Feburary 1918

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY, 1918.

LENT 1918.

The Season of Lent in this fourth year of war is a special opportunity for renewed heart searching. The existence of this awful world-conflict is a direct result of the presence of sin in the world. “From whence come wars and fightings amongst you, come they not even of your lusts which war against your souls.” If we lament the sad losses and privations, the tears and terrors of this war it behoves us also to search out diligently the evil causes which have brought it about.

We may lull our consciences to rest by thinking in general terms, and blaming our National sins, but nations are made up of individuals, and there would be no National sins if there were no sins of individuals.

To a world at war comes the Lent of 1918, with a solemn message, "The wages of sin is Death." Sins of Thought and Word and Deed have found a resting place in our hearts, and we have not driven them out.

Special opportunities bring with them special responsibilities. Will we use the opportunities which come to us at this special season, and bravely shoulder our responsibilities, or will we let judgment go by default and continue to live in carelessness. The aroused conscience will ask "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" and will in the tones of sober penitence reply "God forbid."

We invite the Parishioners, one and all, to attend the services in the Parish Church with greater regularity, and in larger numbers than hitherto. We ask those who have hitherto come regularly to the House of Prayer to make an effort to bring others with them so that His House may be filled.

Special Lent Services,

On Ash Wednesday, February 18th, Morning Prayer and the Commination Service will be said in the Parish Church at 11:30 a.m.

There will also be Evening Prayer and a Sermon at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, February 17th (1st Sunday in Lent), Sermons on the subject of "Temperance," will be preached, and an appeal will be made on behalf of the Diocesan Temperance Society, which does a good work throughout this large and populous Diocese.

The Sunday Schools.

There has been a large increase in the number of children attending Edenderry Sunday Schools. The Hall is now so full, especially in the afternoon, that there is scarcely room for the classes.

Prizes have been distributed in some of the smaller schools, and we hope it may be possible to give them in all the schools, but the scarcity and higher cost of books creates a greater difficulty.

Our staff of Teachers and Superintendents is well maintained. Punctuality and regularity in attendance on the part of the Teachers is a most essential factor in the successful working of the Schools. We ask the Teachers to be in their places in good time, and to have their lessons carefully prepared.

Parents are asked to see that their children who attend the Sunday Schools prepare carefully their Repetition parts at home.

The Misses Dawson.

Our readers will be glad to hear that a cable has been received from the Misses Dawson announcing their safe arrival at Rio de Janeiro in South America. The remainder of their journey to Chile will be overland, and therefore made under safer conditions. It is mid-summer now in South America.

The Rector.

The Rector left Seagoe for the front on Saturday, January 26th, to undertake work in a Church Army Hut. The Church Army requires its workers to stay for a week or ten days in an English Camp before proceeding to France. The Rector will be stationed for that period at a Military Camp in the neighbourhood of London, so as to learn the various duties required of worker in the war zone.

Presentation.

At a Social held in Seagoe School on Monday, January 21st, the members of the Choir presented the Rector with a handsome Pocket Bible on the occasion of his departure for war work in France. After tea, the chair Was taken by the Rev. T. H. Scanlon who, after few appropriate remarks, called on Mr. T. H. Wilson to make the Presentation. The Rev. Canon Archer replied, thanking the members of the Choir for their thoughtful and beautiful gift. He spoke of the pleasant experiences he had always had with Seagoe Choir, and the value of the services they so willingly and effciently rendered in the Services of the Parish Church. He said he would bring the Bible with him to France, and that he would use it in public and private ministration and worship. Mr. David Murray, Rector's Churchwarden, also spoke and wished the Rector on behalf of the choir a hearty God-speed and safe return. After a very pleasant evening with games and music, the proceedings terminated by the singing of the hymn, "God be with you till we meet again."

Concert at Carne.

A concert is announced to be held at Carne Church Hall on Thursday, February 7th, at 8 p.m. The chair will be taken by the Rev. T. H. Scanlon. A splendid programme has been arranged by the

energetic Superintendent of Carne Sunday School, Mr. David Murray. The proceeds of the entertainment are on behalf of the improvement of the School Building.

Congratulations.

Lance-Corporal Thomas Palmer, whose marriage is announced in this issue of the Magazine, has had a most distinguished record in the war. He has served in the army—Ist Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers—for over 13 years. He went out to the war in August, 1914, and took part under General French in the historic retreat from Mons. At a later stage he fought at Ypres, the Somme, and Armentieres. He was twice wounded, but has, we are glad to record, quite recovered.

