January 1916

Seagoe Parish Magazine

JANUARY 1916. ELEVENTH VEAR. No. 1.

Motto for 1916

"FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH." 1st Tim. VI. 12,

C. COURTNEY'S

SELECT GROCERIES STILL AT THE FRONT.

HIS TEAS are SECOND TO N0NE.

Agent for the Celebrated MAZAWATTEE TEA

High Street, PORTADOWN.

HOUSEFURNISHING, HARDWARE, CUTLERY,

JEWELLERY and STATIONERY,

Private Room for Selecting WEDDING RINGS

TRY THEM.

H. WALLACE ,

HIGH STREET,

PORTADOWN.

.

The road to victory is hard, but nothing brings success with success, our knowledge of TEA has brought us over 20 Awards in the leading Tea Blending Competitions open to the

United Kingdom, with the result we now stand the largest Retail Tea Dealers in Portadown.

TEAS of all Classes, and at all Prices.

Our GOLD MEDAL BLEND has won favour with Flavour.

T. J. MONTGOMERY & SON.

BOOKS AND STATIONERY or ALL SORTS, AND

BEST VALUE.WRITING PADS and PAD BOXES with Envelopes,

FOUNTAIN PENS, good and cheap.

BIBLES, HYMN BOOKS, _PRAYER BOOKS.

A SPLENDID POCKET BIBLE 1/6 and 2/- each

Pocket Books, Note Books, Ladies' Bags, Drawing Blocks, and Drawing Books,

SCHOOL BOOKS, PRIZE BOOKS,

J. WAUGH , High Street, PORTADOWN.

CHARLES J. COLLINS.

GENERAL GROCER and

PROVISION MERCHANT

Try my 2/8 Tea.

BEST ON THE MARKET.

18 Bridge Street, PORTADOWN.

COME FOR

CHEAP, STYLISH, and UP-TO-DATE

DRAPERY GOODS

To BE HAD ALL THE YFAR ROUND

Motor Wedding Cars, Motor Charabanc,

Motor Furniture Removing, as well as

Up-to-date Horse-drawn Vehicles, at

short notice and reasonable prices.

ANDERSON & CO.,

Drapers, Undertakers, and Furniture Removers,

PORTADOWN.

Portadown News Print

Enlargements and Miniatures

When you want anything in these Lines

Come to MOFFETT'S Art studio, 53 Bridge St.

BEST AND MOST ARTISTIC WORK. “NO CANVASSERS EMPLOYED.'

Portraits Photograph Frames

Estd 1825

“ Grattan’s”

AERATED W AT ERS

HOUSEHOLD FAVOURITES.

YE ANCHOR CAFE

First Class Restaurant

AT THE BRIDGE

(Five Minutes' Walk from Station).

BREAKFAST,

LUNCHEONS,

and TEAS .

HOT LUNCHEONS DAILY

From 12 to 3 O’clock.

PRICES VERY MODERATE.

LARCE ROOM for FOOTBALL & CYCLE PARTIES.

SEPARATE ROOM FOR WEDDINGS

If Notice is given to the Manageress.

The Ideal Bread

INGLIS'

Owing to the careful manner in which the ingredients are selected, and the

special process used in manufacture, this bread can claim to be

Ireland's Best Bread

It is manufactured on the most up- to-date hygienic principles, and -is a

Brain and Muscle Builder

which should be on every table.

Supplied Fresh Daily over the North of Ireland.

INGLIS & CO., Ltd., Belfast.

Seagoe Parish Magazine

JANUARY 1918,

A Collect.

O almighty God, alone art without variableness or shadow of turning,

and hast safely brought us, through the changes of time, to the beginning of

another year; we beseech thee to pardon the sins we have committed in the year

which is passed, and give us grace to spend the remainder of our days to thy honour

and glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

1916,

With this issue Seagoe Parish Magazine enters its eleventh year of publication, and we are glad

to think that it fulfils useful purpose in our Parish life. During the past year the demand for the

Magazine has been greater than in any previous year, and it has only been by an effort that a few copies of each month's issue have been kept for future reference.

