Feburary 1928

FEBRUARY. (TWENTY-THIRD YEAR.) PRICE TWOPENCE.

1928.

CARRICKBLACKER.

Carrickblacker, the residence of the Blacker family, is the outstanding house in

the Parish of Seagoe. It was built by William Blacker in the year 1692. The

stone bearing this date is still to be seen inserted in the wall of the house. The

house has played an important part in the history of the Parish for 250 years.

It contains a valuable and interesting collection of Williamite relics and of historic

pictures. The present owner of Carrickblacker is Lieut. Colonel S. Wm. Blacker,

D.S.O., who commanded the 9th Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers during the Great War.

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

For Services, Classes, etc., see end of Local Matter.

Copies of the Magazine can be had from Mr. James Vance, 28 Bridge St. Edenderry, Portadown.

ADVERTISING IS THE SOUL OF TRADE.

Ye Anchor Cafe,

Bridge Street, Portadown

RENOVATED IN UP-TO-DATE STYLE.

FIRST-CLASS BREAKFASTS, DINNERS and

TEAS at Reasonable Charges.

Catering for Large Parties a Speciality.

Roses, Fruit Trees

and Shrubs,

Cut Flowers and

Bedding Plants,

Bouquets and Wreaths a speciality

At Lowest Prices. A Trial Order Solicited.

A. J. HALL,

Seagoe Nursery.

CHEAP STATIONERY.

The Cheapest 6d Writing Pad ever offered. The Best Cheap Fountain Pen, only 1/3; a pleasure to

Write.

Cheap Account Books, 1/6, 2/- and 2/6; Great Value.

Have you read "Pollyanna;" buy a copy and be happy. Humorous Irish

Stories "Ballygullion" and "Lobster Salad," Books to make you laugh,

Also, Cheap BIBLES, PRAYER BOOKS, HYMN BOOKS, &c.

REWARD BOOKS for Prizes.

AT WAUGH'S, HIGH ST., PORTADOWN

HAMILTON & ROOK

High Street, PORTADOWN.

The Leading Ladies' & Gents' Tailors,

New Spring and Summer Suitings

New Colourings in Whipcords and Tweeds.

All Garments Made on the Premises

by First-Class Workmen.

Please Attentively Read This Notice.

Why do you not join the Co-operative Society and

put your share of the profits in your own pocket

instead of in some other person's pocket.

The question might be asked: What can I get at the Co-op.?

Everything a home requires. Groceries, the best of every

kind. Drapery, newest designs, best materials, nothing

shoddy sold. Boots and Shoes—The Best Co-operative

Production sold at prices to defy competition.

Call and examine the Goods and you will never regret

having accepted this invitation.

Note Address:

CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY, Ltd.,

Mandeville Street, PORTADOWN.

HOUSEFURNISHING

HARDWARE, CUTLERY.

JEWELLERY and STATIONERY.

WIRELESS SETS AND PARTS.

H. WALLACE,

HIGH STREET,

PORTADOWN.

FUNERALS Completely FURNISHED

..BY..

J. MONTGOMERY

HIGH STREET,

PORTADOWN.

Funerals per Motor.

Phone 99.

BUY FROM THE BEST FIRMS.

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

JANUARY, 1928.

CLERGY:

Rev. Canon Archer, B.D., The Rectory, Seagoe,

Portadown.

Rev. W. A. Henry, 21 Edward St., Portadown.

CHURCHWARDENS:

Rector's—Thos. E. Maginnis, Breagh.

People's—John R. Reid, Portadown.

Our New Cover.

With this issue the Magazine appears in its new

cover for 1928. We change the cover of Seagoe

Magazine each year. This keeps it fresh and interesting

and at the same time imparts useful information

concerning the history of Seagoe. Colonel

Blacker has kindly allowed us to print a picture of

Carrickblacker on the cover. Of all the houses in

Seagoe it is the most historical; Seagoe Rectory and

Eden Villa possibly come next. But were we to

write the history of Carrickblacker we would be

writing the history not alone of Seagoe Parish but

of most of Ulster during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The house was built in 1692, as a date stone over

one of the windows records. The Blacker family

has, however, a much longer connection with the

Parish than that. Before Carrick was built Valentine

Blacker resided in what was then known as the

Manor House, in Ballynaghy, where Spence and

Bryson's factory now stands. The factory buildings

are still known as Blacker's Mill because of a corn

mill which existed there before the factory was built.

