July 1922

Seagoe Parish Magazine

JULY, 1922

THE CONFIRMATION.

The Lord Bishop (the Right Rev. C. T. P. Grierson,

D.D.), held a Confirmation in the Parish Church on

Friday, June 23rd, at 3.30 p.m. A large number were

present. The Rector and the Rev. H. O. Draper, Curate,

assisted at the Service. The Boys were at the North side

of the Nave, and the Girls on the South side. The

opening Hymn was “Stand up, stand up for Jesus.” The

Bishop gave two addresses, one before and one after the

Confirmation. He spoke very solemnly on the gift of the

Spirit in Confirmation, and impressed upon the candidates

the threefold duty of private Prayer morning and evening,

of daily study of the Bible, and of regular attendance

at Holy Communion. The Bishop Confirmed seated in his

chair at the Chancel steps, two candidates being Confirmed

at a time. Immediately after the administration of the

Rite, while all knelt, the Hymn “Thine for Ever" was

sung. The concluding Hymn was “Oft in danger, oft in

Woe." The following is a list of those Confirmed: —

BOYS.

Arthur Allen, Robert Allen, Albert Best, John Best,

Robert, Brown, Hugh Costello, William Elliott, William

Fox, James Hall, William Robt. Hamill, Joseph Hill,

Joseph Hynes, Samuel Jennett, George Johnston, Henry

Maxwell, William M'Clements, Robert M'Cormick,

Singleton C. M'Dona1d, William M'Dona1d, Thomas

M'Loughlin, William M'Murray, James Rea, John Rea,

Hugh Roney, Jas. Augustus Wallace, John Acheson

Wallace, William Watson, David Webb, William White.

—Total, 29.

GIRLS.

Florence Allen, Maude Elizabeth Abraham, Edna Best,

Floribel Best, Mabelina Best, Sarah Coulter, Tarson; Sarah

Coulter, Ballymacrandle; Ellen Cox, Susan Crossley, Jane

England, Norah Forsythe, Violet Gladys Fox, Elizabeth

Gracey, Elizabeth Gracey, Margaret Gracey, Rachel

Adelaide Gracey, Caroline Guy, Sarah Hamill, Norah Hoy,

Anne Johnston, Mary Johnston, Anne Kilpatrick, Rachel

Frances Lavery, Sarah Mary Livingstone, Elizabeth Magee,

Letitia Magee, Sarah Magee, Elizabeth Mayes, Ethel

M'Clelland, Elizabeth M'Corrnick, Esther Elizabeth

M'Greevy, Ella M'Loughlin, Margaret, Moffatt, Ruby

Maria Moffatt; Elizabeth Morton, Elizabeth Neill, Edith

Richardson, Margaret Lilian Sands, Mary Sherman,

Elizabeth Patton, Anne Porter, Georgina Porter, Henrietta

Porter, Sarah Porter, Minnie Preston, Georgina Walters,

Amelia Webb, Ethel Webb, Margaret Webb, Mary Webb,

Matilda Webb, Elizabeth White, Mary Eleanor White,

Elizabeth Wilson—Tota1, 54. Full Total, 83.

A large number of those who were Confirmed attended

Holy Communion in the Parish Church on Sunday, June

25th.

The Sunday School Excursion.

The Excursion on Thursday, June 15th, was held in

glorious "Seagoe" weather. Bright hot sun, blue sky,

green grass, fragrant hedgerows, all combined to make

the day's outing a splendid success. Mr. Maginnis had,

kindly lent us a beautiful field from which we had fine

views of the surrounding country and of the Mourne range

in the distance. The Superintendents, Teachers and children

assembled in their hundreds, at the Church at 1.30,

when a short service was held. The Levaghery Flute

Band and the Seagoe Scouts Bugle Band provided stirring

music. At the field a stall well provided with all kinds

of good things had been erected near the entrance gates

and was well patronised through the day. At 4.30 Tea

and buns were distributed to the children. Races and

Games of all kinds were indulged in. Some of our refugee

friends from Southern Ireland were present and were

heartily welcomed among us. At 8.30 the tapping off

the drums reminded us that the home going must begin.

Many of the excursionists marched with the bands back

to Seagoe Church, where all separated after hearty cheers

given for the King. Before leaving the field the Rector

thanked Mr. and, Mrs. Maginnis for so kindly giving us

the use of his field. It was generally felt that Seagoe

never had spent a pleasanter day.

Memorial Services.

On Sunday, July 2nd, Memorial Services will be held

in the Parish Church at 11.30, 3.30 and 7. The Service

at 3.30 will be in the Churchyard, and the address will he

given by the Rev. F. J. Halahan, M.C., Rector of Drumcree.

