Feburary 1924

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

FEBRUARY, 1924.

Organist of Seagoe for Fifty Years.

This month Mr. Thomas Henry Wilson completes

his fiftieth year as Organist of Seagoe Parish Church.

He was appointed by the Select Vestry under the

chairmanship of Archdeacon Saurin in February,

1874. During this half century 1874-1924 Wilson

has scarcely ever been absent from his post, and

during all these years he has gathered round him

successive generations of young people to assist in

the musical services of the Parish Church. He has

succeeded in keeping up a high standard of musical

efficiency, and the Parishioners and others who wop

ship with us from time to time have always noticed

the heartiness and good tune and time of the singing

at our Services. The kindliest of feelings have always

existed between Mr, Wilson and the members

of the Choir, and the. discords which so often mar

the relationships between Choir and Organist have

in this case been conspicuous by their absence.

Seagoe Select Vestry at their last meeting, held

on Monday, January 21st, unanimously resolved that

a Testimonial be raised in the Parish to mark the

50th year of Mr. Wilson's tenure as Organist of

Seagoe Parish, and a Committee was formed to

carry it into effect

We offer Mr. Wilson on behalf of the Parish our

hearty congratulations on reaching his Jubilee as

Organist of Seagoe, and we true that he may have

many years of further service in leading the praises

of God's people in the House of Prayer.

Old Seagoe Choir.

From the year 1816, when the present Church was

consecrated, the Choir occupied places in the gallery,

which at that time, and until the Church was restored,

reached half way down the Church. In those

days there were no such things as Harmoniums or

Organs, and the singing was quite unaccompanied,

or at times assisted by Violins or Flutes. The starting

note was sounded on a large square wooden

flute like pipe (now in the possession of the Rector').

18 inches wide, 1 ½ inches long and has a moveable

square rod in it which according as it was

moved formed the required note. It is marked for

the octave from c. to c. About 1863 a Harmonium

was brought into use Mrs. Saurin, wife of the

Archdeacon, took a great interest in the Choir and she

presided at all the at that time were

held in the Hall of the Rectory. The Harmonium in

Church was always played by Mrs. Saurin who was a

skilful musician.

In 1873 Mr. Charles Wilson— a brother of Mr. T. H. Wilson

was appointed organist, and he held the post until February, 1874, when

the latter was appointed. He was only 14 years of

age at the time, but having a good voice and being

musically inclined he had been a member of the

Choir. Mr Wilson has a vivid recollection of the

Choir practices in the Rectory. Sometimes the Archdeacon

or Mrs. Saurin would ask him to sing some

special Psalm or Hymn. He remembers the

Archdeacon singing an Old Hunting Song :

Tally-ho ! Tally-ho Tally-ho ! ! Tally-ho ! ! !

The last time the Choir sat in the old gallery was

at Evening Service (7 p.m.) on Sexagesiyna Sunday„

February 9th, 1890 ; the Rev. Robert Quirk preached.

From February 16th the Services were held in the

Parochial School until Sunday, August 2nd, 1891. On

Friday, August 7th, at 3 p.m., the Church was reopened

after being restored, the Preacher being the

Very Rev. J. W. Murray, Dean of Connor. 750 people

were present to witness the Consecration of the new

Chancel and South Aisle by the Bishop, the Right

Rev. Thos. J. Welland, D.D. The offerings amounted

to £61 10s. The Bishop preached at the Services on

August 9th Morning and Evening. The Choir then,

for the first time sat in the Chancel.

A photograph of the Choir a

1890 is in the possession of Mr. Wilson,

and the following are in the group :

Misses Lizzie Rock, Maggie Lavery, Margretta

Sweeney, Minnie Hughes, Fanny Walker,

Jane Rock, Sarah Ann Uprichard, Mary Jackson,

Minnie Kennedy, Minnie Lavery, Annie Sweeney,

Eliza Killow, Hester Uprichard, Caroline M'Cu11y, Eva

M'Cully, Annie Ferguson, Martha Bailey, Mary Ann

Montgomery ; Messrs. Jack Bailey, Sam hock, David

Wm. Walker, Tom Ferguson, Hugh Bailey, James

Albin, Hugh Albin, Mr. Wickham, C. M. Wilson, T.

H. Wilson.

A great event in the history of Seagoe Choir was

the erection of the present Organ. It was placed in

the Church as a Memorial to the Baroness von

Steiglitz, who died on Januarv 23^rd 1899. The

dedication Service was held on Thursday. April 19th,

1900. It was largely attended. The sermon was

preached by the Bishop of Down (Right Rev. Dr.