Some traces of the old Manor House may still be

seen. Dean Blacker resided for many years at

Carrickblacker, and his son, Colonel William Blacker,

became very famous as a poet, patriot and politician.

Colonel Blacker died in the year 1855 and is buried

in Old Seagoe graveyard. Carrickblacker, or Carrick,

as it used to be called, is an imposing building and

is built in the Dutch style; no doubt out of compliment

to the family of Orange which gave us William III.

Death of Dr. Henry.

Much sympathy has been expressed throughout the

Parish with the Rev. W. A. Henry, Curate of Seagoe,

on the death of his father, Dr. Henry, of Clones.

Since Mr. Henry came amongst us a year ago we

had got to know much about Dr. Henry. The visit

paid to the Parish by Mrs. Henry and the inspiring

address she gave to the Mother's Union are remembered

with pleasure and gratitude. Dr. Henry passed away

after a few days' illness from pneumonia. His death

evoked a wonderful display of sorrow amongst

all creeds and classes in Clones. We quote the

following passage from a local paper—" Profound

regret and sorrow was felt over Clones and district

on Monday afternoon when it was learned that Dr.

William Henry had passed away. He was popular

in the highest degree and he died a martyr in the

fulfilment of his duty. In him the poor had always

a genuine, warm-hearted friend, in whose behalf he

toiled day and night up to the very moment of his

fatal illness. The whole community were present

at the funeral to testify their love and respect for

the deceased." We sympathise very sincerely with

Mr. Henry and with all the members of his family

in their sad bereavement.

An Interesting Letter

24th January, 1928.

Dear Canon Archer,

You will be glad to learn we have been granted

the registration of the words "Gold Medal" as a

trade mark for Tea, and as the Seagoe Magazine

played no small part in bringing this about, please

accept our sincere thanks for the service rendered.

When our Patent Agents in London made application

in May last, the Registrar, in refusing, gave amongst

other reasons lack of sufficient proof to show the

antiquity of the name, i.e., advertisements with the

words Montgomery's Gold Medal Tea used by us

ten years ago or longer. As you know, I applied and

obtained from you copies of your Magazine for 1907

and 1908, which contained the necessary wording,

and at the second hearing which I attended satisfied

the Registrar that name was used by us for the period

required. Coinciding as it does with another new year

of publication, you will please book us for our usual

full page advertisement, a copy of which is enclosed.

With renewed thanks, and best wishes for a prosperous

1928,

Yours faithfully,

CHARLES MONTGOMERY.

T. J. Montgomery & Son,

The Gold Medal Tea House,

Portadown.

Grand Concert

The concert organised by Mr. T. H. Wilson was

given in the Town Hall, Portadown, on the evening

of Thursday, January 26th, at 8 p.m. The Hall was

quite full. The programme was very well arranged.

The concert party came from Belfast and numbered

amongst them some of the finest vocalists in Belfast.

The Mayfair Glee Singers sang perfectly. Every

item was encored and the performers responded with

great willingness. The proceeds are on behalf of

Seagoe Choir Fund. The sale of tickets brought in

over £50, but expenses are, of course, considerable.

Mr. Wilson, who has now been fifty-four years

organist of Seagoe, displayed splendid energy in

selling the tickets and organising the concert. The

audience which assembled in the Town Hall was

an ideal one in the way they listened and applauded.

Altogether the concert proved a great success and

provided all who were present with a most enjoy-

able feast of music.

Our Sunday Schools.

At this season of the year our Sunday Schools

hold their annual Feasts and prize-givings. On

Tuesday, January 31st, Levaghery had a very

pleasant evening in their quaint old schoolhouse. A

splendid tea had been provided, and after tea a short

programme had been arranged, and then games of

various kinds were indulged in. Prizes were not

awarded this year. Mr. James Ford, who is the

Superintendent of the Sunday School, is to be

congratulated on the efficient state of the School.

