July 1923

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

JULY, 1923

Seagoe Girl Guides.

At a Competition among the troops of Girl Guides

belonging to the Co. Armagh, held in Portadown

on Saturday, June 9th, our Seagoe troop carried

off the Silver Challenge Cup presented by Mrs. J.

C. White of Belfast. We congratulate the Seagoe

girls on their great victory, and we hope they will

succeed in retaining the Cup next year. Miss Atkinson

and Miss Guy deserve great credit for the success

of the troop. They have worked very hard in

training the girls. Mr, James Shepherd has also had

a great share in winning the Cup. He has supervised

the drill and been most constant in attendance

at the Parade. The winning of the Cup is a great

honour for Seagoe and proves that our Girl Guides

can beat all comers.

Seagoe Scouts.

The Scouts have done some camping- Last Saturday

a party with full equipment encamped at Richhill.

The weather was fine, and the boys enjoyed

their outing to the full extent. Twelve of the Seagoe

Scouts are going across to Manchester to join the

English camp there. The Scouts when encamped

at Richhill attended the services at Richhill Parish

Church on the 'Sunday.

Sunday School Excursion.

When Thursday, June 21st, dawned the sky looked

very dark and .threatening. We have so often been

favoured with fine weather on our Excursion that

“ Seagoe weather “ has become almost proverbial.

A slight drizzle of rain was falling as the Teachers

and children gathered at the Parish Church at 8

a.m. After a short Service the long procession

started for the Station en route for Warrenpoint,

headed by the Bugler Scouts and Drummers. The

clouds cleared and no rain fell as we got to the

Station. A very long special train to hold both

Drumcree and Seagoe was standing in the Station

and was soon filled with an excited crowd of young

people. The train would not hold all, so some had

to wait over until the 9.10 ordinary train. We

reached Warrenpoint at 9.45, and when the second

train arrived all marched Pedlow's Field, about

o! a mile away, on the high ground overlooking

the town. Tea and buns were soon forthcoming,

and after a hearty meal the multitude scattered in

all directions. Some gathered willocks or whelks

on the shore, some sailed, some walked, some drove

to Rostrevor. Nearly everybody climbed. to Cloughmore,

but some of the very old people could only

climb as far as Fiddler's Green. A few small mishaps

occurred ; a cut head and a torn dress were

the worst. The engine of the motor boat struck

work in mid channel and some of the clergy and

Select Vestry had to be towed ashore. The second

meal took place at 4.30 and the Tea was very good

and refreshing, more so than at the first meal.

The return train left at 7 and ,arrived in Portadown at 8,

A second train with some of the Excursionists arrived

at 9. Owing to the band being separated between

the two trains it was not possible to walk in

procession back to the Church. Everyone agreed

that the Excursion was a splendid success The total

number of Seagoe Excursionists was 675.

Mothers' Union Excursion.

The Mothers of Seagoe had a splendid Excursion

on Tuesday, June 26th. At 1.30 they assembled at

the Parochial Hall. The weather was perfect. So

many mothers came that they could not all be fitted

into Hyde and M'Clelland's big charabanc, and so

two other motor cars had to be requisitioned to carry

the surplus comers. The whole party was in charge

of Miss Collen, who has given so much time and

kind attention to the work of the Mothers' Union-

The excursionists had a delightful drive through the

country, which looked its very best. At Armagh,.

the first stopping place, they visited the Cathedral,

and the verger was most kind in showing them over

the building. They then went to the pretty village

of Loughgall. A substantial Tea was here provided,

and the mothers, with appetites sharpened by the

long drive in the fresh country air, did full justice

to the good things set before them. The return

journey was made under the same pleasant conditions,

and all reached home delighted with the day's

outing. Miss Georgie Atkinson, who has given

valuable help in the working of the branch,

accompanied the party.

The Mothers' Union will not meet during July and

August.

Anniversary Service.