Wreaths will be placed at the War Memorial Pillars

and Gates. The Collections at all the Services will be on

behalf of the County Armagh Protestant Orphan Society.

Anniversary Service.

An Anniversary Service will (D.V.) be held in Seagoe

Church on Sunday, July 9th, at 7 p.m. The members of

the various Lodges have been invited to attend. The

Collection will be on behalf of the Enniskillen Orphan

Fund.

Mothers' Union.

This useful organization has made good progress in the

Parish during the past month. Two new branches have

come into being in Carne and Drumgor. Mrs. Draper,

of Carne House, is Local Secretary in Carne, and Mrs.

James Gracey and Mrs. M'Cullough in Drumgor. Two

afternoon Socials were organised, one each place, and

stirring addresses on "Mothers' Work and Duty" were

kindly given by Mrs. Moeran, of Portadown. New

members were enrolled at Carne.

Miss Collen, Central Secretary, most, kindly arranged

for an evening's enjoyment for the Edenderry Branch,

and Mrs. Hamilton Robb threw open her beautiful house

and grounds to the Mothers on Tuesday, June 6th. A

sumptuous tea followed by music and games provided a

most enjoyable evening. Before the company separated

the Rector proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to Mrs.

Robb and to Miss Collen for their kindness and hospitality.

The next meeting of the Carne Branch will be held on

Tuesday, July 18th, and of the Drumgor Branch on Tuesday,

July 25th. Miss Collen has kindly invited the Edenderry

Mothers to spend their monthly meeting at Killycomain

House on Tuesday, July 4th, at 7.30.

Seagoe School Garden.

The Agricultural Inspector under the Board of Education,

Mr. E. G. Ingold inspected the Boys' Rural Science

Class in Seagoe School on June 21st, and made the

following entry in the Book: - “Examined Senior Class for

grant in Rural Science. Very good work has been done,

and pupils are much interested in their work. —E. G.

Ingold, Inspector."

Seagoe School is one of 16 Schools in Northern Ireland

where Rural Science is taught. The Boys have a school

garden and most useful work is done. The above report

speaks for itself.

Prize Essay.

Margaret Gracey, of Balteagh (aged 15 years) has been

awarded the Prize (a Church Service) for the following

Essay on "The Scripture Proof of Confirmation" (see last

month's Magazine):

THE SCRIPTURE PROOFS OF CONFIRMATION.

This is a subject which creates much interest, to find

Confirmation referred to in so many different forms in our

Bible. When our Lord was on earth, the rite adopted

was termed "The Laying on of Hands."

In the Old Testament the great Spiritual gift which is

received in Confirmation is referred to often. In the 9th

Chapter of Genesis we read how God blessed Noah before

the Flood. In the 14th Chapter of Genesis we are told

how Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and in the 22nd

Chapter of Genesis that Abraham was blessed again by God.

Genesis Chapter 27 refers to the wonderful story of how

Isaac when on his death bed called for his son Esau in

order to give him a blessing, but, Esau while out seeking

venison for his father was deceived by his brother Jacob,

who received the Holy Ghost in Esau's name. The laying

on of hands was the form Isaac adopted. This form of

receiving the Blessing was adhered to by our forefathers

from generation to generation, till we come to the time

when the great Apostles Peter and John were on earth.

In the 8th Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles we read

that Peter and John came to Confirm by the imposition

of hands and a large number received the Holy Ghost.

In the 19th Chapter of the Acts we, find that Paul

administered unto certain disciples, laying hands on them

that they might receive the Holy Ghost. Also, in Hebrews

6 Confirmation is referred to.

The young people of today are given every opportunity

of receiving this Blessing. Services of Confirmation are

rendered in our Churches at intervals of three years; and

all young people who have been Baptized and come to

years of discretion are brought before the Bishop to receive

the gift of the Spirit in much the same manner as

that in which our forefathers received it, from the Apostles.

When we realise the justification of' the Scripture proofs

of Confirmation we as Christians must owe a debt of

gratitude for the Spiritual gift still offered us, 'which only

needs our acceptance.

ITEMS.

Mr. Hardcastle's Organ Recital last month provided

us with a musical treat.

***

The Choir had a most enjoyable Charabanc Excursion to

Bangor last Saturday.

***

Sincere regret has been expressed at the sudden death of

Mr. William Lynass, of Carne, who was much respected

in the Parish.

***

The Annual Report is in preparation, and will shortly

be published.

***

The weather has of late been very cold and stormy, but

the crops seem to be good.

***

Seagoe Bell was tolled at the hour of Sir Henry Wilson's

funeral.

