sure that Seagoe will join in the general

congratulations which will be accorded to the Lord

Bishop of this Diocese (Right Rev. Dr. Crozier) on

his unanimous elevation to the place of Chief Pastor

of the Church of Ireland, the Archbishopric of

Armagh. Bishop Crozier made himself very popular

during his visits to Seagoe. Everyone was delighted

with his genial manner when he came to our

Parochial Tea in December, 1908, and his visit for the

Confirmation last June was an inspiration to all of us.

He will be sustained in his high and responsible

office by the thought that he will have the prayers

and good wishes of the members of the Church all

over Ireland, and of many also of other Denominations

who have learned to know and love him.

Old Seagoe Notes.

The Horse Block.—At a Vestry holden in ye

Parish Church of Sego, on the 9th day of August,

1708, It was agreed by ye Minister, Churchwardens,

and Parishiouers then present, that the sum of

Ib.01—s.02 d.05 together with ye sum of 04-17-04,

Be levied of ye Parishioners and Landholders of ye

said Parish for ye Repair of ye Porch and building of

a Style of Stone and Lime before the gate of the

Church-yard for a Conveniency for women to get on

horse-back, and other uses mentioned in a former

Act, and be raised by ye present Churchwardens by

Distress or otherwise according to Law, the work to

be done immediately, and accounted for at Easter

next. John Campbell, Clerk Richard Smurphett,

John Geary, Churchwardens, David Geddes,

George Ramsey, Woolsey Smurphett.

Curious. Surnames, 1710-12.—In the Registers

for 1710-12 the following unusual names occur—

Elizabeth Pew, Annie Ferclo, Jane Mack-Knabb,

Murtagh Ahamel, Daniel Kettle, Margaret Weat,

Valentine Silcock, Conn McGinis, Sarah Mettrix.

Turnpike Gates in Seagoe Parish.—ln the

Vestry Records for April 6th, 1713, we read something

about the old road gates in Seagoe Parish.

“ James Byers is appointed to oversee from Bocomra

to Portadowne Bridge and from John Binks

to Upper Seagoe Gate. John Deary and John

Fisher to oversee Ballynemony Constablewick.

Mr. Francis Mathers to oversee from the

to the Runnel that divides Great Rode

Edenderry and Upper Sego. John Gibson, of Upper

Sego, to oversee the Highway from Kilvirgan River

to Edenderry and from ye Church to Killycomaine

Gate.

Churchwardens of Seagoe (continued) :—

1735 —Samue1 Robinson, of Silverwood.

William McMurray, of Ballygargin.

1736 —William Williamson, of Drumgor,

James Graham, of Kinigoe

1737 —Richard Joyce, of Ballydonaghy,

Andrew McCollum, of Kilvergan.

1738 —Thomas Newell, of Levaghery,

Ralph Dynes, of Monraverty.

1739 —Mr. Ralph Carroll, of Drumgor,

Joseph Mercer, of Kernan.

Old Seagoe Songs—Our reference last month to

an Old Seagoe Song has been the means of bringing

to light several interesting old pieces which were

very familiar to a past generation. We have to thank

Mr. John Lutton for copying out the following lines

which were repeated to him by Mr. James McCully, of

Upper Seagoe, who was one of the few who could

repeat the lines from memory.

In the Parish of Seagoe, in County Armagh,

Two boys went a-fowling it being the frost,

Each of them took with him his dog and his gun,

And along the Bann water a-fowling there're gone.

A small boat pushed out a few days ago,

The ice had been broken, the boys did not know,

They boldly stepped forward and both plunged in,

To the bottom went Robinson, but Best he could

swim.

Up comes Sloan Woolsey with the ropes in his hand„

No further he could get than the edge of the Bann,

_ " Sloan Woolsey, Sloan Woolsey, your ropes are in

vain,

We're twice at the bottom and now gone again."

Up comes his mother like a woman in despair,

Wringing her hands and tearing her hair,

Sloan Woolsey, Sloan Woolsey, where is my dear

son,

He is gone to the bottom with his dog and his gun.

Go home, dear mother, and weep no more,

But wake him at night when you get him on shore,

And the Lord has provided him with a watery

tomb,

May the angels sit round and guard him at home.

Eight hundred Orangemen all stood in the ring,

Where the Orange and the Purple from their

left breasts did hing,

They whispered round slowly, and each waved his

hand,

Adieu men for ever, Adieu to the Bann.

[Perhaps . some reader could give us the name of

the old Seagoe rhymer who wrote these lines. Next

month we hope to print another Old Seagoe Ballad

We have heard of several and would be glad to hear

of more “ The Three Maids of Seagoe," “The Ballad

of Tommy Downshire," and “Fair Mary the Pride of

Killeavey," are on our list for publication. Old

Seagoe folk should try to remember some of the

songs they heard sung in their childhood. Even if

they do not remember all the words or verses they

could get some one to write down as much as they

remember and send it on to the Rector] .