We hope our readers will like the new cover, which is more ambitious than former efforts, being printed in two colours. The Union Jacks remind us of the lads of Seagoe now serving their King and Country under the old flag on many fields of honour; the intertwined rose, thistle and shamrock speak to us of the unbroken unity of the United Kingdom.

It will be our aim this year, as in past years, to make the Magazine a vehicle for transmitting all that

concerns the Parish of Seagoe to lovers of Seagoe all the world over, and especially for supplying the Parishioners with all that may be of use and interest to them in the past and present history of the Parish.

We ask our readers to extend their kind patronage to the firms who so generously advertise in our

columns. From year to year, few of our advertisers drop out, and when they do others are very anxious to take their place. Many of those who advertise in this number have helped us ever since the Magazine commenced in January 1906. We thank them very sincerely for their kind support.

Death of Mr. John Lavery,

We regret to record the death of Mr. John Lavery, of Kilvergan, at the age of 83. Mr. Lavery had been for many years associated with the Church in this Parish, having on many occasions been elected a member of the Select Vestry.

His interest in the Parish never failed, and he was ever ready to offer his services in the cause of Christ and the Church. After a long period of weakness, he passed to his eternal reward. We sympathise sincerely with his bereaved wife and family.

Visit of the Rev, W, R, Crichton.

The Parishioners enjoyed last week a visit from their old friend and former curate, Mr. Crichton, who lectured in Drumgor and Hacknahay on the evenings of Monday and Tuesday, January 3rd and 4th. There were good audiences on each occasion, and his lectures on “Hamburg," in connection with the work of the Jews’ Society, were most interesting.

Mr. Crichton narrowly escaped internment in Germany in July 1914,

on the outbreak of the war, while visiting the mission centres at Hamburg. He got away from Germany just before war was declared.

Blacker.

Colonel Blacker paid a flying visit to Carrickblacker last week, arriving on Thursday morning, January 6th, and leaving on Saturday evening. Everyone was very glad to see him, and to feel that the distinguished and popular commander of our 9th Battalion was with us again. He looked in splendid form, notwithstanding the strenuous time he has had. He speaks in the highest terms of the men under his command. While at the front in trenches they were constantly under fire, and took their share in all the usual trench duties, such as mending the barbed wire entanglements, etc. . It is a tribute to the discipline of the Battalion, and a source of much satisfaction, that the Battalion returned to billets without a scratch.

Colonel Blacker, while at home, spent most of his time in visiting the relatives of men in the

Battalion

.

Death of Colonel Fitzroy.

We regret to announce the death of Colonel Fitzroy (late of the R.F. Artillery), father of Mrs. Blacker, which took place at his residence near Farnham, England, on Monday, January 3rd. Colonel Fitzroy has on many occasions been a visitor to Carrickblacker, and all who met him were impressed with his kindly and genial disposition.

Our readers will share in our expression of sincere sympathy with Colonel and Mrs. Blacker in the loss they have sustained.

Offertories for December-

Sunday—Mornings, £6:13:4

Evenings, £1:7:7

Week Days £4:5:9

£12 6 8

Special Collection (included in above)—December 12 ^th; £4 0s 0d for Poor Parishes Fund;

7s 8d 2d for Bible Society.

December 25th (Christmas Day) For Clothing Fund for Poor, 17s 9d.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Presentation to the Rev. G. Bloomer, BA.

The people of Seagoe were very sorry to part with Mr. Bloomer, and when it was suggested by the Select Vestry that the Parish should give him a token of their esteem and respect, the movement received a wide and hearty support.

On Tuesday, December 21st, the Presentation of the gift took place in Seagoe School. The Rector

presided over a goodly company, representative of the whole Parish.

Mr. W. R. Atkinson, Hon. Sec. of Seagoe Vestry, read the following address:—

ADDRESS.