***

Reference was made both at Morning and Evening

Prayer on Sunday, June 25th, to the tragic death of Sir

H. Wilson, a true friend of Ulster.

***

If you know of any vacant houses in the Parish suitable

for Southern refugees please inform the Rector without

delay.

Parish Register for June.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish

on June 3rd, 1922 -

Best—Roberta May, daughter of William David and Sarah

Anne Best, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Margaret Pentland, Sarah Anne Best.

Grey—Charlotte Edna, daughter of Robert John and

Elizabeth Grey, of Derrymacash, Parish of Ardmore.

Sponsors—Charlotte Grey; Elizabeth Grey.

Partridge—Martha, daughter of Benjamin and Olivia

Partridge, of Kernan.

Sponsors—Margaret Partridge, Olivia Partridge.

Simpson—James, son of George and Susanna Jane

Simpson, of Lylo.

Sponsors - George Simpson, Susanna Jane Simpson.

Porter—Amy Isabel, daughter of John and Jeannie Porter,

of Lower Seagoe.

Sponsors—Florence Sergeant, Jeannie Porter.

Glassey—William John, son of William John and Rosina

Glassey, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Martha Glassey, Rosina Glassey.

Ruddell—Joseph Robert, son of Joseph and Mary Jane

Ruddell, of Kernan.

Sponsors—Dinah M'Cabe, Mary Jane Ruddell.

Finney—Jean, daughter of James and Ellen Finney, of

Portadown.

Sponsors—Margaret Shanks, Ellen Finney.

Marriage.

Livingstone and Raymond—June 5th, 1922, by the

F. J. Halahan, M.A., M.C., Rector of Drumcree,

William James Livingstone, of Killycomain, to

Sarah Raymond, of Portadown.

Burial.

Lynass—June 18th, 1922, William Lynass, of Carne;

aged 47 years.

WITH THE " NINTH" IN FRANCE.

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

(Continued from June Magazine.)

Wednesday, May 24th, 2 p.m. Just been notified

Havre port closed, leave stopped until further orders.

Raining quite heavily now. Thursday, May 25 ^th, 1916

3.30 p.m.—Satisfactory relief, but late. Did not get in

here till past midnight. No casualties, so we had the only

1 the whole week. Fear you will have the wet we

had yesterday; it rained all p.m., but cleared up about

9 p.m. for the Relief. Imagine how I have been employed

since lunch? Picking gooseberries, with Berry, for

a tart this evening. A poozy late slack morning. No,

there was no mining in our bit of the line. Berry turned

up today very chirpy and full of Dublin yarns. Fergie

came to the line yesterday p.m. to see us. He was also

in excellent form. Shuter – D.S.O. – from 1st R. Ir.

Fusiliers, gets Hickman's place; a capital fellow, but I’m

sorry it's not Hessy. Bull is confident that he will get

1st Battalion, but their Adjutant, who was here just

now, thinks not. A cloudy day, but nice and warm. Men

had a late morning and are bathing; no working parties

today or tonight, thank goodness. I believe after the

6 days of the 12th, the Brigade go back behind Hedeuville

for a fortnight. I'm rather sorry to let strangers into

our bit of line, as they always upset things; and give our

little ruses away, not knowing the place. But a change

back will be pleasant. Red T. is next door teaching our

cook, M'Nei11,

How to make Pastry for the Gooseberry Tart.

Old Scott has gone back to his field camp. He has got

very large and lethargic, but, he's a good natured old

thing. Friday, May 26th. —I have to go over and see

young Dickson, about 7 miles from here, this p.m. A

very wet night has turned into a fine, but cold, day.

Smyth here this morning. He says we go back about 6

miles to Varennes, on Tuesday, for a fortnight. The

gooseberry tart was excellent, and there was enough left

to have cold the next day for lunch. Peacock, who

commanded the raiding party in the 9th Inniskillings, has

got the D.S.O., and the Officers the M.C., and well they

deserved it. Our “Times” has taken to coming three days

late now, which keeps us backward in news. I hear the

Bosche has had a success Verdun way. In the line the

nights were hot and one's breeches irksome to a degree

but since we came out: the nights have been very cool.

Another small draft of 12 came from the Base yesterday,

all but 3 were men who had been in hospital, and had

left at various times, one with appendicitis and 3 or 4

with Hun spots. I am getting ventilation holes drilled

in this tin hut; there is no ventilation and one's head

gets fearfully hot. Smyth says he's going to Paris for 4

days. Gillespie, from Levaghery, came in today's draft.