A Service in connection with the July Anniversary

will (D. V.) be held in the Parish Church on

July 8th, at 7 p.m. The Preacher will be the Rev.

Francis Matchett, B.D., Rector of Hillsborough. The

collection will be on behalf of the Enniskillen

Memorial Orphan Fund. Places will be reserved for

the members of the Lodges.

Protestant Orphan Society.

The annual appeal on behalf of the Co. Armagh

Protestant Orphan Society will be made in the

Parish Church on Sunday, July 1st, both at Morning

and Evening Prayer. The Society has helped

this Parish very liberally. At present 10 of our

Orphans are on its list receiving per annum.

Hitherto the contributions from the Parish have

been very small. The support of the Widows and

Orphans ought to have a first claim on the generosity of the Church.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

Seagoe Select Vestry.

The Vestry at a meeting held on Monday, June

25th, decided to invest Mrs. Alan Bell's gift of £500

in Trustee Security for the poor of the Parish. They

also received a report of the sums collected through

the Parish for the completion of the Glebe Purchase

Scheme, and hope that the sum

be realised without further delay. Will the Collectors

please finish their collections at once and much

oblige, Time Hon. Treas. has drawn up his statement

of the Weekly Freewill Offerings and Sustentation

Fund for 1922, and the Report will be published

without delay. The Parish is much indebted to

Mr. Hugh Stoops and his helper, Mr. James McDonald,

for the time and attention they have so willingly

given in the preparation of the accounts

An Edenderry Boy Who Made Good

We give away with some numbers of this issue

photograph of the Rev. James Newenham Mackenzie,

Rector of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, U.S.A. Mr. Mackenzie

was born in Edenderry, his father being a Linen

Manufacturer, who resided where Mr. Moffett now

has his Studio. Mr. Mackenzie, sen., was a member

of Seagoe Select Vestry, and took an active

interest in Church work in Seagoe Parish. His son

is now Rector in one of the most important centres

in the States, and has a flourishing Church and

congregation. He is a subscriber to Seagoe Parish

Magazine, and always likes to keep in touch with

his native Parish. are sorry we have not

enough copies of his photograph to insert one in

each Magazine Mr. Mackenzie is an Edenderry

boy who has made good, and we congratulate him

very heartily.

ITEMS.

Mr. Webb and his daughters are at present on a

visit here from the States. It is just 35 years since

Mr. Webb sailed across the Atlantic, and this is his

first visit home to Lylo.

The Rector thanks Mr. Samuel Coulter, of New

Zealand, for more newspapers he has kindly sent.

Mr. Dynes Atkinson, formerly Sexton of Seagoe,

remembers Mr. Coulter in the old days.

The Annual Report will shortly be issued.

The Rev. W. T. Wilson, M.A., Curate of Seagoe,

is living at 21 Edward St., Portadown

Lads and lasses are still leaving the Parish for the

States and Canada. The Rector will be glad to give

any who ask him Letters of Introduction to the

Clergy of the Episcopal Church in the States or the

Church of England in Canada.

The Rector will be very glad to meet former Seagoe

Parishioners who may be on, a visit to the old Parish

from the Colonies or the States.

Mr. James Twinem is establishing a new Shirt

Factory in Edenderry, Portadown as a business

centre seems to be forging ahead. There is a great

demand for Shop accommodation just now. A

common sight is to see one house divided up into

two shops.

Two very beautiful gardens now adorn and

brighten Edenderry. Mr. Green's near the Bridge, and

Mr. Chapman's near the Parochial Hall.

We have received from Mr. McDowell, of Rhode

Island, U.S.A., a copy of " The Pennsylvanian" (the

organ of the University of Pennsylvania), of which

his son is an Editor.

Several prizes were won at the Portadown Show

by Seagoe exhibitors

The Choir are arranging an Excursion for August.

Parish Register for June

Baptisms,

The following were Baptized in the Parish Church

on June 2nd, 1923

Watson—Margaret, daughter of James Albert and Elizabeth Watson, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Frances Anne Best, Elizabeth Watson.

