July 1909

Seagoe Parish magazine.

JULY, 1909.

WE are glad to be able to chronicle a great success for our Sunday School Excursion this year. The morning of Tuesday, June 22nd, certainly looked very cloudy and a few drops of rain actually fell before the procession started and as we left the Church it seemed as if the weather must break, but all fears were dispelled after we steamed out of Portadown station. The clouds cleared, the summer sun shone out, cloaks were laid aside, and it was easy to see that Seagoe was going to revert to her old traditions and have a glorious day for her trip. At Warrenpoint the excursionists, led by the inspiriting strains of the Ballyhannon Flute Band, made their way to Jones's Field. It was a much pleasanter place than the old and close Town Hall. The spacious sheds were filled with hungry children who soon were busily engaged refreshing the inner man with best Portadown Buns washed

down with Gold Medal Tea. The party then scattered in various directions, many visited the gardens, others loitered on the Pier, and some had a refreshing swim in the splendid new Baths. Perhaps the most favourite excursion was to beautiful Rostrevor which looked perfect nestling in its leafy hollow. Nearly everyone went up to see the Big Stone, young and old, rich and poor, stout and thin, all puffed their toilsome way up to Cloughmore. The giant who dropped that Big Stone so high up on the mountain has a great deal to answer for. The commodious motor cars plying between Warrenpoint and Rostrevor did a roaring trade, and the steamers to various points were crowded. At 5 all returned to the field for Tea which was much enjoyed after the heat and exertion of the day. At 7-45 the long excursion train whistled out of Warrenpoint, and in quite a short time landed us in Portadown. Here, much to our astonishment, we found heavy rain falling, and anxious mothers were waiting for, as they thought, their half-drowned children. Great was their surprise to learn that it had been a splendid day in Warrenpoint, notwithstanding the rain in Portadown. The Band played us up to the Church gates where after the Rector had thanked the Band and cheers had been given, all separated to their homes, and Seagoe Excursion for 1909 was over.

Mr. Stephenson and the Committee are to be heartily congratulated on the successful issue of their

exertions. They spared neither time nor trouble in making the day a great success.

Seagoe National School.

This School broke up for the summer holidays on Friday, June 25th. The pupils assembled in the school at 1-30. Great interest was shown in the Distribution of the Prizes, and Miss Armstrong

kindly attended to present the Medals and Books to the successful children. The Rector presided, and the Rev. W. R. Crichton was also present. The chairman referred to the increasing prosperity of the school and to the fact that all attendance records had recently been broken. A School Improvement Fund has also been started and by that means it is hoped to carry out still further improvements. The health of the school has been excellent, the education thoroughly efficient, and the moral tone of the pupils very satisfactory, the higher scientific education of the children has been carefully attended to and also their musical education. Miss Armstrong before distributing the Prizes gave some excellent advice to the pupils. She told them that they must play fair and work fair in their school life if they are to be fit pupils afterwards for the great school of the world. To encourage them she would offer a good Conduct Prize to be awarded to the child in the school who

next year gets the highest number of votes from the other pupils of the school. The following is a list of the prizes awarded in addition to those announced in our issue for Religious Knowledge:—

SCRIPTURE—M aggie Irwin, Silver Medal, (presented by Mr. Chambers); Mabel Reid, Miriam Dickson, Book Prizes (presented by Mr. Chambers).

ATTENDANCE—Sam Magee, Silver Medal, (presented by Mr. Chambers); Jack Stoops, Consolation Prize, (presented by Mr. Chambers).

DRAWING (Junior Division)—lst, Sam Gracey; 2nd, Pearl Reid. Middle Division—lst David

Porter; 2nd, Sarah Martin. Senior Division—lst, Norman Holmes; 2nd, Mabel Reid.

NEEDLEWORK (Junior)—Eveline Forsythe. Middle— Sarah Irwin. Senior—Lily Irwin.

HOME LESSONS—1st, Thos. Johnston; 2nd, T. H. Porter Middle Division—lst, Jim McKeown; 2nd, Ethel Ruddell. Senior Division—lst, Frances. Irwin; 2nd, Mabel Reid.

NEATEST EXERCISE (Junior Division)—lst, Thos. H. Porter. Middle Division—lst, George Wilson. Senior Division—lst, Hannah Dickson.

SPELLING (Junior Division)—lst, Thos. H. Porter, and Dinah McNally. 2nd, Sam Magee, Willie

Hynds, and Florrie Irwin, 1st, Maggie Wilson.2nd, Sam Gracey, Tom Johnston, and Mary Crawford.