We wish him and Mrs. Palmer all good wishes, and we congratulate him very heartily on the splendid work he has done for God and King and Empire.

Captain J. J. Dobson.

Captain Dobson writes as follows from Egypt— Cairo, Egypt, 19/12/17.

Since I left Macedonia I have had but little time to write to friends, and indeed for months before coming to Egypt and Palestine.

Life in the desert was fine, had a hand in the big advance and it was glorious how the Turks retreated for their lives before our troops. I did not get as far as Jerusalem, as I'm sorry to say I got dysentery and was taken down the line to hospital, and at the same time to make matters worse, I got two fresh attacks of malaria. I'm still in hospital, but I am as fit as a fiddle now, and after a week or so I shall get to Alexandria for a short rest.

I hope to get you the photo of a large stone or slab upon which there is an interesting Greek inscription. It is part of an old Church which was dug up at Gaza.

Cairo is full of interest. I spent three days there viewing the antiquity of the place. My first experience of a camel was when I rode round the Pyramids. There are crowds of Arab guides to meet you. Everyone you meet says his name is Moses, and a real descendant from the Patriarch as well.

I visited the old City of Memphis and inside the walls there are several ancient Churches. In the Coptic Church there is a deep underground chamber in which it is said the Holy Family took refuge. Infants are still baptized in this chamber, as there is an old baptismal font in the place. I went across to Rhodes Island, and saw the place, where tradition says Moses was found in the bulrushes.

I had not time to visit Luxor, or go very far up the Nile.

It is most interesting to see the procession of the Sacred Carpet. The Carpet is brought from Mecca by Pilgrims who go there every year.

The birthday of the prophet is another great day for the Mohammedans.

Both the Copts and Moslems keep the Feast of the Birth of Christ. The Copts keep it in a dull fashion, the Moslems rather gaily, and present presents to dead ones who had departed this life.

I never saw this performance, but I was informed by one who did that the cemetery was like a village fair. Every tomb was massed with offerings, varying in size from a fresh egg to a fat sheep.

I trust that yourself and all the people of Seagoe are well.

Very faithfully yours,

J. J. DOBSON.

P.S.—Please remember me to Mr. Bloomer. I hope he enjoyed life in France. Excuse this note as it has been, written in bed.

Hidden Townlands

Some of our readers who enjoy the mental stimulus required in the solving of puzzles, may care to try if they can discover in each of the following sentences, the name of a townland in Seagoe Parish—

1. There is a knock at the door.
2. Yoke the car Betsey without delay.
3. I hear a drum, go, reach me my hat.
4. He drove the car nearly into the ditch.
5. You put the tar so neatly on the paling.
6. He found the ball in a corner of the field.

Nature Notes.

The recent Fall of Snow.—The curiously tough nature of the snow which fell here in a recent snowstorm has been noticed. It was quite leathery in substance. Heat scarcely seemed to melt it. A

Seagoe schoolboy says he threw a handful of it into the fire, and it did not melt for several minutes!

It takes ten inches of snow to make one inch of water. Snow crystallizes always at angles of 60 degrees or 120 degrees. There is always a large quantity of atmospheric air entangled in snow flakes, and this it is which makes the air feel so fresh when snow is falling. The white colour of snow is caused by the fusion of the prismatic colours scintillating from the countless surfaces of minute snow crystals.

The Marley Well at Drumgor.—The Parish of Seagoe can boast of possessing one of the finest spring wells in the country. It is the Marley Well at Drumgor. It has been well known for many

centuries, and when the present or new Lurgan Road was made, a special mark of privilege was accorded to the well, in that an open approach and right of way was made to the well from the main road. The well sends forth a copious supply of clear spring water at every season of the year. In the driest Summer it has never been known to fail, and strange to relate in the coldest Winter it has never been known to freeze. Apparently this latter characteristic is due to the fact that the waters issuing from the spring preserve a temperature somewhat above that of the surrounding atmosphere. The waters have a mineral character, and carry in solution the constituent elements of Lime springs. The source of the well is deep in Limestone Rocks, which lie below the volcanic rocks in Ulster, and which terminate on the surface in the neighbourhood of Kilvergan and Drumgor. Readers of the Magazine can test for themselves the splendid properties of the well by visiting and taking a copious draught of its tonic waters.