Welland). His text was Rev. xiv. 5, 6. At the Service

the Organ was played by Mr. Charles M. Wilson,

Organist of Newtownards Parish Church, end brother

of Mr. T. H. Wilson. He gave a Recital at the close

of the Service, for which many remained. The first

suggestion for the purchase of a Memorial Organ

was made at a meeting of the Select Vestry held on

Monday, 20th March, 1899. The Organ was built

by Messrs. Foster and Andrews, of Hull, and cost

Æ350 On Wednesday, April 18th, 1900, a Resolution

of Thanks was passed by the Vestry to Mr. A. Macoun

for his kindness in lending to the Parish Church an

American Organ for nine years ;since the re-opening

of the enlarged Church.

SEAGOE CHURCH CHOIR, 1924.

Misses Rachel England, Minnie Allen, Agnes Wilson,

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Mollie Cox, Gretta Atkinson, Bella Magee, Jean

.England, Annie McDonald, Evelyn Webb, Ethel Best,

Agnes McClements, May Coulter, A Corscadden, E.

Corscadden, N. Montgomery, Clara Kirby, A. Murray,

Emily Cox ; Messrs David Murray, Geo. Watson,

Sydney Walker, George Wilson, S. Rennix, E Dickson,

A. Allen, Sarr- Magee, Tom Metcalfe, James Forde.

The Edenderry Fairies,

A delightful entertainment organised by the Messrs

Hawthorne was given in the Parochial Hall on

Tuesday, January 22nd, at 8 0'clock. There was a large

attendance. Several Fairy Sketches formed the opening

of the Programme. The children looked very

nice in their gorgeous dresses and gauzy wings.

The boys also did their part very well. The second

part of the Programme consisted of Recitations and

Songs. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the. evening.

Mrs. Pallet most kindly presided at the piano.

Prize Distributions.

This week—-January 27th to February 2nd—we had

no less than four Prize Distributions in the Parish—

on Monday in Drumgor, on Tuesday in Carne, on

Thursday in Levaghery, and on Friday in Hacknahay.

This is, we think, almost a record even in

Seagoe Parish. And in each centre there have been

signs of vigorous life and much success in the great

spiritual work accomplished by our Sunday Schools.

Drumgor Church Hall was crowded with the children

and their parents. A splendid tea had been

prepared by many kind friends. A short programme,

with two clever dialogues, followed, and was much

enjoyed. The Rector then distributed the Prizes to

the children who had made the best attendances

during the year. He referred to the great improvement

which had taken place in the Sunday School,

and to the kind interest taken in it by Mr. Hopps,

the Superintendent, and by Miss Agnes Guy.

Carne enjoyed itself on Tuesday evening. Mr.

David Murray and other helpers had arranged a

substantial tea, and a goodly array of prizes. An

excellent programme of Music and Recitations was

performed by the children. There is more music in

Carne than in any other part of the Parish except

Edenderry. The Rector distributed the Prizes. Mrs.

Coulter as usual very kindly helped in preparing the

tea.

Levaghery had its evening on Thursday. There

are now 70 children on the roll, and the room was

crowded. Tea was enjoyed, and then games, and

then a splendid Christmas Tree (most kindly given

by Mr. Thomas Metcalfe, the Superintendent), and

then a number of splendid Prizes, also two Silver

Medals generously given by Mr. Metcalfe to two of

his class for good conduct and attendance.

Hacknahay chose Friday for its Prize-giving. The

School was crowded. Admission was by Ticket. A

hearty Tea was partaken of, and then followed an

enjoyable Programme of Songs, Readings and Recitations.

The Prizes were then distributed to the

successful children The Rev. W. T. Wilson presided

and a very happy evening was spent.

Sale of Work.

A Sale of Work for the renovation of Drumgor

Church Hall has beer. arranged to take place on the

Tuesday in Easter Week, April 22. An energetic

local Committee is actively engaged organising the

Sale, and already many promises of help have been

received.

Curates of Seagoe.

Hearty congratulations to the Rev. J. S. Taylor on

his appointment to the important post of Rector of

Lisburn.

Welcome home to the Rev. W. R. Crichton after

his six years in India !

We hope soon for a visit from our distinguished

former Curates.

Parish Register for January.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish Church on January 5th, 1924

M'Murray—James Frederick, son of James Henry and Margaret M'Murray, of Ballyhannon.

Sponsors—Mary Maria Crawford. Sarah Ethel M' Murray.

Fletcher—Dorothy Kathleen, daughter of Joseph and Jane Fletcher, of Killicomaine.

Sponsors—Edith Livingston, Jane Eliza Fletcher.

Lyness—Eiieen Winifred, daughter of Christopher and Mabel Lyness

Sponsors—Jane Eliza Fletcher, Mabel Lyness.

Marriage.

Nicholl and M'Knight—January 15th, 1924, William Henry Nicholl, of Carrickblacker, to Annie

Margaret McKnight, of Drumnacanvey.

Burials.

Best—January 16th, Edna Maud Best, or Edenderry. aged 16 years.