Holt just turned up. 10 p.m. – Went over to the hospital

and saw young Dickon. He’s going on well, and is

quite wonderful, so cheery, though suffering. They have

not located then bullet, and are to move him early next;

week to a Base hospital. Holt came in just as I was

starting, and rode back some way with me – very cheery,

he is still with X Corps, but no one’s child. Some of his

men are digging some way behind us. I had not heard

of M'Farland's exploit at Havre. Curiously enough he

re-joined today and 1 will see him tomorrow and

congratulate him on his conduct. Of course, nights are

disturbed generally in the line, but I always manage to my

share of sleep, sufficient, to keep fit. Yes, do ask the

Bishop to stay, I can imagine how the agricultural

Community, always rootedly Conservative, would object

to the new time arrangement. The evidence before the

Commission is astounding. Birrell's was revelation of

ineptitude, and Wimborne a revelation. Saturday, May

27th. —Leader has imposed on a lot of people, I believe.

He's awful. Sunday, May 28th. - Smy. just rung me up

to say he's off tomorrow. He's got a billet in O. Office,

with the Naval Division, whatever that may mean. I

am very sorry we are losing him, but I always felt, it had

to come, and of course, it means advancement for him.

A lovely day, but not oppressively hot. There is

A Guilder Rose in full bloom here

in the waste of' the garden, with a rose-coloured peony

underneath it. Then effect is very pleasant to the eye.

They are putting heavy stuff over at the Battery now

just behind us. Just off to Church Parade, 3p.m. -

They have been firing all day at about 5-minute intervals,

and they got one direct hit on a gun emplacement,

but apparently no one was there; the gun seems to be

disabled. It’s a lovely day, but sitting out in the garden

is impossible; as fragments of shell are coming in at odd

times. I am trying to persuade the Padre to go away

on leave while we are back. He not looking well,

though he will not acknowledge anything being wrong.

He has got thin.

I think he is doing too much.

The place we go to is quite a little village. It’s

where Bde H.Q. was when came on leave. I wonder who

will succeed Smy.? I can’t think Charlie would recommend

C.S., but he’s a curious fellow. The Vanstan case

still hangs on. The papers are now being handed

to and fro, to be made out in triplicate, to be initialled

by V -, to know whether recommended for training

purposes at home etc, etc., and so it goes on and will go

on, I suppose. Smy. just been over to say goodbyes

very broke at going, and I am very very sorry. Another

link with the early war days gone. He has been with us

18 months. Charlie trying to get a man called Evans

from the Manchester Regt. I believe Smy. sore at going

to Q, he’s more likely to get promotion, and he won't

be in the firing line, so Mrs. S will be pleased. Monday

May 29^th - I am going over to see some operations of the

109^th Bde about 7 miles from here and shall be back

late. Pratt returned yesterday with Bob Maxwell. They

managed, to get a car at Amiens, so got of the worst of

the railway journey. P in immense form, full of stories.

Lovely summer day, threatens to be very warm. P saw

Powell at the ‘Rag’ and had a talk with Frank Hall,

who is doing intelligence at the W.O. Spy Department.

P brought a “Westminster" of' Saturday evening, so we

are well up to date. The French seem all right at Verdun.

3 p.m.—Got back after an interesting morning.

Very hot, looks like thunder. I believe we leave here at

11 a.m. We visited Varennes on our way back, and the

billets seem comfy and good. The 11th Skins, who are

there, say it, is most restful. Hessy is home on leave

and poor Leitrim home sick. I met Shuter, such a fine

fellow, and had a long chat with him. He was kind

enough to say he had heard on all sides the 9th were

splendid. We hope to play 1st Battalion at football next

Saturday. Also arranging for Follies and cinema show

to pay us a visit. Shuter told me Willie Stronge had

been promoted Corps C.R.A.

Saw Fergie, a bright bird, quite chirpy

over the move, though he hates shifting from his present

quarters. We have made about £50 in the Canteen which

we have run here. Quite good. 9.30 p.m.— Late this

p.m. order came cancelling our move back, and we stay

on here; I think only a few days. Cannot quite understand

why. I suppose some inscrutable decree of the

Round Table! Fergie had begun to shift his stores;

rather a nuisance, and upsetting, but La guerre comme

a La guerre. Up to this the Huns have left this place

alone, thank goodness, during this sojourn here, but the

working parties were irksome, and we were all looking

forward to peace behind. However, it's only postponed,

I believe. Evening turned out wet after a great heat

during the day. Wonder what Lloyd George will be able

to do? Exclusion of 6 counties seems to be the best basis.

He is a great persuader, and negotiations may succeed,

but I'm not sanguine. A man called Simpson has succeeded

Wheatley—a great Artillerist. I haven't met him.