Corscadden—E1izabeth and William (twins), children of Joseph and Margaret Corscadden, of

Kernan. Sponsors—Margaret Molseed Corscadden, Margaretta Corscadden.

on June 6th, 1923, Thomas, son of Joseph and Sarah Margaret Magee, of Edenderry

Sponsors—Anne Magee, Sarah Margaret Magee.

RECEIVED INTO THE CONGREGATION

White—On June 27th, 1923, Walter George, son of Woolsey James and Margaret Wilson White,

of Bocombra. Sponsors—Thomas Henry Wilson, Anne Ruddock.

Burials.

Coulter—June 17th, William John Coulter, of Edenderry, aged 84 years.

Pentland—June 20th, Pentland, of Edenderry, aged 85 years.

Regret.

We regret to announce in this issue the death or

two of our oldest and most respected Parishioners in Edenderry

William John Coulter passed' to his rest after a

few days' illness. He had worked for many years

in the Gas house, and was very popular with his

fellow workers. They sent a beautiful wreath as a

token of their esteem.

Mrs. Margaret Pentland was called to her Eternal

Rest after a long and trying illness, which she bore

with great patience. She had resided in Bright St.

for more than half a century. Mrs. Pentland was

all her life closely attached to the Church. She was

a regular worshipper and a Communicant in the

Parish Church. She died as she had lived, patiently

trusting in the Master whom she had served

throughout her long life. She was nursed throughout

her illness with great devotion by her daughter,

Miss Minnie Pentland, to whom we offer our deep

sympathy. Miss Pentland has for many years been

a most faithful teacher in Seagoe Afternoon, Sunday

School. and the children whom she has so diligently

instructed will join with us in our tribute of sympathy,

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

WITH THE "NINTH" IN FRANCE.

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

Continued from June Magazine.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th.

We are leaving carpenters out of the line to carry out the work under R.E. supervision. It has turned colder; healthier. I think we shall get into one of the new Elephants at Stinking Farm tonight, which will be an improvement. We shall use it as a mess, with a small room partitioned off for either Shill. or me. Have been squaring up Battalion accounts for August. Have only now got through canteen funds, and now have to begin on the £500 donation, which has increased, with interest to £516. I find every other Battalion has only a little of this left.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th.

We got in last night in relief without mishap. Showery, and today cold and rain. Trenches messy. Padre and Shill. both been at me to ask for leave, so today have written in for 10 days leave, from September 12-21, on plea of urgent private affairs. Duke was down today and persuaded him to stay to lunch. Just heard from ‘ Dickie’ asking me to go and stay two days, as he is acting Brigadier. Afternoon hate, the T.M.’s begun on our left.

WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 6th.

Charlie was down today and wants me to postpone my leave till about 24th. Three C.O.’s away and Nugent going on leave. However, I think it will be all right then. I will try and get from September 26-October 5.

Such a noisy night. Guns hard at it from 10.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m., and again at 4.00 a.m., mostly our guns. Bosche didn’t trouble us at all. A lovely day after yesterday’s downpour. Getting good work done here today. Shill. is splendid at organising and getting it done. He is indefatigable, up at 5.30 a.m., knocking around till 8.00 a.m., and then round with me, and again in p.m. Huts, etc., getting put up at Red Lodge, the R.E. tell me, so I hope that will be in a better state when we go out on Sunday. Allen gone sick. Godson commanding ‘A’ Coy., and doing snipers and patrols.

The afternoon hate began at 3.00 p.m. today and has now finished; heavy on our left, much noise. Just now a peaceful and sunny afternoon with only the drones of aeroplanes and occasional guns going off and shells passing over. At present I find I don’t miss Pratt. I must now go the afternoon round. Yesterday I was as usual, the first day in, feeling dismayed at what had to be done. Today work is going on methodically and good work being done, and interest is awake again.

THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 7th.

Corpl. G. Robinson was wounded last night with the Transport, our first casualty this time in. Much Artillery activity on our side from 10.00 p.m. last night to which the Bosche didn’t reply, but his M.G. fire was vicious. Corpl. Robinson was bringing up the rations, in charge of the waggon; hit in the stomach—M.G. bullet. Sounds bad, but he is away to C.C.S. The flies are not so bad this time. Holt was down and walked round with me. Bet me 50 francs that Bulgaria would declare war on Central Powers before Nov. 1st! Our afternoon Art’y liveliness just begun; we’ve got some big fellows behind that go whispering over our heads. Another fine sunny day.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th.

Another nice day. Our Art’y very active again last night, much noise. Bosche put a few over. Today about noon he began shelling end of tram line where some men, I suppose, exposed themselves, and a trench behind. Was very persistent for over an hour, but no damage done. Shill. is splendid. I am getting slack and lazy and leaving too much to him, I’m afraid. He is an enormous help. Poor Robinson was hit through the liver; they operated and his condition is dangerous. The new Elephant is quite comfy as a mess. Huts progressing at Red Lodge. J.J. is capital, always cheery, and does good work. Owing to these working parties one can never got hold of the men for drill when out of the line, and they get into slack ways. I’m delighted to see Elkington’s brother has been re-instated—a fine performance at his age to enlist in the Foreign Legion! We are living much more comfortably now; fresh fish and vegetables, and messing only 2½ francs daily. I have been slack this tour and haven’t been round in the early morning. The C.R.E. has gone— de Vitry by name.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th.

Such a warm day and the Sappers have been making more excavations here, with the result of more decayed potatoes and beet being thrown out, and the stink is severe. It has got into my doss house and permeates everything, like the worst flax smell you ever struck. Menaul’s name has gone in for Staff employ, to be attached to 109th Bde. Either the Army or G.H.Q. orders these moves. I suppose unavoidable owing to full Divisions going S. [ south], and depleted Div. coming up here, but none the less irksome. Flies bad again today. Padre has gone to see Robinson. He has two services tomorrow. No sign of my 22 returning. Have written again to Nugent. The heat is really quite oppressive. We had another false gas alarm about 9.00 p.m. last night. New C.R.E., King, came to see me today, brisk and anxious to learn conditions, though dismayed at gigantic hutting scheme on foot. I put in a plea for more huts at R.L. We’ve done some good wiring this time and useful work on trenches. Can’t stand the stink any longer; must go out.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th.

We go out tonight. Done good work this tour, and lucky in the weather, only one wet day. 14 out of the 22 with 2nd R.I.R. have, I hear, arrived at the Transport. Dull, cloudy day, but warm. Quiet night and day so far. Glad to say my new hut at R.L. is now ready for occupation. One new officers’ hut also up. We ought to have a quiet relief tonight. Corpl. R. is going on well, but still in danger. Padre saw him yesterday for a minute. Wonderful man, Padre. He left here at 9.00 a.m., visited hospitals and various units, returned at 7:30, went off up the line at 10.45 p.m., and returned about 1.00 a.m.; started off at 8:30 this morning on his tour of 11 services. Have you read “A Student in Arms?” Much of it very good. Someone sent it to the mess. Relief night is so boresome, waiting about when everyone has gone, and nothing to read.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th.

M’Neill returns today with lot from Rifles. I slept in my new hut last night, very comfy! Corrugated iron and sand bagged. They are still busy at it. Other huts—two ready tonight, and one tomorrow; good work being done. Dull and threatening rain, but warm. We are now 650 strong—strongest Battalion in the Brigade. More officers keep arriving. I think we have 33 in all, but I cannot keep pace with them, nor have I grasped all their names yet. A most successful relief. Everyone was in here at 10:20 p.m. Beautiful moonlight night, which facilitated matters greatly.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th.