Edenderry and Seagoe had a splendid combined,

evening in Seagoe School on Thursday, February

2nd. The Mothers' Union, who have recently shown

so much enterprise, asked that they might be allowed

to entertain the children of both Schools. There was

a very large gathering. After a plentiful supply of

tea and cake an attractive programme of music and

recitations was provided, but the great attraction of

the evening was a splendid Christmas Tree, from

which were suspended some 300 gifts, one for each

child present. It was thought better to postpone the

distribution of the Book Prizes until a later date.

The infant children from Edenderry were brought to

the School in a special bus. Altogether a most

enjoyable evening was spent.

Coming S.S. Fetes

The following dates and places have been arranged

for Sunday School Fetes: —

Carne—Tuesday, Feb. 14th, at 7.30 p.m.

Hacknahay—Thursday, Feb. 16th, at 6.30 p.m.

Drumgor—Tuesday, Feb. 21st, at 7.30 p.m.

Revision of General Vestry.

A meeting of Seagoe Select Vestry will be held on

Tuesday, February 7th, at 8 p.m., in Seagoe School,

for the purpose of revising the list of the General

Vestry of the Parish. Those who would wish to

have their names added to the list can obtain a

Declaration Form at the meeting of the Vestry on

Tuesday or by making application to Mr. Moses

Gilpin, Hon. Sec., Drumnagoon. The list will remain

open for revision until the next meeting of the

Select Vestry on Tuesday, February 28th.

Seagoe Mothers' Union

The opening meeting of the New Year was held

in Seagoe School on Tuesday, January 10th, at 7.30 p.m.

Over 50 members sat down to tea. After tea, the Rector,

who presided, gave a short address. Three new members

were admitted. Elections to the various offices were

then made. Mrs. Rennix was re-elected President;

Mrs. Reid, Secretary, and Mrs. Twinem, Treasurer.

The former committee was re-elected, with the addition

of two new members, bringing up the number of the

committee to twelve. Several kind friends provided

most attractive musical items. A very pleasing

gathering concluded by the singing of the Mothers'

Union Hymn.

Mission at Drumgor.

Mr. Robert Gracey, of Donacloney, and until recently

a Church Army Evangelist, conducted a successful

Mission in Drumgor Church Hall from Sunday, January

8th, to Sunday, January 22nd. The attendances were

large and an earnest spirit was awakened by the stirring

addresses delivered each evening. We hope to arrange

with Mr. Gracey for further Missions in other centres

of the Parish.

Parish Register for January.

Marriages.

Wilson and Stewart—January 18th, by the Rev. S.

Mayes, M.A., Rector of Kilmore, Valentine

Wilson, of Portadown, to Christine Stewart,

daughter of the late Dr. Stewart and

granddaughter of the late Venerable

Archdeacon Saurin.

Cardwell and M'Nulty—Feb. 1st, Samuel Cardwell,

of the Parish of Donaghcloney, to Emily

M'Nulty, of Drumgor.

Burials.

M'Keown—January 8th. James M'Keown, of Edenderry,

aged 28. Interred at Blaris, Lisburn.

Hall—January 9th, Winifred Elizabeth Hall, of

Kernan, aged 35.

M'Cormick—January 26th, Alexander M'Cormick, of

Ballyhannon, aged 62 years.

M'Keown—January 31st, Sophia M'Keown, of Armagh,

formerly of Edenderry, aged 81 years.

Obituary.

During the past month we have had some sad

losses by death. James M'Keown had a sudden call

from time to eternity He was known to many

among us, who watched with great interest his rising

position as an accomplished architect who had

already made a name for himself in that great profession.

He was educated at Seagoe School and later was

apprenticed to Mr. Ffennell, the famous Belfast

architect. He had a great interest in his work and

had already designed some fine buildings. We deplore

his early death, and our deepest sympathy goes out

to his widowed mother, who in his death has lost her

only child. Another very sad death is that of Mrs. Hall,

of Kernan, at an early age. She succumbed to an attack

of pneumonia after a brief illness, leaving a young

family. We desire to express our sincere sympathy

with her husband, Mr. A. J. Hall, of Seagoe Nurseries,

and with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Coulter, of Tarson,

in their bereavement.

We regret to record the death of Alexander M'Cormick,

of Ballyhannon, after an illness of some months, and

we express our great sympathy with his wife and family

in their sorrow. Mr. M'Cormick was well-known to many

in the Parish.

