July 1926

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

JULY, 1926.

CLERGY

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

Portadown.

v. R. W. Johnston, L.Th, 21 Edward street,

Portadown.

CHURCHWARDENS :

tor's—Mr. James Twinem, Lylo and Edenderry.

People's—Mr. Moses Gilpin, Drumnagoon.

Anniversary Service

An Anniversary Service will be held (d.v on

Sunday evening, July 11th, at 7 up. me, in the Parish

church. Places Will be reserved for the Brethren

attending. The Preacher will be the Rev J. R.

MacDonald, M.A., Rector of Donaghcloney. The

collection will be on behalt of the Lord Enniskillen

Memorial Orphan Fund.

The Excursion.

Thursday, June 17th, was a nice bright morning,

and at 7-30 the Superintendents, Teachers and

children began to gather at the Parish Church. The

boys had nice flowers in their buttonholes, and the

girls looked very nice in their holiday frocks.

Certainly the Seagoe parents do turn their little ones

out very smart at these holiday times, and they

deserve great credit. At 7-50 a short service conducted

by the Rector, was held in the Church, and then the

procession formed up and marched to the station.

We would have liked to see more attention paid to

keeping the line of the procession. Some of the boys

were offenders in this respect. The train for

Warrenpoint left sharp at 8-50. It was a very long train

and was almost quite filled with the excursionists,

who numbered no less than 600. The journey down

to the sea was quickly made, and on arriving in

Warrenpoint a move was made almost by instinct to

the Town Hall, where

The First Refreshment

was ready at 10 0'clock. A plentiful supply of good

tea and buns was provided, which the children and

grown ups heartily enjoyed. There was a sea mist

which interfered with a view of the mountains, and

a sharp but invigorating breeze blew from over the

sea. The mist cleared away quickly, and the

mountains and sea looked splendid. The excursionists

quickly scattered, most of them going by boat or car

to Rostrevor. We have not heard who was the first

to reach Fiddler's Green or the Big Stone, but we

know that during the day very many enjoyed this

popular climb. Shortly after three there was

A Slight Misty Rainfall,

which we hoped would clear away, but it continued

but did not seriously interfere with the day's pleasure.

At 4-30 the second refreshment was given in

the Town Hall and was much relished by all.

Between this hour and the time of starting for home, the

rain interfered to some extent, but the children and

their parents enjoyed looking in at the shop Windows,

and did not seem to mind the raindrops. At 8 p.m.

the return train left for home bearing a great crowd

of well satisfied excursionists. All arrived safe and

well at Portadown station at 9. Drumcree and the

" Dobbin" also had their excursion the same day.

They travelled down by a later train. A reduction

in the price of tickets was thus made possible, but

we believe there will be a deficit on the excursion of

or largely owing to the reduction of the

outsiders' tickets from 2s 6d to 2s.

Death of Mrs. mcmullan.

We record with sincere regret the death of Mrs.

M'MuIlan, the founder of Drumgor Sunday School,

and its faithful Superintendent for 30 years. Mrs.

M'Mullan had reached the advanced age of 81 years,

but had retained her active habits to so recent a

date that it was difficult to believe that she was so

old. For the past two years she had been - flailing

in health, but up to the last she displayed that interest

in the Parish which she had shown ever since

she came to reside among us. When Dean Dawson

was Rector of Knocknamuckley Mrs. M'Mullan was

one of his most faithful parishioners, and when

she came to Seagoe Parish she was his great helper

in Drumgor. The present Rector experienced just the

same kindness and readiness to help. Her kind

hospitality, her constant interest, and her steadfast

loyalty will always be remembered. God, it has been

said, buries His workers but carries on His work, and

so we believe the good work begun by Mrs. M'Mullan

will be faithfully carried on. The funeral, which was

largely attended, took place to Seagoe Churchyard on

Friday, June 25th. The Rector conducted the service

and gave a short address emphasising the courage

and faith of their departed friend. Some beautiful

wreaths were sent, including one from Seagoe

Mothers' Union. We desire, on behalf of the

Parishioners, to express our sincere sympathy with all the

members of Mrs. M'Mullan's family, especially with

Mrs. R. Hoy, who has been her mother's faithful

companion and helper for many years. We hope it may

be possible in some way to commemorate Mrs.

