Feburary 1923

Seagoe Patish magazine.

FEBRUARY, 1923

Special Lent Services.

During the Season of Lent, which begins on Ash

Wednesday, February 14th, Special Services will be

held in the Parish Church. On Sunday Mornings

the Sermons will be based on passages from " The

Minor Prophets," on Sunday Evenings from " The

Penitential Psalms," and on Wednesday evenings

the subject will be " Lessons from The Church

Catechism. "

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES.

9.50 a.m.—10.20 a.m.—A Children's Service.

11.30 a.m.—Morning Prayer, Litany and Commination

Service.

8 p.m.—Evening Prayer and Sermon.

Our Sunday Schools.

January was a very busy month in our Sunday

Schools. We have had no less than five separate

Distributions of Prizes in the following Sunday

Schools : Edenderry, Seagoe, Levaghery, Hacknahay

and Carne. In each place the Schools were

crowded and many of the Parents of the Children

were also present Very nice Prizes were given

to those who had attended regularly during the

year. The Bibles (granted at half price by the

Hibernian Bible Society) were splendid. We hope

the children who got Bibles will make a practice

of reading them daily. A large number of Hymn

Books and Prayer Books were also awarded. Everyone

by this time must surely have a copy of the new

Hymnal. Those who have got these nice new books

will, we hope, come to the Parish Church every

Sunday and join heartily in the Psalms, Responses,

and Hymns. Many nice story books were also

awarded. A good story is a treasure to be stored in

the memory and if possible practised in the life.

A pleasing feature this year in our Sunday School

Fetes was that four of them—Edenderry, Levaghery,

Hacknahay, and Carne—each provided the Prizes

and Entertainment at its own expense. Seagoe is

not yet quite self-supporting, but we hope it will

be this coming year. The ideal at which we aim

is that each of the Parish Sunday Schools will raise

a sum sufficient to cover all its expenses. We are

rapidly approaching that happy state. But there

Should be an Annual Examination in each Sunday

School in the work done during the year. It is the

rule in almost every Parish except Seagoe. There

Would then be a guarantee that the children not

merely attended but were very attentive during

the school hour.

We are glad to notice that the spirit of Reform

is entering our Sunday Schools. Miss M'Keown's

recent Lecture is bearing good fruit. The Teachers

also are finding the Lessons on " Christ's Missionaries"

very useful. One teacher describes it as

"splendid." Some teachers have not yet got it and

are trying to do their work in the old Rule of

Thumb way. But the wise ones have got their book

and use it.

Impressions we received in the various Schools are

here set down. EDENDERRY was- well managed,

but there are really too many children to deal with

at once. An Afternoon Distribution for the Infants

would help. SEAGOE was quite overcrowded, and

as there was no Programme games were played,

but it made things noisy. In future, too, the Bible

Classes should have a separate night. LEVAGHERY

had a splendid Christmas Tree and every child

(thanks to Tom Metcalfe's generous subscription) got

a gift. We would suggest better ventilation of the

room. Levaghery was built in the old days before

ventilation. There was a very large gathering in

HACKNAHAY School. A charge of 3d was made for

admission. The " Sketches " in the Programme were

a new feature, and were very well done. At

CARNE the Hall was full, and a very nice programme

had been arranged. Some of the performers were

very young, but acquitted themselves well.

The, Superintendents—Messrs. M'Clements, Rennix,

Twinem, Dickson, Maginnis, Murray, and Miss

Guy— are to be heartily congratulated on the success

of these Festivals. They went to great trouble in

making the arrangements.

Mr. Thomas Metcalfe kindly presented two Silver

Medals in Seagoe Morning Sunday School, and also

gave a subscription towards the Christmas Tree in

Levaghery.

Mr. and Mrs. Bunbury Atkinson also kindly gave

special Prizes to each child in Hacknahay School

who attended every Sunday throughout the year,

and have also promised to continue the gifts in

each succeeding year while they reside in the neighbourhood.