Dear Mr. Bloomer,—The Parishioners of Seagoe heard with genuine regret that you had resigned the Curacy of the Parish, as during the term of your ministrations amongst them, you had endeared yourself to them by the faithful and impartial manner in which you performed your duties.

Your efforts in connection with Seagoe Men's Bible Class and the Band of Hope has been much appreciated, and your diligence in pastoral visitation has done much to further the cause of Christ and His Church in the Parish.

As a small token of the kindly feeling that has existed between you and the parishioners, we ask

your acceptance of the accompanying purse of Sovereigns, and we desire to assure you of our earnest wishes for your future welfare, and of our prayers that the Divine blessing may rest upon you in all you undertake.

Signed on behalf of the subscribers,

James E. Arc h e r, Rector.

Geo r g e Ca lv e r t, Thomas Dawson C h u r c h w a r d e n s -

Dec. 21st, 1915.

.

After the reading of the address, Mr. Atkinson handed to Mr. Bloomer a cheque for a substantial

amount, the gift of the Parishioners. Mr. Bloomer then read the following reply:—

REPLY.

My Dear friends, I sincerely thank you for your kind words and valuable gift. They are still further

evidence of the unfailing kindliness that you have ever shown me since I came among you. Nothing could give me greater comfort and encouragement than to hear you say that my ministry in your midst has done much to further the cause of Christ and his Church.

My work in Seagoe Men's Bible Class was always most agreeable, and I shall ever look back on it with pleasure. As to the Band of Hope work, I am afraid you give me more credit for the success of it than is due to me.

The warm and kindly welcome that you invariably gave me in your homes made pastoral visitation a duty that gave me real pleasure. In your kindness of heart, you have overlooked my many imperfections, and I am deeply grateful to you for your forbearance of my failings.

To Mr. Archer I wish to express my genuine gratitude for his wise guidance and his friendly help ever since I knew him.

Again thanking you for your encouraging words and useful gift, and with every good wish for future blessing and prosperity to Seagoe Parish,—l remain,

GEORGE BLOOMER. You’re affectionate Friend.

The following also spoke, expressing regret at Mr. Bloomer's departure from the Parish, and their high appreciation of his character and services:—

Messrs. George Calvert, J.P., and Thomas Dawson, churchwardens; and Mr. William Best.

The Rev. Canon Moeran, Rector of Portadown, expressed the pleasure he felt at being present, and thanked the Chairman for his kind welcome. He felt that in securing Mr.

Bloomer as a fellow-helper, he was getting the man who could help him best in the work in Portadown Parish.

Those present partook of tea on their arrival, and altogether the proceedings were of a most sociable and pleasant kind.

A letter was read from Mr. Alan Bell, R.M, much regretting his inability to be present.

We hope soon to insert in the Magazine a portrait of the Rev. G. Bloomer, as a memento of his stay in Seagoe Parish.

Seagoe School and the War.

The pupils of Seagoe Day School sent a large

parcel of Christmas presents to the lads in France. They have been sent the following letter of thanks from the men, who very much appreciated the gifts.

Miss Atkinson forwarded them to Major Atkinson, who handed them to Sergeant J. Shepherd for distribution

31/12/15.

To the children (and their parents) of Seagoe Day School, from the boys of Seagoe, Would you please accept our very best thanks for the gift of socks, mufflers, mittens, writing pads, etc., which we received on your behalf from Miss Isobel Atkinson,

Now when the cold weather is about to set in, they will prove very useful, and the senders will be often blessed by the boys who received them. So in closing this short note, I may say all the

Seagoe boys are well, and all wish to be remembered to the scholars of Seagoe School, and not for-

getting all the people who worked so hard to send us the splendid presents.—Sincerely yours, for the boys

from Seagoe,

J. SHEPHERDE

Those who are interested in observing the stars should this month notice Venus, the beautiful planet, now visible each evening low down in the west just after sunset ; Jupiter somewhat higher in the heavens towards the south ; Mars, the red planet of war, now appropriately to be seen " on the Lion's (Leo) breast." Saturn and Mercury are also visible.