Seagoe Lads in the U.S.A. Army.

Many of our Seagoe lads who emigrated to America in past years are enlisting in the American Army to fight side by side with England and her Allies in the great war. There is a splendid spirit among them as the following letter will testify. The letter has been handed to us by Mrs. David Johnston, of Carrick-Blacker Road. It is from her nephew, Private John Knox Johnston, of the U.S.A. National Army.

Nov. 20, '17.

Battery F, 319th R.F.A.,

Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Ga.

Dear Aunt.

Just a line of introduction. I am in the best of health, and hoping all of you are the same. I am quite away from home, about 1600 miles in the National Army, and I like it very much, and having some dandy times. I forgot to get your address before I left home, but mother sent it to me. Well I don't remember ever seeing you or uncle David, but I think you have seen me. When you write to uncle David tell him I send my best wishes to him, and hope to see you all bye and bye. We are having nice weather where I am, and it is quite different from the weather at home. It is warm here and just right for drilling, and we are doing it! The song here is “Where do we go from here boys.” It is just great to wear the Khaki, and to leave off the civilian clothes for a little while. I wish old Fritz was among the missing, and a few more of his Pals. But it won't be long before the Allies are putting a Wooden Kimona on a few of them.

Well Aunt, I don't know just what to say in my first letter, but I wish you and uncle David and my cousins, who I hope to see some time before long, the best of luck, and best wishes to you all.

I remain your Nephew,

JOHN KNOX JOHNSTON.

PARISH REGISTER for JANUARY, 1918.

Baptisms.

Baptised in Seagoe Church 5th January, 1918,

Neill—William, son of William and Mary Rachel Neill, of Killicomain.

Marriages.

Guy and Coulter—On 16th January, 1918, Samuel James Guy, of Derryvore, to Annabella Coulter of Tarsan

Palmer and Anderson—On 24th January, 1918, Thomas Palmer, of 114 Park Road, Portadown, to Eliza Jane Anderson, of Balteagh.

Burial.

Chambers—January 29th, 1918, Jane Chambers, of Killicomain, aged 82 years.

Increase of Circulation

On many occasions during the past year parishioners were unable to secure a copy of the Magazine, and at times even regular subscribers failed to secure their copy. This scarcity will now be in part remedied by an increase in the number of copies issued of 25 copies per month. The circulation in future being 250 instead of 225 copies monthly. The best way to make sure that you will get your copy is to become a regular subscriber.

The General Vestry.

In accordance with the Constitution of the Church the revision of the List of General Vestrymen must be made during the month of February. The qualification for a General Vestryman is that he is over 21 years of age, and a subscriber of not less than 2/6 per annum to the Sustentation Fund. There are many in the Parish whose names should be on the List. We hope they will sign the necessary Declaration, and thus become enrolled members. The General Vestry elects the Select Vestry each Easter.

Offertories for January.

Sunday Mornings £11 5 3

“ Evenings 1 16 4

Week-days 0 13 1

£13 4 8

Including £7 9s 7d for Red Cross Fund.

ITEMS.

In the death of Mr. J. C. Fulton, J.P., Portadown loses one of its most honoured and useful townsmen.

A Parishioner says he read literally every word of our January issue, beginning at the cover and reading right through to Inglis' advertisement on the back. This is the proper way to read the Magazine.

This is the 146th consecutive number of Seagoe Magazine, The number of separate copies issued, now totals 50,647. If laid end to end they would reach from Seagoe to Belfast, and back again to Lisburn.

A reader of the Magazine has been trying to discover how many words he could form out of the word "Seagoe." He has got as far as 12. How many could you form out of it? Genuine English words they must be, of course. If you can get beyond 12, send them, giving your name, and we will publish them in our next issue.

Many trees are being cut down throughout the Parish, Wherever a tree is cut down another should be planted.

It is said that the present Lt. Colonel of the 9th R.I.F., is very young in years, though senior in position.

Sergeant Milligan, of the Irish Guards, has been home on a short furlough. When the war broke out he was engaged in civil life. He now has done three years vigorous campaigning and wears four medals—The Mons Star, the M.M., the D.C.M. and the Italian Bronze Medal.

Tillage lands in the Parish are being let for the season at very high prices.

We saw a quarter-of-a-pound of butter in a glass case in a shop in Portadown recently, so precious has this product become.

Rats are very numerous just now. They are extremely destructive of property and food. We hear there is a campaign on foot to destroy them.