We deprecate the habit, which is again growing

of asking for special books as Prizes. In a large

Parish like Seagoe where the Prizes number about

400 this becomes a serious difficulty.

Important.

The Rev. P. R. Cosgrave, M.A., Director of

Religious Education in the Diocese, will give an Address

to the Sunday School Teachers on " Sunday School

Efficiency" in Seagoe School on Thursday, March

1st. at 8 pm

Revision of General Vestry,

A meeting of the Select Vestry will be held (D. V.

in Seagoe School on Monday, February 5th, at 8, to

revise the List of General Vestrymen for the Parish.

Parishioners who wish to have their names entered

on the list are asked to give in their names at this

meeting.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Seagoe Magazine at Home and Abroad.

We have recently received further interesting proof

of the widespread influence of Seagoe Parish Magazine

as a link between Seagoe people all the world over.

From Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, comes

the following letter—

Rockhampton, Nov. 30th, '22.

Dear Sir,—l am taking the liberty of sending you

a local newspaper with the notice of the death of

my mother, Mrs. Mary Roberts, who had your

Magazine sent to her regularly by relatives in

Seagoe, and which was much appreciated by her.

She was born in Lower Seagoe, and left there at

the age of 23 years.

I will be greatly pleased if you will notify

through your paper the account of her decease,

which will help to inform a lot of her relatives in the district.

I am pleased to say she had a perfectly peaceful

end, and was conscious to the last, after being confined

to her bed for the last three months.

Thanking you in anticipation, I remain, yours

faithfully,

GEORGE E. ROBERTS.

c/o Mrs. J. T. Norman. Upper William St.

Rockhampton, Queensland.

THANKS—The relatives of the late Mrs. Mary

Roberts desire to return their thanks for the many

messages of sympathy and Floral Tributes received by them.

Mrs. Mary Roberts, of 126 Alma Lane, widow of

Mr. Thornas Roberts (Who for many years was in

the pilot service at this port), died at her residence

on the 17th instant. Mrs. Roberts arrived in Rockhampton

in January, 1863, in the sailing ship Wansfell,

and remained here. She attained to the good

old age of eighty-two years. ' She was born in Portadown,

County Armagh, Ireland She IS survived by

two sons find one daughter—Mr. R. M. Roberts

(Sydney) and G. E. Roberts (Rockhampton) and Mrs

M. A. Norrnan, wife of Mr. J. T. Norman (Rockhampton).

Her funeral was attended by many old friends.

The Rev. R. W. U'Ren officiated at the graveside.

The sympathy of a large circle of friends will be

tended to the sorrowing family in its bereavement.

Mr. Delmege Trimble, Editor of " The Armagh

Guardian," writes—

Armagh. October 4th. 1922.

Reverend and Dear Sir—The burning of the Record

Office was a national disaster and destroys the hope

I had of publishing (as a result of searches) items

of old history of the county, of, which the "Armagh

Guardian" makes a feature,

You have from time to time published these in

your Parish Magazine, and if you -would, give me

any copies on loan containing these to reproduce I

would feel much obliged.

I am the more anxious to reproduce all I can on

account of the destruction of the Records, and I

have just finished two histories. Stamped envelope

enclosed.—Yours very faithfully,

DELMEGE TRIMBLE.

Rev. Canon Archer.

Mrs. Johnston writes from Co. Kildare—

Medical Hall, Monasterevan, Jan. 3rd, 1923.

Dear Sir—Would you kindly have "Seagoe Parish

Magazine" posted to enclosed address. I enclose

2s 6d P.O. to cover postage and cost.

Thanking you in anticipation, and trusting you

are keeping very well.

With compliments of the season.—Yours faithfully.

(Mrs.) M. JOHNSTON.

Miss Ellen Matthews, late of 21 James Street, writes

as follows from Brisbane, North Queensland—

7th December, 1922.