PARISH REGISTER for DECEMBER

Baptism,

Jesus called a little child unto Him,"

Fisher—December 4th, 1915, Sarah Anne, daughter

of Joseph and Deborah Fisher, of Edenderry.

Marriages,

“Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.

Porter and Simpson—17th December 1915

Richard Porter, of Lower Seagoe, to Elizabeth Alice Simpson, of Levaghery.

Simpson and McCann—17th December 1915,

John Simpson, of Levaghery, to Jane McCann, of Portadown.

Ruddell and Hutchinson—24th December 1915,

Alexander Ruddell, of Kernan, to Mary (Minnie) Elizabeth Hutchinson, of Portadown.

Holmes and Gates—25th December 1915, Norman Sidney Holmes, Driver, Royal Field Artillery, of Killicomaine, to Rachel Gates, of Edenderry.

Montgomery and Porter—11th January 1916, Thomas John Montgomery (North Irish Horse, B.EF.), of Lower Seagoe, to Martha Porter, of Lower Seagoe.

Calliston and Blacker—14th January 1916, Robert Calliston (Irish Guards, B.E.F. France),

of Edenderry, to Mary Jane Blacker, of Portadown.

Burials,

Till the day break and the shadows flee away."

McNally 5th December 1915, Mary McNally, of Edenderry, aged 56 years.

Wright—21st December 1915, James Wright, of Belfast, aged 72 years.

Bentley—22nd December 1915, Thomas James Bentley, aged 64 years.

Magee—-22nd December 1915, Herbert W. Magee, of Kernan, aged 15 years.

McCabe—23rd December 1915, Alexander McCabe, of Ballinacor, aged 86 years.

Vaughan—30th December 1915, John Vaughan, of Kernan, aged 75 years.

Lavery—5th January, 1916, John Lavery, of Kilvergan, aged 83 years.

Bits from the Front.

Germans Hard to Beat.—Fforde Hall, Quartermaster Sergeant 9th Batt. R Enniskillen Fusiliers,

writes from France—" The Germans are a mighty enemy, and I'm afraid are going to be very hard to beat. If the boys at home only knew the desperate fighting that has to be done, and the fine fellows who fall every day, they would come out and help if they were not cowards."

A Good Parade Service. —The Rev. F. J. Halahan, Rector of Drumcree, and Chaplain to our

9th Batt. R.I.F. in France, writes—" We are now in very comfortable billets, and are preparing for the Christmas Festival. The singing men are learning some carols, and we hope, if fine, to have good Parade Service on the lawn at the back of the chateau. Most of our services are held in the open, as it is impossible to get a covered building large enough. I have charge of four or five villages.

Services begin at 9 or 9-30, and go on to 12-30, and then perhaps an afternoon or evening service. Hope Seagoe is flourishing. Best wishes."

Football on the Lawn.—Simpson Fox, 9th Batt. R.IF. writes, under date December 11th, 1915

—I got your paper the night before I left the trenches. We marched for three days after we came out one day we did 17} miles. We are stopping in a vacant gentleman’s residence, something like Seagoe Rectory.

Some of the lucky ones got into the main house, and the rest of us are billeted in the out-offices round the large yard.

We are all very comfortable. Just now when I am writing to you some of the machine-gun section are playing No, 8 Platoon a football match on the Lawn, which is just outside my billet. Our good chaplain, Mr. Halahan, gets up a concert for us every Friday night, in the large barn where we have

church on Sunday. Last night's concert was a great success. We all thought it ended too soon.

I like the French people all right, but the language is very difficult.

ITEMS,

We congratulate Miss Margaret Quinn, a former monitress in Seagoe School, on her appointment as Principal of Skreen National School, Sligo. Her many friends in Seagoe and Portadown will be glad to hear of her success.

During the holidays, considerable improvements were carried out in the playground at Seagoe School, and the schoolrooms were thoroughly cleaned out, repaired and sterilised.

.