30th, Joan Somerville, of Edenderry aged 15 months.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

WITH THE "NINTH" IN FRANCE.

By Lieut.-C01. S. W. BLACKER, D.S.O.

(Continued from January Magazine).

MONDAY, JANUARY 15th.

Rode over to see 11th and 13th [ Royal Irish Rifles ]. Fine day, but roads very slippery. Attended a lecture by Lushington on ‘Barrage,’ very interesting. Brought him in to tea afterwards and had a gunner talk. H.Q. mess has dwindled to six. Shall go and see 9th tomorrow morning, and very likely stay to lunch. Hope to see Shill. and Padre.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16th.

Spent morning with 9th, and lunched with them. They are all very happy and comfortable. Most interesting lecture this p.m. by Chief of Staff of the Army on Staff Duties. Simply splendid; only wish more staff officers had attended. Do you see Repington wants 60 more Divisions? Have sent out for envelopes; I always forget I’m living in town.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17th.

Padre has settled to stay with the Battalion and feels sure he can manage it; that’s a great blessing. A horrible day; snow has never ceased falling since early morn, and, of course, is lying pretty thick. I couldn’t ride, so have been studying defence scheme, pamphlets, etc.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18th.

Been out all day. Left by car at 9.00 a.m., and returned 5.00 p.m. Attended a gas demonstration, about 25 miles off. Rather interesting. Lecture in morning, and show in afternoon. It appears that we have inflicted a good deal more loss on the Bosche by gas than is generally known. Still it’s a dirty game. Please send 500 more socks at once. Goodwin, who commands 12th [ Royal Irish Rifles ], came with us today; cheery nice fellow. Snow all day.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19th.

Fergie’s dinner went off splendidly. We sat down 43, of whom about six were guests. Bde. Staff, Berry, 1st Bn., man in R.F.C. here, etc. Quite a good dinner, at 7 francs a head, in a private room at a café. Mess Sergt. and waiters assisted. Toasts—“The King,” “President French Republic,” “Our Guests,” proposed by me, responded to by Col. Clarke [ sic]; “The Battalion,” proposed by Col. Clarke [ sic], responded to by Fergie; “The C.O.” proposed by Berry, in a charming speech, and drunk with musical honours. Of course far too flattering. A few songs and finally “Auld Lang Syne,” “Marseillaise,” and National Anthem. We dispersed at 11.00 p.m. We got a ‘bus to bring them in and take them back. Snow still covers the land, and the outlook is very wintry, but a thaw is on and everything is very slushy. The glass has been steadily rising for two days, so I hope no more snow. A man is to be tried for disclosing his whereabouts; got a French girl to address the envelope, stamp it and post it in the civil post office.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20th.

Hard frost last night and bitter N.E. wind today. Wore chamois waistcoat for the first time.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21st.

Bob Maxwell just come in. Been out all day. Rode to 9th in a.m., lunched, and walked back with Shill. Roads like iron, splendid for walking. There are still 100 who have been out all the time, and not been home. Its perishing cold tonight, and my diminutive French stove has gone out. John Keane turned up for dinner in great form, and we had a good bukh.

MONDAY, JANUARY 22nd.

Nice day, frost, and clear. There have been inter-Battalion contests going on for the last ten days, in (1) football, (2) team running, (3) bayonet fighting, and (4) boxing. The finals in 2 and 3 were run off today. Unfortunately we lost against 12th in 1st round of footer. However, in this morning’s show the Battalion showed up splendidly. We move from here Friday or Saturday. Am going to prospect tomorrow. I have managed for us to work with the 12th by special request of the 12th and 9th. Sergt. Johnston was in charge of the running team, and was splendid. They all finished together as if on parade, and did the 3 miles in 27 minutes.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23rd.

Bitter cold. Such a hard frost last night. Started off at 9.00 a.m. this morn and went round our new line with Brig. 107 th; then lunched with him and so home; a very nice fellow. They’ve improved the line enormously, it’s in far better condition than our last bit, and no rivers to contend with, so easier kept right. But on the left is a good deal more strafed by the Bosche. It was a lovely sunny day with a bitter N.E. wind, which cut through one in a car. A pleasant dinner with Wilson last night, with ‘C’ mess of the Corps.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24th.

All news from Germany now gives evidence of the pinch. Yes, I really think this year will see the end of it all. Saw 11th and 13th [ Royal Irish Rifles ] this a.m., and talked about the new line and my views. Another bitter day, but sunny. Fergie went out to the Base today on a tour of inspections.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25th.

It’s very nice everyone wanting me to get the Bde. I feel prouder of that than anything. They are all so nice and easy to get on with. I told them what the Gen. said. I went out to the 9th today. Saw Brew, who seemed very well. There’s a general combing out of back areas, i.e., Div. and Bde able bodies to come back and do their bit in front. A very good thing. Frost still holds and very severe.