Just a few lines to let you know that have landed

safe in Brisbane, and am having a good time. We

were held up in Melbourne for over a week; there

was a strike on with the sailors and stewards, but

we were alright. I like the place well; it is very

warm. I am visiting all our friends here„ having

the time of my life. Cousin Jim Kelly that was in

Ireland a few years ago, is on a holiday in Brisbane

so he met me at the boat. I am driving about

nearly every day in a "sulky," that's what they call

the cars here. I was at the seaside last Sunday, had

a real good day. have not got my boxes yet, but

expect to hear about them to-morrow. I have not

met Moses yet, but we will leave before Christmas.

It will take me another week to get to Moses yet. I

was seven weeks and four days from I left home till I

landed in Brisbane. I had to get a few light dresses

when I came this length, so you would hardly know

me now. I could not describe the beauties of this

place. can tell you the children have plenty of

room to play. The houses are all wood, set up very

high. All live up the stairs. I can tell you the living

is far cheaper here than it is at home. You can get

steak at 2d and 3d per lb., what you pay Is 4d for at

home. The clothes are very cheap—all light dresses

they wear. It will be after Christmas before you

get this. The girls have the time of their life here.

The women have just the house work to do, and

plenty of everything at their hand.

Girls' Bible Class

A most enjoyable Social, was given by the Girls'

Bible Class in Seagoe School on Thursday evening,

February 1st. After tea there was Music and some

games. At the close of the evening the members of

the Class presented Mr. and Mrs. Rennix with a

handsome Silver Kettle as a token of their esteem.

The Rector presided, and Mr. Rennix thanked the

members for their great kindness

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

The Rev. A. O. Draper.

The Rev. A. O. Draper and Mrs. Draper and family

left Carne House on last Thursday, February 1st,

for their new home at Dunseverick, Co. Antrim. The

good wishes of all the Seagoe people will follow

them, and we hope they will have much prosperity

and blessing in the days to come.

A Social meeting of the Mothers' Union was held

in Seagoe School on Tuesday, January 23rd. There

was a large attendance. After tea there was music

and during an interval ill the Programme a Presentation

was made to Mrs. Draper by the Mothers'

Union, of which Mrs. Draper was an active member.

The Rector, who presided, called on Miss Collen to

make the Presentation, which consisted of a very

handsome Leather Bag. In a few words Miss Collen

expressed their regret at losing Mrs. Draper, and

said the Mothers' Union felt that they must give her

some token of their esteem. Mrs. Draper having

thanked all for their kind gift Mr. Draper also on

behalf of Mrs. Draper thanked them for their kindness,

and said they were very sorry to leave Seagoe.

The Rector then called Mr. M'C1ements, Rector's

Churchwarden, and he handed to Mr. Draper a

cheque which had been subscribed for by some of

his friends in the Parish. Mr. Draper thanked Mr.

M'Clements and the Parishioners for their thoughtful

present. The programme was then resumed and

very amusing Sketch was performed by some

Parishioners. Miss Montgomery also sang, accompanied

by Miss Forsythe, who also, with her sister,

played a Duet. The evening concluded with a vote

of thanks to all who had helped.

Mrs. Draper received another Presentation from

Carne Sunday School at a meeting held in Carne

Church Hall on Tuesday, January 30th. The Rector

presided, and the gift of a handsome. pedestal lamp

was handed to Mrs. Draper by Mr. D W. Murray,

Superintendent of the Sunday School. Mr. Murray

said the people in Carne were very sorry to lose Mr

and Mrs. Draper from amongst them, and told of

the good work which Mrs. Draper had done in the

Sunday School. Mrs. Draper then thanked them

for their kind gift. ' The Prizes to the children were

afterwards distributed by the Rev A. O. Draper.

ITEMS.