M'Mullan's work in Drumgor by a permanent memorial.

Death of Mr. James Best

Mr. James Best, of Ballyhannon, who had been ill

for some time, has passed, to his eternal rest. He was

well known and highly esteemed in the Parish. We

offer our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Best and the

members of his family in their sad loss

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

A Notable Seagoe Record.

On Wednesday, June 23rd, the Rector had a visit

from Major George Gilpin, O.B.E., and Mrs. Gilpin.

Major Gilpin is a member of the Gilpin family who

reside at Low Mills, Tamnifiglasson, in this Parish,

and he has spent his life in the British Army, from

which he recently retired, after a long and honourable

service. Since his retirement he has resided at

St. Agnes, Cornwall, Mrs. Gilpin being a member of

a Cornish family. Major Gilpin served for years

in the Royal Sussex Regiment. He joined up in the

2nd Batt. in July, 1881, and served continuously until

October, 1901, when he entered the 1st Batt., and

served with it until December, 1919. During that

period he has served in many campaigns. 1882 found

him in Egypt with the Nile Expedition. In 1885 he

served with the Black Mountain Expedition. In 1888

he fought along the North West Frontier of India.

In 1897-8 he took part in the Tirah Expedition. In

1901 he was in the thick of the Boer War, and in

1914 to 1919, during the Great War he was on active

service along the Afghan border and through the

Frontier Provinces. He wears 11 medals, and the

Egyptian Star, holds the Order of the British Empire,

and is now a County Councillor for the County of

Cornwall. He has had many hair-breadth escapes,

but has never been wounded. He prides himself that

he has always been a strict total abstainer and a non

smoker.

Major Gilpin has a family of four military sons,

whose records are almost as distinguished as his

own. His eldest son, Robert, was unfortunately killed

in the Great War. He was, at the time of his death,

Adjutant of the 10th Brigade Royal Field Artillery.

He was twice mentioned in dispatches. He was

killed on July 3rd, 1915, at Nasyeriah, Mesopotamia.

His second son, Major William John Gilpin, is at

present stationed at Hull with the Royal Artillery.

During the Great War he raised the 211th Siege Battery

and commanded it through the War. He was

awarded the M.C. with bar. Since the War he was

on General Harrington's Staff in Turkey. His third

son, Captain George Ruddell Gilpin, is in the Royal

Engineers, and is now With the Sappers and Miners

at Bangalore, Madras, Southern India. During the

Great War he served in Gallipoli and Palestine and

was present at the entry into Jerusalem. He won

the M.C. and bar for his services. The fourth son

Frank Edward Gilpin, is a Lieutenant in the Royal

Artillery, and was on the Staff of General Harring-

ton during the Great War. He was employed in the

Secret Intelligence Department in the dangerous area

of Chanak for three years. He is a great linguist and

is proficient in French, Turkish, Russian and Arabic.

He spent 5 months in the Flying Corps in France

during the War. He is now at Gosport. We are sure

our readers will join heartily with us in congratulating

Major Gilpin and his sons on their great

service to the Empire on many fields. Seagoe is very

proud of such sons.

Jumble Sale.

This Sale came off on Friday, June 25th, at 7-30

p.m. It was organised to raise funds to pay the

deficit on the Men's Recreation Room and to meet

some current expenses connected with the upkeep of

the Schoolhouse at Seagoe.

The stalls were well

stocked with a very varied collection of goods, and

there was also a stall set apart for farm produce.

The stalls were practically cleared at 8-30. The gross

receipts up to closing time amounted to £13 7s 2d

The expenses are small. Our special thanks are due

to Mr. James Ford, who organised the sale, and to

the ladies who helped in many ways, also to and

those who kindly gave gifts.