Our soldiers and their relatives at home have in a wonderful way developed the diffcult art of letter-writing. Practice makes perfect. Most interesting and well-written letters come daily from the various fronts.

Please remember that the Missionary Boxes will soon be called in. See that they are well filled.

During the Rector's absence the Rev. T. He Scanlon will issue Certificates of Baptism, etc., to those requiring them.

A few Parish Almanacs are still for sale (ld each) at Mrs. Kyle's.

Old Seagoe Notes.

Quaint Extracts from Seagoe Records =—

Vestry, February 7, 1764 —To Cash to Mary Porter (the Sextoness), for filling up a large hole in the churchyard, £0 4s 4d.

Vestry, April 9th, 1765—To Matts for the Communion Rails and the Font 5/5.

To repairing ye Pulpit Cushion, £1 0s 0d.

Vestry, April 2nd, 1782—To repairing the church and making a seat for tho use of the Churchwardens, £5.

Vestry, May 1st, 1812—By Cash to Rev. Rd. Olpherts, by order of Parish Committee, for the

purpose of purchasing Oatmeal to accommodate the Poor, £100 0s 0d.

Vestry. May 16th, 1785—The sum of £10 apploted as an allowance for the Parish Clerk (of Seagoe) in lieu and instead of all dices to said Clerk for the years 1757, 1758, reserving the Constable-wick of the Mountiaghs, for the Clerk offciating there in the Chappel.

Vestry, April 16th, 1751 Applotted—The sum of Two Pounds to Mr. Vall. Joyce which he expended at the desire of the Parish for salivating and curing a child of Isabella Bodell as per vouchers, £2 0s 0d.

A Rector of Seagoe who became Vicar of Seagoe, 1810 .—The Very Rev. Stewart Blacker

held a very varied list of appointments. Born in 1740, graduated B.A., T.C.D., in 1764. Collated

Archdeacon of Dromore and Rector of Seagoe and Donacloney, October 8th, 1777; Dean of Leighlin 1778-1804. Resigned the Archdeaconry of Dromore and the Rector of Seagoe and Donacloney to become Vicar of Seagoe on the death of his younger brother, Rev. George Blacker, who had been Vicar of Seagoe 1796-1810. He died December 1st, 1826, having been for 33 years Rector of Seagoe, and then for 16 years Vicar of Seagoe.

A Vicar of Seagoe who became Curate of Seagoe, 1748. —The Rev. Arthur Ffords became

Vicar of Seagoe in 1731, and held that offce until April 23rd, 1741, but on Easter Tuesday, March 28th, 1749, he signs the Acts of Vestry as Curate of Segoe. He probably acted as Curate in charge of the Parish from October 22nd, 1748, when the Rev. Hugh Tisdall was appointed Vicar until the latter took charge of the Parish on July 4th, 1749. There is perhaps a possibility that the delay in Mr. Tisdall's arrival was due to the building of the present Rectory. The ancient Rectory forms part of the present house.

A Seagoe Puzzle.—How do you Spell it ? In Seagoe Records the ancient name of the Parish of Ardmore is spelt in ten different ways—1, Moyntaghs; 2, Montoughs; 3, Montiaughs; 4, Montiahs; 5, Moyantaughs; 6, Moyantaughs; 7, Mounteaughs; 8, Mountiahs; 9, Mounteauh; 10, Montianchs. A liberal reward is hereby offered to the intelligent reader who can prove which is the correct way of spelling the name.

The Origin of the Newry and Portadown Canal. —In Harriss "Co. Down," which was published in 1744, shortly after the Canal was made, its origin is stated as follows. There had been on several occasions a great scarcity of fuel in Dublin and the South of Ireland. A company was appointed to find a remedy, and it was decided that the most convenient supply of fuel was to be obtained from the Coalfields bordering on Lough Neagh, in the Co. Tyrone. The Canal was cut from Portadown to Newry to provide an easy means of conveying the Coal to Dublin. At Newry it was transferred from the Barges to Coal Vessels which sailed to Dublin. Unfortunately, the coal proved to be of poor quality, but the Canal speedily became a most useful means of transit for goods of other descriptions. It is noteworthy that John Wesley in his frequent journeys from Newry to

Portadown never seems to have travelled by the roads which were then in very bad order, but preferred to ride along the banks of the Canal. It was thus that he discovered his favourite resting place at Terryhoogan, near Scarvas.