The Rev. John Taylor, Rector of St. Jude's, Belfast,

and formerly Curate of Seagoe, will (D,V.)

preach in Seagoe Church on Sunday, February 4th,

at the 7.30 Service. Many will be glad to see their

old friend once again.

The Rev. I. E. Davidson gave a most interesting

Lecture in the Parochial Hall last Monday evening

“ Jewish Biblical Customs."

Please remember on the first Sunday of each

month special Offerings are asked for the relief of

the Poor in the Parish. On the Second Sunday the

Morning Service is specially adapted for Children.

Several Parishioners have left recently for the

States.

Will Magazine Distributors kindly send in their

returns for 1922 without delay.

Seagoe Girl Guides were inspected last Saturday

in Seagoe School by Mrs. Lawless, Armagh

Cornmandant. The Troop presented a very smart appearance.

Mr. S. Rennix's paper read at the seagoe Sunday

School Conference has been published in The

Irish Churchman," and also in “ The Portadown

Times."

Mr. W. H. Atkinson, of Clarisford, attended an

important meeting held last month in Belfast in

support of Church Extension outside Belfast. The

needs of Seagoe Parish were under consideration.

The Rector was also present.

St. Mark's Church, Portadown. is, we hears, to

have its new Tower built this year. The Plans are

already drawn out. It will be a great improvement

to the town. Seagoe Church Tower would be much

improved if it possessed a Peal of Bells or a Carillon.

Some of the Parishioners are beginning to make a

move in the completion of the Glebe Purchase

Seheme.

Parish Register for Jan, 1923

Baptisms-

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish

Church on 6th January, 1923 (the Festival of the Epiphany)—

Ruddell—Thomas James, Son Of Frederick William and Mary Elizabeth Ruddell, of Lower

Seagoe. Sponsors—Anne Douglas Porter, Mary Elizabeth Ruddell.

Somerville-—Joan, daughter of John and Mary Somerville, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Martha Glassey, Mary Somerville.

M'Cann—William Ruddell, Son of John George and Letitia M'Canns of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Isabella Magee, Letitia Magee

Marriage,

M'Murray and Best—January 19th, 19239 James Henry M'Murray, or Ballygargan, Parish of Knocknamuckley, to Margaret Best. of Ballyhannon

Death.

Roberts—At her residence, 126 Alma-lane, Mary Roberts, relict of the late Thomas

on the 17th inst„ aged 82 years.

Burial;

Gordon—David William Gordon, Of Lower Seagoe aged 19 years.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

WITH THE “NINTH" IN FRANCE.

By Lieut.-Col. S. W. BLACKER, D.S.O.

(Continued from January Magazine.)

THURSDAY JULY 27th—Continued.

I do not go up to the front side at night. I find I

cannot see anything, and only stumble about and do

no good. Many interruptions, and have a minute to

finish. Padre has come up to-day, I'm glad to say.

We could find no room for him at first, but have

squeezed him in. Fergie said "Padre is just gasping

to come up!" We are 513 strong about, but what

with men employed, etc., only 200 Trench strength.

FRIDAY, JULY 28th.

A lovely day, but hot; trenches getting smelly and

full of flies. M.G. fire at night very irksome. At

present they haven't bothered us with shell fire. The

trenches are only breast works and would crumble

away. We are on the bank of a small stream, and

I have rigged up a bath-house, found boilers and

fireplace in working order—so we bath men each

day. I bathed yesterday; splendid bath. I captured

Shill. to come down this a.m., and he's bathing now,

and is staying to lunch. They are having a bad time

in front line, and are very crowded. They've sent

22 of our men, who were slightly wounded on July

1st, to 2 R.Ir.R. I got a letter from them imploring

to be brought back. I have written in an official.

Very sorry about Doak. The men are settling down

fairly now. Sgt. Johnstone is perfectly all right

notwithstanding all he went through. Luckily the

Bosche gives us credit for a good deal more astuteness than we possess.

SATURDAY JULY 29th.