Mothers' Union Excursion,

The excursion to Newcastle on Tuesday, June 29th,

was a great success. The weather was perfect, a hot

sun, clear sky and an invigorating breeze from the

sea. The excursionists, 53 in number, started at

10-45 from the Parochial Hall. They filled a large

Pilot bus and a smaller charabanc. The route to

Newcastle was by Scarva, Newry, Warrenpoint

(where a brief halt was made), Kilkeel and Annalong

to Newcastle. Tea was ready at the station, and then

the members scattered, some along the shore, some

to Maggie's Leap, and some to the Demesne. The

sea and mountains were splendid, and the tide was

full in. The start for home was made at 7-30, and

we drove back by Castlewellan, Banbridge, Waringstown

and Lurgan. The day was most enjoyable, and

all the members expressed delight at its success

Mrs. T winem acted as treasurer and carried out her

difficult duties with satisfaction to all.

Disfigurements.

We have heard many objections lately to recent

disfigurements in the neighbourhood of Seagoe. Two

huge and ugly hoardings have been erected, one at

the Red Row, and the other at the point where

Seagoe road branches off from the Lurgan road. But

the most objectionable disfigurement of all has been

the turning of a picturesque thatched cottage at

Seagoe Turns into a set of four stables for horses.

At this point the road is very narrow, and there is a

constant obstruction from the drawing up of carts.

On grounds of health, also, we object to this, and

just now the stench from the stables is most unpleasant.

The question arises who is responsible for

allowing these things to be done. There is much

slackness somewhere.

Protestant Orphan Society

The annual appeal on behalf of the Co. Armagh

Protestant Orphan Society will be made in Seagoe

Church on Sunday next, July 4th, at morning and

evening prayer. The Society, has been always most

generous in helping the widows and orphans of

Seagoe Parish and is deserving of the liberal support

of all the parishioners.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

£1,500 Adrift in Seagoe.

The Rector received the following letter two years

ago from New Zealand :—

Public Trust Office, Christchurch, N.Z.

7th August, 1924,

The Vicar, Church of Ireland, Parish of Seagoe,

Drumnagoon, County Armagh, Ireland.

ANDREW M'DOWELL (DECEASED) :

Rev, Sir,—The Public Trustee is administering

the estate of the above-named, who died at Cheviot,

New Zealand, on the 19th May, 1923.

In order to determine the next-of-kin who are

entitled to share the estate it will be necessary to

obtain documentary evidence of the deceased's

father's marriages, which I understand took place in

your parish. His second marriage to Sarah M'Kinney

took place about the year 1855. The date of his

first marriage is unknown to me, but it would be

some 20 years approximately before the above date.

Would you he good enough to search your

church records, and if you can trace any entries

concerning these marriages will you please forward me

the extracts from the Register. Any expenses incurred

by you in this matter I am prepared to refund

to you on your advising me of the amount.

Thanking you in anticipation.

I am, Rev. sir, your obedient servant,

" A. R. FORDAN, District Public Trustee."

The following advertisement was inserted in the

Belfast " News-Letter" of June 15th, 1926

£1,500 for McDowe11 Heirs,

About sixty years ago a family named M'Dowell

resided in the Townland of Drumnagoon Parish of

Seagoe, County Armagh. We do not know the given

name of either the father or mother, but we know

that the father was married twice. By one marriage

he had a son Andrew M'Dowe11, and by the other

Marriage a daughter, Sarah M'Dowe11. There may

have been other children by both marriages.

The members of this family are entitled to

estate valued at £1,500. They, or anyone having

information concerning them, is requested to communicate

with John .J. Dwyer 40, Wall Street, New

York. N.Y.—Advt."

We would recommend those who are in any way

related to the late Andrew to send in their

applications without delay to the' authorities in New

Zealand.

The Annual Report

The Annual Parish Report is now in print and will

be Circulated without delay. It contains a full and

clear statement of all the amounts contributed to the

various Parish Funds from January 1st to December

31st, 1925. It reflects much credit on the painstaking

work of Mr. Hugh Stoops, the Hon. Treasurer.

any mistakes should be noticed please communicate

without delay with Mr. Hugh Stoops, Killicomaine

Road, Portadown.

At Last.

At last, after a series of accidents, imperilling

human lives, the dangerous corner at Church Lane

has been cut and an iron railing erected instead

the hedge, but we would like to point out that the

danger, though modified, will still exist unless the

hedge be cut down for a further distance. We would

like to remind our Rural Councillors that while they

are cutting Church Lane corner they have at the

same time allowed a hoarding to be erected,

blocking the corner at Seagoe Turns.