Middle Division—lst, Robt. Johnston, and Sarah Irwin. 2nd, James McKeown, and Ethel Ruddell.

Senior Division—lst. Miriam Dickson; 2nd, Mabel Reid; 3, W. J. Wilson.

Middle Division—lst, Sarah Irwin; 2nd, Ethel Ruddell,

Senior Division—lst, Maisie Walker; 2nd, Charles Killow,

A pleasing feature of the proceedings was the presentation of a beautiful Bouquet of Flowers to

Miss Armstrong by wee Mary Best on behalf of the Teachers and Pupils.

Mr. Chambers has kindly offered to present two Silver Medals to be awarded to the best child in each of the Divisions of the Senior Religious Knowledge Class. This ought to encourage the children in the study of the Best of Books, the Bible. The Medals will be awarded on the results of the next year's work.

Hacknahay Day School.

Friday, June 25th, was a very important occasion in Hacknahay Day Schools. At 11-30 the children

were assembled with their Teachers for the Distribution of the Summer Term Prizes, given on the

results of the recent Annual Examination. The examination had been most carefully conducted by

Miss Wilson, and Miss Dickson, under the superintendence of the Manager (Rev. J. E. Archer). The results are very satisfactory and reflect great credit on the teaching staff. The following is a list of the Prizes awarded in the different standards in addition to the Prizes in Religious Knowledge announced in our last issue :—

Standard 1. —David Thompson, Prize for Arithmetic. Standard 2. —Robert Lunn, Emma Thompson, and Ellie Patton, Prizes for Arithmetic. Standard 3—Helen Calvert, Prize for Drawing; Netta Spence, Prize for Arithmetic; Hannah McMurray, Prize for Arithmetic; Adelaide McMurray, Prize for Geography. Standard 4.—Lizzie England, Composition; Sarah Thompson, Grammar; Mary Flavell, Neatness in Writing. Standard 5.—William McGrattan, Grammar; Joseph Bell, Reading; Ellen England, Writing and Composition.

G, F. S. Excursion.

On Saturday, June 12th, the members of Seagoe G. F. S. had a most enjoyable excursion to Loughgall. The weather was beautiful, and a large number were present. A short service was held in

the Church before starting. When the excursionists drove through Edenderry in brakes everyone turned out of doors to see it. The drive was very pleasant, and the countryside looked its very best. Tea was prepared in one of Mrs. Cope's fields, and needless to say was heartily enjoyed. Games of all kinds followed, and were joined in even by some who were not members of the G. F. S., but who had acted as an escort on bicycles all the way from Portadown. In the evening the members walked

through the Demesne and to the Lake, which looked very pretty in the evening light. The return drive was made by a different route, and the excursionists sang hymns, amongst which was the G. F. S. Hymn, "Jesus calls us o'er the tumult." Miss Armstrong, Mrs. M 'Mullan, Miss Calvert, and Miss

S. Montgomery, who trains the Candidates, were present, and also the Clergy. Everyone acknowledged how pleasant the day was, and Miss Armstrong, the efficient G. F. S. Secretary, is to be congratulated on the success of the Excursion. The Misses Taylor, sisters of the Rev. J, Taylor, and Miss M'Cormick were also present. We should express our thanks to Mrs. Cope for so kindly throwing open her beautiful Demesne to the Excursionists.

Baptisms-

“Jesus took a child, and set him in the midst."

June 5th.—Alfred, son of William James and Emma McLoughlin

,, ,, John, son of William Henry and Elizabeth Harrison.

,, ,, Roberta Elizabeth, daughter of George and Agnes Long.

,, ,, Mary Eveline, daughter of Thomas and Mary Forde.

,, 17th. Charlotte, daughter of John and Mary Thompson.

,, 28th, Margaret, daughter of Robert Charles and Charlotte Anne Brown.

Burials.

“The world passeth away."

June 3rd. —Margaret Collins, Belfast, aged 47 years.

,, 29th.—Margaret Hamilton, Edenderry, aged 78 years.

,, 30th.—Charlotte McNulty, Drumgor, aged 17 years.

July 2nd.—Mrs. Ann McCollum, Kilvergan, aged 90 years.

,, 4th.—Joseph Wilson, Drumnagoon.