Old Seagoe Notes

The Burleigh pew in Old Seagoe Church . — It

is always interesting to revive memories of Old

Seagoe church, whose doors were finally closed to

worshipers in 1816, when the present Church was

consecrated. A feature of the old Church was the south

porch, the remains of which can still be traced. Over

this porch was a sun-dial. We wonder what became of it.

Perhaps some of our readers might be able to tell us.

According to the Ordnance Survey map of 1855 there

was a sun-dial in Derryvore. Could this have been

the sun-dial from the Church porch? Two steps led

down into the Church from the porch. The Church

contained 25 large, square pews. As people entered

the Church through the porch the first pew on the

right was the Burleigh pew, where the family from

Lylo or Burleigh Court sat. It can be seen on the

plan of the old Church which was published in this

Magazine, some years ago.

***

A Stone Circle at Ballyhannon. — Our attention

was recently directed by Mr. Neill to certain stone

remains in Ballyhannon which seem to form the

remains of a prehistoric stone circle. The stones are

so large and numerous as to preclude the possibility

that they are simply an ordinary natural group of

boulders. A firmly built causeway leads up to them.

It would be worth-while to investigate the site

somewhat further if the owner of the site will kindly

permit. These stone circles are usually associated

with the worship of the ancient Druids.

A Curious 18th Century Token. — Mr. England, a

brother of Mr. Nicholas England, of Ballymacrandle,

has sent the Rector a curious 18th century copper

token. On one side of it are the words "Cornebane

halfpenny," and the head of an ancient Irish Bishop,

possibly St. Kevin. On the other side are the words:

Associated Irish Mine Company,' with a shield and

the date 1789. Cornebane is the name of a townland

in the Co. Wicklow. The coin has no connection

with the Parish of Seagoe.

The Rev. John Jones, Vicar of Seagoe, 1609-1666. -—

The Rev. John Jones was presented to the living of

Seago by King James I., and remained there for

some fifty years. During the Commonwealth he

conformed to the rules imposed by the Protectorate.

For a short period towards the close of his life he held

the Rectory of Tullylish along with that of Seagoe.

Not much is known about him, but he seems to have

yielded considerable influence and may have been

related to Dr. Thomas Jones, an Englishman, who

held the Archbishopric of Dublin from 1605 to 1619,

or to Dr. Lewis Jones, who was Bishop of Killaloe

from 1633 to 1646, but this is only a surmise.

More Campaigning Notes by an Old Seagoe Soldier

Sergeant Thomas Russell, of Clanrolla, formerly

in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, sends us some more

interesting items of his campaigning days. He writes

as follows: —"I send you a few more notes of my

campaigning days. We had not long returned home

from the campaign in British East Africa on the

termination of hostilities there in 1897. I was at

Colchester when I put in for a transfer to the Royal

Field Artillery, as I had a shoeing-smith's certificate.

Our good, old Colonel Reeves granted me my wish.

This was in 1898. I had not long to wait before

another big war broke out in South Africa. When

we arrived in Capetown, about Christmas, 1899, the

weather was fearfully hot. I could scarcely get my

breath while we were on the march to our camp

there was such dust, and the sand was over our

ankles. The poor gee-gees suffered, too. It was not

long before we got to a place called the Orange

River. We joined up with the 18th Brigade under

Sir H. Colville, our General. We were also under

General Kelly-Kenny, and later on under General

Pole-Carew. The Guards Brigade was also a good

support to us and our guns until we came to the

Vet River. Here the enemy attacked us and the

Guns Began to Play.

There were a few casualties. The attack soon

slacked down. Then we went on the go again, till

we came to the Land River, where we had another

smack in for a few hours. This led up to the big

battle of Diamond Hill, when our good old Major

Guinness gave the gunners a "well done”. After

this we came into another big battle at Driefontein,

when the guns started to bark again. We had a

few days' leisure till we ran into Johannesburg with

some sick. The guns started again and we had a

few casualties. We then marched to Pretoria and

paraded through the town. Then we saw the

Transvaal Republican flag hauled down and

The Good old Union Jack

was soon flying over the Government Buildings.