Old Seagoe Church

We give here a rough outline of the ground floor

of old Seagoe Church as it was rebuilt by Valentine

Blacker in 1666. It had been destroyed by fire during the Rebellion of 1641.

1, Pulpit; 2, Rector's Pew ; 3, Sir Oliver St. John's

Pew ; 4, Chancel ; 5, Blacker Pew ; 6, Door ; 7. Font

The Church was altered at a later date by the building

of a Transept on the North side. This necessitated

the removal of the Pulpit to the South side.

and the Rector's pew took the place of Sir Oliver St.

John's on the North side of the Chancel. The

Transept appears to hove measured 36 feet in depth by

18 feet in width.

A Narrow Escape.

While the Jumble Sale Was in progress in Edenderry

Hall and some children were playing on the

road outside the Hall, a motor cycle and sidecar

was driven past at a furious pace, and catching

little girl by the clothing, flung her violently on the

roadway. Fortunately, she escaped actual injury beyond

a severe shock. The Automobile Association

is deserving well of the community and has recently

stationed its officers at Seagoe Turns and Church

Lane, to regulate and control the motor traffic.

Warning notices are also to be erected at Seagoe

School.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Drumgor Orange Hall.

The new Hall at Drumgor was opened on Saturday,

June 19th, at 4 p.m. There was a large gathering.

The Hall was opened by Mrs. Waring, of Waringstown.

The visitors were hospitably entertained. The

Hall is a very fine two-storey building.

Parish Register for June.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish

Church on June 5th, 1926 :—

Baptisms,

Clayton—Georgina, daughter of George and Martha Clayton, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Margaret Glassey, Martha Clayton.

Clayton—Mary Jane, daughter of William and Mary Elizabeth Clayton, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Mary Jane Clayton, Mary Elizabeth Clayton.

Hynes—Esther, daughter of William James and Amelia Hynes, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Anne Hynes, Amelia Hynes.

Burials.

Best—June 6th, James Best, of Ballyhannon, aged 62 years.

M'MuIIan—June 25th, Mary M'Mullan, of Lisniskey, formerly of Drumgor, aged 81 years.

ITEMS

Seagoe Choir took part in the Choral Festival

Banbridge. 450 choristers ,sang at the service

conductor, Rev. J. Bentley, again congratulated

Seagoe on the advance they had made above, all the

other choirs.

The Rev. W. T. Grey is now living at 18 Harcourt St., Dublin.

The sudden death is announced in Belfast of the

Rev. Henry Gordon, M A. , brother-in-law of the Rev

Walter Crichton, now of Madras.

Mrs. J. Buckby Atkinson has been on a visit

Eden Villa.

William Freeburn and Mrs. Freeburn (formerly

Miss Lizzie Stewart) have arrived in Portadown on a

visit from South Manchester. They speak in war in

terms of the Rector of St. Mary's South Manchester.

The Rev VC. Neill, who is of Ulstcr descent and

looks well after our Seagoe people.

Dynes Atkinson, formerly sexton of Seagoe

entered his 91st year last March. We are glad to

record that he is in good health and his memory is

as clear as ever.

A pretty bungalow villa is being built in Upper

Seagoe by Mr. Reid.

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. (Seo Book of Common Prayer.)

MORNINC PRAYER—Sundays and Chief Festivals

11.30 a.m.

EVENING PRAYER—Sundays 7 p.m., Wednesdays

p.m.

DISTRICT SERVICES.

Sunday of Month at 3.30 p.m.

CLASSES,

ADULT CLASSES--sundays at 10 a.m.

For Men—Edenderry and Seagoe. For Women

Seagoe School.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS—IO 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.

Seagoe C.L. Brigade in Edenderry Parochial Hall

on Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

Mothers' Union, Edenderry 1st Tuesday, at 4 p.m.

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

Rennix.

Sunday of Month at 4 p.m.

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 £1. 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. A copy of the Magazine will be sent post free to any subscriber for 3s per annum.