Again we have this month a long list of Deaths to record. This week no less than four of our people

have been called into Eternity. Mrs. McCollum of Kilvergan had reached the great age of 90 years, and although recently in weak health, was in full possession of all her faculties up to the end. She

was always deeply interested in the welfare of the Church and at the beginning of every year, though unable to go to the Parish Church for many years, had received the Holy Communion. We will miss her bright and happy presence from amongst us but we rejoice to think that she is now in that Home beyond the reach of Pain and Sorrow where Faith is lost in sight and patient Hope is crowned. Mrs, Hamilton, of Edenderry, has also been called away. Amidst much weakness and loneliness she always kept a bright manner and had always an interest in the work of the Parish. Two of our younger Parishioners have also been summoned to their account. Charlotte McNulty after a long and trying illness, and Joseph Wilson after many months of weakness and suffering.

We tender to the bereaved relatives our deep sympathy and pray that their Faith in the providence of Him who doeth all things well, may sustain them -in their time of affliction.

Offertories for June.

"What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits."

Morning. Evening.

£ s. d. £ s. d.

June 6th—Trinity Sunday 1 11 8 1 18 0

,, 13th —1st S. after Trinity 1 4 8 0 9 6

,, 20th—2nd S. after Trinity 1 6 8 0 11 8

,, 27th—3rd S. after Trinity 1 3 6 0 9 1

Week Days 0 6 80 9 5

Total £5 12 4 £8 12 8

Men, Abstain!

Special temptations to indulge in strong Drink will assail many of our men during the coming weeks. As Christian men and loyal men we ask you to abstain from strong drink. It means destruction to body and soul. When you are asked to drink, say No. We have lately had some awful examples in our midst of the sorrow and Death caused by Drink.

In the Name of God then resolve this July, "I will not take Strong Drink."

Items.

Two more children from the Parish were elected Orphans under the care of the Protestant Orphan

Society last month, making a total of 17 Orphans from this Parish at present on the Society's list, receiving a total of £102 per annum from the Funds of the Society.

There were 750 on the Seagoe Excursion to Warrenpoint this year.

Some interesting photographs of the Seagoe Day Schools have been taken by Messrs. Moffett. No less than 150 of the children appear in one group. The See Saw snapshots are very amusing. Readers should order copies through Mr, Chambers, Principal of the School.

The new Stables are now finished.

The fruit and root crops look very good this year and everything promises an abundant harvest.

The members of the Men's Reading Room have moved into fine new quarters in Bridge Street.

A live goose has been presented to the Hacknahay Summer Fete Committee. You will see it and hear it at Hacknahay School on Thursday, August 26th, the day of the Fete.

The collections at Morning and Evening Service in Seagoe Church on Sunday, July 11th, will be in

aid of the Protestant Orphan Society. The Rev. P. Marks, B.D., will be the preacher.

Farmers should read the Old Seagoe Notes in this issue on "Farming in Seagoe in 1814."

We hear that a large number of Labourer's Cottages are to be erected in Seagoe Parish.

The Seagoe Men's Bible Class has doubled in numbers within the last few months.

An Anthem “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace," will be sung by the choir at the services on July 11th.

Cadet J. J. Forsythe of the Church Army is conducting a Van Mission at Wrexham, North Wales. Wales. His many Seagoe friends wish him God speed.

The Rector preached at the Anniversary Services in St. Luke's Church, Belfast, on Sunday June 27th.

There were record attendances at Seagoe Day School last month.

Elaborate preparations are being made for the forthcoming Fete at Hacknahay. Tickets Sixpence each.

Open your windows and let in the fresh air especially into your sleeping rooms. We were in a

room lately and the window had not been opened for 14 years!

We acknowledge with many thanks the following subscriptions received towards Hacknahay Fete 10s each—Rev. J. Taylor, Miss Macoun, Mr. J. Macoun.

“Drawing handkerchiefs” is very trying work for young children. We hope the parents will not keep

the children too closely at it in the summer holidays. It tells severely on the health of growing children.

We congratulate Mr. Alfred Murray on having successfully passed the Junior Divinity Examination

in Trinity College, Dublin, and his brother Mr Herbert Murray on having with like success passed the Entrance Examination T.C.D. Mr. Herbert Murray was prepared by the Rev. H. T. Tilson, M.A., who has proved so successful in getting his pupils through their examinations.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Nature Notes for July.