I’ve had to leave one Coy, ‘B’ about half way in as 11 ^thare so weak. Godson, Sergt. Lucas and Corpl. Clements went yesterday to be decorated by the Army Commander at B_____. Am going there today to seek Robinson, and get my hair cut. I’m delighted to say they have awarded the V.C. to Cather. It will be a consolation to his mother to feel that his gallant deeds have been publicly recognised. Still fine, I’m thankful to say, and work going on well. Another Div. attacked the other day over the same ground as we did, but did not get so far.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th.

I see a Capt. has been tried by Gen. C.M. for disclosing information in his letters home, and sentenced to lose seniority, so they are out on the war path. A very pleasant day in B_____ . Poor Robinson had died that morning. The photo P.C. [ post card ] was Div. H.Q., where I stayed; moved now. Warm today, heavy shower now on, like thunder. My new residence is sand-bagged, side and roof, and has a door and window! Glass very hard to obtain; got two panes. Except these huts will be cold, but we may not be here. B_____ is a long trek, off eight miles, not a bad small town, fair shops. Good fishmonger, and cheap. Fruit expensive, decent restaurant in the food line, but small pokey accommodation. One of the new lads has pushed off with appendicitis, quite a good youth, too.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th.

Poor George Robinson, buried this morn at 8.00 a.m. Padre and Stronge went eight miles! Glos. Regt. here now, went in to see them, and found Charlie Harding a Major in them; just the same. They are commanded by Carton de Wiart , who has just got the V.C. Only one arm and one eye. Was in 4th D.G’s. [ Dragoon Guards ] Quite young, and seemed a very nice fellow. Div. band played here today. Rained, unfortunately, at intervals. We are always changing various huts and shelters with other Divs, rather a bother. Some silly reason evolved by a bloke in an office, who thinks maps would look well with a straight line of demarcation. Came fussing round about it today, but I was rude and told him it was easy to be generous at other people’s expense. Jeffreys, who is a Guardsman, commands this next Bde. They like him. Each morning I get one company, as strong as possible (about 80) and get the Subs [ subalterns] out to drill. Capital for them, and the men. They so soon get into slovenly ways in the trenches, and here we cannot get any Battalion drill.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th.

A lovely day after a horrid evening and night. My hut is getting quite cosy, lined with sacking, and a window and door. Writing now with afternoon sun streaming in. It’s very pleasant. The men are trying to play football in a rough field in front, full of shell holes; probable result: sprained ankles. Sergt. Barbour slipped on the greasy mud this a.m., and he’s gone to hospital with a sprain. Last night was decidedly chilly; very cosy in bed, but horrid outside. We go in again tomorrow night. They all seem in great feather over the French and doings generally in the S [ south]. I must confess that right up to the end I was skeptical about the end of the Boer War and I was wrong. Maybe I’m wrong now, but I see no signs of German weakening. Marvellous to say they do not at present seem to be deficient of men.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th.

Much Art’y noise last night. Big things going on S. Am going into the Elephant myself this time. Another of the 22—making 16—returned today. Had a bukh with de Wiart today. Such a nice fellow. His wife is an Austrian, big bug, I think. She was in Austria till July 10th and came to England via Berlin. Most interesting. As we were in the line last Sunday and shall be again tomorrow we had service this p.m. Padre giving us great diet, fish and fresh vegetables, and all with messing cheaper.

The three huts I agitated for last time are finished and occupied. Now we concentrate on mess hut, partition it, line it, repair roof and sides and floor, put in stove, also go on repairing men’s huts, and making paths. A little rain in the night, fine today, but N. wind and decidedly autumnal. I sent you yesterday my Battalion Orders on Cather. My leave went in yesterday. Barring accidents, should be all right.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th.

Here we are at the Stinking Farm again. Quiet relief, all over 9.10 p.m. Fine night. I think being away from the Battalion has done the men good, and made them appreciate the Battalion, especially the messing. Hodded all around this a.m. and found my interest was keen.

(To be continued.)