There was some weeping and wailing at this among

the Dutch. After a few days' rest we advanced

through the Western Transvaal till we came to a

wee station called Panne. Here we picked up with

my old Regiment, the 2nd Royal Irish Fusiliers, and

we were glad to meet them. And who should come

up to me but my old Sergeant J. Corkin, a Portadown

man, also Maxwell and my old Colour-Sergeant

Collins, who had been made Quarter-Master. I had

a warm shake of the hand with him and spent a

good night with the "Faughs." So, in a few days

we got ready for the big battle of Belfast. My, oh!

It was a terror when Long Tom began to play on

us, but when they got

A Lick of our 15 pounder

they soon got fed up. We went from there to Newcastle,

where our Boer prisoners were. It was a terrible place.

We marched then into the Bush country. Here I

contracted enteric fever. Then we came down country

again, and Lord Roberts ceased to command us. He was

succeeded by Lord Kitchener, a fine man like Lord

Roberts, but much taller. But, ah! Just then we got

word that old Queen Victoria was dead, and our hearts

were sad that day when we saw the flag going half-mast

high. I was afterwards invalided home, after having

been under three Generals. I got the South African

medal and five clasps for this campaign."

Mission in Edenderry.

Mr. Robert Gracey, formerly of the Church Army,

will (D.V.) conduct a fortnight's Mission in

Edenderry Parochial Hall, beginning with a Service at

4 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 12th. The week-night Services

will be held at 8 p.m. except on Saturday.

ITEMS.

We are glad to see a horse-sweeper at work on

Seagoe Road, which has been almost impassable for

some months past owing to the depth of surface mud.

***

The site of the proposed sewage tanks is at present

submerged by the flood-waters of the Bann. We

wonder what would have happened if the tank

had been there.

***

An interesting and important correspondence is

taking place in the Belfast newspapers with reference

to the attitude assumed by the Armagh Regional

Committee regarding Bible teaching in transferred

Schools.

***

Everyone thinks that the Mothers' Union treat

to the children of Edenderry and Seagoe Sunday

School was the best in the history of Seagoe. We

congratulate Mr. Rennix and the Seagoe

Children's Choir on their singing at, the Mothers'

Union treat.

SERVICES

THE PARISH CHURCH.

HOLY COMMUNION—1st Sunday after Morning

Prayer; 3rd Sunday at 8 a.m., and on the Chief

Festivals.

HOLY BAPTISM—1st Saturday of Month at 3 p.m.,

and during any Service in the Parish Church.

if notice be given; Two Sponsors at least are

required, and they must be Confirmed members

of the Church. Churchings are held at each

Baptism. Mothers are expected to bring a thank

offering. (See Book of Common Prayer.)

MORNING PRAYER—Sundays and Chief Festivals

8 p.m. during Advent and Lent.

EVENING PRAYER—Sundays 7 p.m., Wednesdays

8 p.m.

DISTRICT SERVICES.

Hacknahay—Last Sunday of Month at 3.30 p.m.

Drumgor—Second Sunday of Month at 4 p.m.

CLASSES, &c.

ADULT CLASSES - Sundays at 10 a.m.

For Men—Edenderry. For Women—Seagoe School.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS—10 a.m. Edenderry Parochial

Hall and Seagoe School. 3 p.m. Seagoe, Edenderry

Parochial Hall, Levaghery, Hacknahay, Carne, Drumgor.

Men's Recreation Room, Bridge St., open every

night from 7 p.m.

Mothers' Union, Edenderry, 2nd Tuesday of each

month.

DAY SCHOOL—Seagoe, 9.30 a.m. Principal—Mr. S

Rennix.

MARRIAGES must be performed between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Licenses are issued by Rev Canon Hannon, Rectory, Lurgan. Due notice (48 hours) must be given to the Rector of intended weddings. FEES— By License—Labourers 5/-, Tradesmen 10/-, Merchants and Farmers 15/-, Professional £l. By Banns 5/-.

FUNERALS will be attended by the Clergy if proper notice be given. SICK CASES should be notified to the Clergy without delay. FEES FOR CERTIFICATES BAPTISM , 3/7; Children (Factory), 1/- and 2/- (non-residents); MARRIAGE, 3/7. An extra search fee is chargeable in certain cases. It will be a help to the Clergy if they are notified of the arrival of new Church families in the Parish.

A copy of the Magazine will be sent post free to any subscriber for 3s per annum.