“Buttercups and Daisies, for gentlemen and ladies" is a rhyme the children love to repeat and now these beautiful flowers and many others are to be seen all round us. The Buttercup belongs to the

family of Ranunculus. It has a lumpy bulbous root and is hence called Bulbosus or full of lumps. The bright yellow glossy blossoms are very pretty but cattle will not eat them because they are so bitter and so the old idea that it was the buttercups that made the butter so yellow must be given up. The Daisy springing up in every field is a flower well worthy of our admiration. Daisy means “Day's Eye" some say because its yellow centre is like the sun with white rays springing from it all round or else as Chaucer says because its flowers shut up during the night and open with the dawn of day. Its leaves were in former times considered useful in healing wounds. It is called Pratolina or the Meadow Flower by the Italians and the French call it La petite Marguerite. Do you know the pretty pink Cranesbill or Herb Robert? It is very common now in our hedges and resembles a geranium blossom on a very small scale, It has very fine leaves and stem, and when the blossoms fall off there is a curious spiked seed lobe left, like the bill of a Crane.

Old Seagoe Notes.

Old Seagoe Raths.—ln the year 1814 there were two old Raths or Forts made of banked up earth in Seagoe Parish, one at Lisniskey and the other in Lisnamintry. They were circular in shape.

Hearts of Oak Boys. —The Hearts of Oak Boys, a secret society was started at Bluestone in 1780. They caused a considerable stir at the time. The Hearts of Steel was another organisation which came into being at the same time and had many members in that district.

Seagoe in 1619.—In 1619 Sir Oliver St. John had 1000 acres in the Manor of Kernan, Parish of

Seagoe. On this land were two very strong bawns or enclosures of timber surrounded by moats or

ditches filled with water. In each of these bawns was a house of wattle and plaster inhabited by an

English family. Near the Bawns were 5 houses inhabited by 5 English families. The remainder of the colony was dispersed over the land in which there was located in all 17 families viz., 5 free- holders, 8 lessees for years, and 4 cottagers with their under tenants. They were able to muster 30 men in arms, 13 of whom had taken the oath of supremacy. To this establishment of Sir Oliver St. John is to be traced the prosperous manor of Kernan described in ancient documents as lying between, Knock Bridge and Lurgan."

Some Interesting Dates.—Rev. John Campbell collated Vicar of Segoe, October 4th, 1687, Rev.

George House collated Rector, November 30th, 1742„ Rev. Hugh Tisdall collated Vicar, October 22nd„ 1748, Rev. Richd. Buckby collated Vicar, June 14th, 1763, Rev. Conway Benning collated Rector, and Rev. George Blacker collated Vicar. June 1st, 1796.

Farming in Seagoe in 1814.—Pigs rose to an immense price at the close of the Napoleonic Wars and the Seagoe farmers made great profit. The price of land was from 20 shillings to 50 shillings an

acre. Labourers wages were 10d to 1/1 per day. The old ploughs were still in use but some new

Scotch ploughs had been introduced. Carts were beginning to supersede the old car. A good cart-

maker from Scotland had just settled in Seagoe (what was his name?). Tithes were 9d an acre.

Onions were largely cultivated and a very profitable crop. A new grain market had just been established in Portadown. Not much land was tilled. Wheat and Barley but not much flax was being grown. Ditches were largely planted with whitethorn. Some years before much hedgerow timber had been planted and Col. Blacker had done much to encourage it. Sheep were grazed only at Carrick and the glebe. Spruce beer was a favourite drink of the people.

The great holiday was July 1st. The farmhouses on Carrick estate were remarkable for cleanness and neatness, others were in a miserably dilapidated condition. The Church was half buried in the graves by which it was surrounded. The roads in general were good but hard to keep in order owing to the very large number of narrow wheeled vehicles.

Kilvergan Townland in 1743.—A map of Kilvergan was made by Thos. Gilpin on August 19th, 1743. The following had holdings there at that date:-1, Andrew McCollom, ye hill joyning ye Mills 7a. 2r. 16p. 2, And. McCollom and John Tuffs 88a. 3r. 4p., Kittles Bog 2a. 8r. 13p. 3, Jas. Leveston's holding 3a, Or. 9p. 4, Edward Lavery's holding (Art, Lavery) 21a. 8r. 3p. 5, Henry Wait's. holding (Robert Taylor) 23a. 2r. 29p. 6, James Walker's holding (Robert Taylor) 21a. 3r. 4p. 7, School House Park 1a. Or. 10p 8, Mose 25a. 2r. 82p.

N.B.—In the above list the names in brackets seem to be tenants who had recently come into

possession. The school house occupied a position between Edward Lavery's and Henry Wait's holding on the Lurgan side of the townland. It was built by the Rev. Arthur Fforde, Vicar of Seagoe, in the year 1741. It had mud walls and was 40 ft. long and 14 ft. wide.