Miss Rhoda Guy has been appointed visitor of absent Sunday-school children for Seagoe Sunday school; and Mrs. Stothers and Miss A. Hawthorne for Edenderry Sunday school. We hope the parents of the children will co-operate with our helpers in securing the regular attendance of the pupils.

Subscriptions to the Sustentation Fund are now due. If by any chance, the collector has failed to call at your house, and you wish to subscribe, place your money in an envelope and leave it with the Hon. Treas., Mr. W. R. Atkinson, Eden Villa.

The Roll of honour for Seagoe Parish now contains 226 names.

The funeral of Lance-Corporal Samuel Dillon, of the 9th Batt. R.I.F., took place to Seagoe on Sunday,

9th inst. An enormous concourse of people attended, and thus showed their regret at the loss of a youthful hero, and their deep sympathy with his bereaved relatives, A detachment of the R.I,F. from Lurgan with band and firing party attended.

Captain Shillington, 9th Batt. R.I.F., has returned from France for a holiday, owing to slight illness.

There is no more popular officer in the Battalion, and we are glad to know that he is getting quite

strong again.

The Soldiers Rest at Portadown Station is doing a most useful work. It is thronged with soldiers at

all hours of the day and night, and they are most grateful for the attention and shelter they receive. A special word of praise is due to the ladies who, without thought of time or trouble, devote themselves to supplying the needs of the boys in Khaki. Colonel Blacker paid two visits to the Rest last week, and was much interested in the good work it was doing.

One effect of the war, noticeable in the Parish, is a great increase in the number of marriages. Khaki weddings are becoming quite common at the Parish Church.

An Australian Light Infantry man, who was recently in this neighbourhood on a visit with relatives,

received 23 letters from his mother in Australia by one post. She had been writing to him every week while he was at Gallipoli, but the letters had failed to reach him. He sat down and read them all, and thought there was not one too many. So much for the mothers!

A large willow tree, which for many years has formed a notable landmark on the banks of the Bann at Seagoe, has been blown over by the recent storm, and now lies partly submerged in the flood.

Alexander McCabe, whose death at an advanced age, we record in this issue, went as a gold digger to Queensland in the fifties. He liked to tell of how he and his wife journeyed to the Southern Antipodes in a crowded sailing vessel called “The Golden Dream," which took about three months on the voyage. Some of the Seagoe gold diggers are still with us, we are glad to say, but their number is growing thinner every year.

The Choir are practising the anthem, “God so loved the World," from Steiner’s” Crucifixion," in

preparation for the services during Lent.

Old Seagoe Notes-

The Arms of Portadown.—ln a work entitled “The Book of Public Arms," by A. C. Fox-Davies,

Barrister, recently published by T. C. & E. C. Jack, of London, the following reference is made to the

Arms of Portadown (P. 606) : Portadown (Co. Armagh) has no armorial bearings and none are claimed except on the seal, which, within the legend " Portadown Town

Commissioners, 1883 “displays the armorial

bearings of His Grace the Duke of Manchester as, follows :" Quarterly 1 and 4, argent, three lozenges conjoined in fesse gules, within a bordure sable (for Montagu); 2 and 3, or an eagle displayed vert, beaked and membered gules (for Monthermer). Over a ducal coronet is placed for crest—a griffin’s head or, between two wings sable. (This should be gorged with a collar argent, charged with three lozenges gules).

Supporters—(Dexter) an heraldic antelope or, armed, unguled and tufted argent, (sinister) a griffin

with wings elevated or. (This should be collared as the crest).

Motto—" Disponendo me, non mutando me "(By disposing me, not by changing me).

An Old Seagoe Will, 1760e—The Will of Thomas Robinson,' of Sego, July 29th, 1760.

" My children shall all live together in my new farm and holding for 3 years from All Saints Day next. After the said term of three years, my executors shall divide chattels among children. If they differ they shall chose two or more of my honest neighbours who shall divide my goods and chattels. I ordain my eldest son John Robinson and James Quarry to be my executors.

In presence of

DARCY WENTWORTH.

His

HUGH X ROBINSON.

THOMAS ROBINSON,

mark Seal