Was an Instructor of Gunnery at home for some years.

Keep socks till you have collected 500 pairs—will be best,

as you have sent off one lot, which will do grandly to go

on with. Tuesday, May 30th, 2.30 p.m .—Heavy rain all

night, but fine to-day, cloudy and cooler. Have to go

now to Bde. H.Q. to try and find out things. 6 more men

just come in, 4 of whom were with us before. 10 p.m.

—As far as I can gather from Bde. Office, we go back to

Barennes on June 1st. Had a long chat with old Bernard,

who goes in to our bit of the line tonight, and gave

him various bits of information. He is rather an old

dear. Padre went fishing, accompanied by Pratt and

Bery, with a May fly—result, 1 rise! Day turned out fine

and warmer. Hope it will be fine again now. Everything

very 'lifty' but drying. Wednesday, May 31 ^st, 3.30 p.m.—

Am dining tonight with Withy-Combe, rather a bore.

Couldn't well refuse. Man in 'C' Coy. just been wounded

slightly in ankle, on a working party. No orders yet

about the move, but I fancy we shall go tomorrow,

and not be so crowded as I thought, as we shall spread

over 3 villages after all. I don't know how we shall get

on without Rivy. We miss him already, and he has only

gone 2 days, He always looked after our welfare and

prevented Bns being trampled upon. 10.30 p.m.—

This place, Mesnil, has been true to its traditions.

About 4 p.m. they began to put heavy stuff into the

village—14 casualties. Young Gibson got a scratch on

the forehead. M'Keown, who was killed, was in the last

Draft, Fulton dying, Lurgan man. Though they put in

nearly 20 shells only one did the damage.

Cruel luck our Last day here.

We move at 9.30 a.m., well back. Detailed orders only

came in at 7.30 p.m., and then we had to get out our

orders, and in the middle, they sent for Cather to the

Bde office, over some complicated return. Rather harrying

evening. As this strafe was on I didn't, of course,

go and dine with Withy-Combe. Have sent off 5 wagon

loads of kit from here this evening, and much still

remains to be moved. Leave is on again, and was only

stopped for a few hours. Thursday, June 1st, 4 p.m .—

Got in here —Varennes, about 1 p.m. Small huts,

absolutely without any equipment; luckily, I have my

bed and chair, and the day is lovely. Water scarce. Cooking

arrangements primitive; rather crowded. Pratt, Padre,

Cather and I in a small hut—no tables or chairs. A

regular return to camp life, which will be healthy, though

not so comfortable as billets. 16 casualties yesterday

altogether. Padre went to see the wounded to-day. Very

hot on the march. Men felt their packs, which they

hadn't carried for so long. Fergie, and indeed everyone,

working hard. We shall soon have the place comfortable,

I believe. The huts are roofed with sacking which I fear

will not keep out the rain. Road very congested with

all sorts of troops moving in relief. Saw Bull en route,

grousing at his accommodation, which seems very similar

to ours, in a neighbouring village. Young Gibson is all

right, though his head is still bound up. Friday, June

2nd. —Charlie came and wandered about and kept me for

two hours. Cannot find a Bde. Major. I suggested

George Bruce; says if he has to take one from the Div.

he will take him. They have found me a nice billet in

the village, a little way off, but if rain comes on this

camp will be very bad. Hooper is now moving my kit.

The billet is

Owned by a dear old Woman.

Such a nice tidy kitchen garden. Berry has just got

orders to attend a course in the X Corps, preparatory to

appointment as D.A.D.M.S. I fear he will not return to

us. I's awfully sorry he's going, but he's done splendid

as Reg. M.O. in the trenches, and has earned a cushy

job. Mrs. B will be pleased. My kit has grown fearfully.

Hooper suggests I have 3 fat packages besides bed and

chair. Awful excitement because we dug sanitary

arrangements in an old woman's orchard which happened

to be grazing ground. You might think from the fuss

that the Huns had broken through. 9.30 p.m .—Here I

am cosily settled in my new abode. Great comfort to get

back to a table. One is curiously lost without this

article of furniture. Stronge is getting restless again.

I'm sure he wants to go to the R.F.C. It is very peaceable

here; a little off the main street, and the window

looking away from it on to a nice tidy garden. Very

pleasant to have some privacy again. This training is

going to be rather strenuous. They want us to work on

Sundays, but I'm jibbing. We are practising the attack

from trenches—a flood of literature on the subject to be

assimilated; all the Generals with different ideas. On

the march here yesterday I met a bus load of Gunners—

Tilney, Stirling, and others, going towards the line. I

don't know what for. Shall try and get over to see 1st

Battalion to-morrow.

(To be continued.)