FRIDAY. JANUARY 26th.

Another bitter day, but sunny. The 9th moved back to their old huts today, but can’t go into the line till end of next week. They looked very well. We move back tomorrow, about ¾ mile from our late H.Q. Mudie, G.S.O.2 [ General Staff Officer Grade 2 ], has just been posted as G.S.O.2, G.H.Q., and is off today.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27th,

[Neuve Eglise, Brigade Headquarters ]

I left early in Nugent’s car to attend a conference of Brigadiers and came on here, where I saw Bn. Commanders, at 2.00 p.m., and so have been busy all day. All leave is stopped for the present; there is a good deal of congestion of railways, owing to movement of troops. Weather still bitter. Quite a comfortable Bde. H.Q., and I have a nice room. Ricardo is seedy and in bed. Am rather weary.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28^th

Another hard frost and sunny day, with N.E. wind. Had a long walk round the line, started at 9.30 a.m. and got back at 1.30 p.m. Very useful. Line quiet last night and this morning. Did you see the Home Honours?

MONDAY, JANUARY 29th.

Another sunny cold day and hard frost. Pratt will be in command of 109th [ Brigade] when he returns. Q.R. goes on leave at once. We are in a brick building fortunately, but the huts are perishing, and the line damnable. Bde. went in Sat., so you can calculate when 9th go in. Luckily there is no snow on the roads, which are as hard as iron and dusty, but snow lies on the fields. Went and saw 9th this a.m. and transport. There is a good deal of mange about. We have none so far. Your letters now come in 48 hours!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30th.

Still bitterly cold, and trying to snow. Last night the coldest we have had. G.H.Q. has all the appts. out here. 15 to 20 degs. frost here every night.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31st.

Snow in night, about one inch lying, but now sunny again, and not so cold. New G.S. O.2 has arrived, a Sikh—forgot his name. We have been ordered to comb out Bde. H.Q. people, and I have started on the job, con amore . Have only been able to return 12 to Battalions so far, but hope to comb out some more. One great boon in these H.Q. is we are only about a mile from Bn. H.Q. instead of 3½ miles at the last place. Also its down a good road, under cover the whole way.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1st.

Lovely sunny frosty day, no more snow, not so cold last night. Life is very busy just now. The 9th are so strong it’s hard to fit them into the line. They are now more than 200 stronger than the others. Leave opens again, but we only get eight places every five days, instead of 11. Big strafe on between 4.00 and 5.00 a.m. on our right—next Division. Bosche tried to get in, but failed. Was round the line this morning and now have a long afternoon in the office.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd.

Colder than ever, but sunny. Very hard to keep warm. Bosche ‘planes come over daily now, result our guns positions are spotted and heavily shelled. Young Allen, in 12th R.I.R., has now been taken on by ‘G’ side [ operations staff branch ] Div. H.Q. Have managed to find room for 9th, but one Coy. will have a cushy time in a good barn, with plenty of straw.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd.

Another sunny, frosty day; very cold night. Went round the line and saw all the 9th. They seemed quite happy and comfortable. Very quiet morning as regards shelling. The mornings are very full—a brief visit to the office, then down to the line; after lunch office for a couple of hours, round to see Battalion here, early to bed.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4th.

Same weather, but colder if possible. 22 degs. frost at 9.00 a.m. An accident at the Bde. Bombing School yesterday; killed an officer and a corporal; both such good fellows. We shot two of the Bosche patrol last night; they are lying about 50 yards from our wire. Shall try and get them in tonight. They are both dead. Bosche has been very quiet for the past 48 hours, I’m thankful to say. A good many of his ‘planes come over daily, but today is too misty for them.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5th.

We had no thaw like you. Still an iron frost. Foggy early, but sun came out and it was nice, but cold. Tried to get the dead Bosches in last night but failed, as the Huns put a M.G. barrage on the body. Yes, I think the Army School does them a lot of good. Always a little skeptical about the Bosche having got to bedrock, but they are in a bad way, no doubt, or would not have gone in for this latest ‘frightfulness.’ Old man Wilson must be in a quandary, but America will never go to war, I’m sure. We have just started a heavy strafe, just S. [ South] I have instituted a new scheme of work, making Battalions responsible for areas, and not ordering working parties from Bde; at present it’s working well, and everyone is delighted with it, and playing up well. The old way caused much friction, and much useless discomfort to the men.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6th.

Sunny and frosty still, colder than ever. Young Shill. went out about 5.00 a.m. and got all papers and things from the dead Bosche—very fine performance as the snow and full moon made it almost as light as day. Had an easy day. Strafed M.G. Coy. officer. Young Shill, in my opinion, did a very gallant deed. The Corps are clamouring for these papers, etc.

(To be continued.)