We are to be relieved on Monday, and go to that

wood where we were for one night before we came in

here—a dirty place! Personally we are much more

comfy here. but it's a change for the men. who are

not comfortable in the front line in this heat. No

shade, and heaps of flies. A farewell letter from

Spender, who has gone as G.S.O.I., IV. Army, with

rank of Lt.-Colone1. He is now with X V. Corps in

the thick of it. Saw P. today in the trenches. He

said the "Russkies" were doing well. If only they

could make Austria sue for peace the Huns would

be done. See from a German Cor.'s letter, in Friday'S

"Times" that they have suffered badly. M.G.

fire was not so bad last night. Think the Huns were

relieving. The heat is making people cranky, and is

rather trying. We here are really very well off, and

have shade and air. Drinking water is a great difficulty.

It has to be brought about 3 miles and then

carried up to the line, about of a mile, in Petrol

tins—our bit is quite short, only about 400 yards,

instead of 1,200, which means much less fatigue. The

Bosche has just started with 5.9's on the dump, about

300 yards behind us. Of course, nothing there at this

time, 10.30 p.m. M.G. fire not so bad to-night. The

new Captain, one Redbourne, a Colonial, was with

Botha in S.W. African campaign. Shill. knew him

in 10th. I have put him under S. to learn trench

routine. They've sent back my application for V.CE

for Cather, to put it stronger, and send in quintuplicate!

They are the limit. It's so hard to write without exaggerations.

SUNDAY JULY 30th.

Another roasting day. Trying to find out about

Lennox, from Bleary, also Oliver writes about Baird„

from Cavan. Perhaps you can find out something.

from wounded men home, possibly. 4 p.m.—Just got

back from service, in shirt sleeves, down by the

stream.

MONDAY, JULY 31st.

Another glorious day, but so hot. We are relieved

tonight. A lately joined Officer went out in front

without telling sentries, and was shot dead. Poor

fellow; his own fault, and all through keenness. The

Relief tonight will, I fear, be very late. It doesn't

begin before 10 p.m., and the 8th R.I.R., who come

in, are new to this bit. Our rest place where we go

tonight are huts in a wood, on a steep slope, with

deep excavations, in case of shelling, to hold 800 men.

My brain is woolly with heat. So far no casualties

this tour except that of last night, and 1 Sgt. grazed.

We have seen very few wasps here, but mosquitoes

are bad. I've had a very peaceful time this tour, and

the surroundings most pleasant. Personally I regret

going out, but the men in front line want a change.

I've bathed them all twice, and every one has a new

shirt. Every one walking about in shirt sleeves,

including self. I hear the 3 wounded ones in London

are quite enjoying themselves—young Shill. , Gibson

and Jackson.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1st.

The Relief was earlier than I expected. I got in

here at 12.30 a.m.—in a sand bagged dugout in P.

wood, in a log hut. Place dirty and not very

comfortable, but I'm all right. Div. H.Q. about 3 miles

N. of Bailleul. Bde. H.Q. in B. The Gen. was round

this morning and was most pleasant. He has quite

changed, and it's now quite a pleasure to meet him.

Relief to be 8 days in and out, I believe. Yes, still in

V. Corps and 11 Army._ XIV. gone south. We only

just missed the salient. 29th Div. gone in. Cole

Hamilton goes to command 8th R.I.R. Fergie is

doing excellent work; the quick relief last night being

mainly due to him. Have put in for Shill. to be

Major, and Lutt. and Given Captains. Such a warm

night. Very sorry we lose Cole Hamilton.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2nd.

Shooter, Brig'r 109th, came round to see me this

evening, and sat in my dug-out, and had a long chat.

He is such a nice fellow. His H.Q. are close here

and I dine with him to-morrow night. He was in

1st R.I.F. I expect Pratt is next on the roster for a

Just off to see

Battalion. Hope he won't go yet.

Transport.

(To be continued.)