June 1936

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

JUNE, 1936

EXCURSION TO WARRENPOINT

THURSDAY, JUNE 18th 1936

Tickets

Train leaves Portadown at 9 55 am ; Train leaves Warrenpoint at 8-40 p.m.

Refreshment Tickets, entitling to two Refreshments, l/- each.

CLERGY :

Rev. Chancellor Archer, B.D., The Rectory,

Seagoe,

W. F. Hayes, B.A., The Bungalow, Lower

Seagoe, Portadown

CHURCHWARDENS :

Rector's— Mr. ROBERT SCOTT.

People's—Mr. THOS. E. MAGINNIS.

Whitsuntide.

Whitsunday, which occurs this year on May 31st,

is a Festival of great importance in the Church.

It is the day on which Christian people

all the world over commemorate the Descent of

the Divine Spirit on the Church on the Day of

Pentecost. Our Blessed Lord before His Ascension

had told His Apostles to tarry at Jerusalem

until they would be endued with power from

on high. "

This Divine gift was bestowed on

them as they assembled together in the Upper

Room. Whitsunday is the Birthday of the

Church, and just as we celebrate our birthdays,

so we must not forget to mark the Birthday

of the Church when it comes in the round

of the Christian year. We will not forget to

join in Public Worship and to kneel together at

Holy Communion and thus feel that we have a

share in the presence and power of the Divine

Spirit. There will be a celebration of Holy Communion

on Whitsunday at 8 a.m. in the Parish

Church and after Morning Prayer in the

Parochial Hall. The offerings at all Services

will be given to the upkeep and repair of the

Parochial School buildings.

Trinity Sunday.

Trinity Sunday occurs this year on June 7th.

There will be a celebration of Holy Communion

in the Parochial Hall.

The Excursion.

This year we go to Warrenpoint.

It is always a great favourite with the excursionists.

There is such variety there. The bathing and

the wading are a constant pleasure. The shops,

too, are so attractive with toys and sweets. The

sail or drive to Rostrevor, and the climb to

Fiddler's Green and the big stone at Cloughmore

provide endless enjoyment to young and

old. Best of all there is the splendid outlook of

mountain and sea. This year we have secured

the Pavilion in which to have our meals.

Messrs. Davison are providing the two refreshments.

The first refreshment will consist of a

ham sandwich with a slice of Denny's best

Portadown ham between two slices of Davison's

finest bread; together with two pastries of special make.

The Second refreshment will consist of three buns and pastries.

The best of tea will accompany each refreshment. Outsiders'

tickets at 2/- each are now on sale.

Secure your ticket as early as you can. As announced

in our last issue, the children's tickets are 2/-

each, including two refreshments. The train

to Warrenpoint will leave Portadown station at

9.55 a.m., and the return train will leave Warrenpoint

at 8.40 p.m. The train journey generally occupies about

fifty-five minutes. A short

Service will be held in the Parish Church at

8.45- a.m., and the procession, headed by our

splendid C. L. B. Band, will march from there

to the station. The Superintendent of each Sunday School

will arrange the date for the distribution of the tickets to the children.

The Renovation of the Church,

The renovation of the Parish Church has

made great progress during May. A fine steel

scaffolding was erected round the tower to its

full height. The four pinnacles were then repaired

and strengthened. They had been in quite insecure condition.

The walls of the tower were then stripped of their covering of

plaster and dashing.

It was then decided that the stonework was suitable for pointing.

This has now been done and is a great improvement.

The other walls of the Church will be treated in

like manner. The interior of the Church has

also been undergoing renovation. Flood lighting

by electricity has been introduced into the

chancel and the large brass gasolier has been

removed. This gasolier was a great obstruction

to a clear view of the fine east window. The

walls of the Church have already received their

covering of oil paint. A great change has been

made in the appearance of the pews. The old

dark staining has been removed and the fine

natural colour and graining of the wood laid

bare. Electric lights have also been fitted up

at the various doors of the Church.

Messrs. Collen Bros. have the contract for the outside

renovation work, and Mr. Brownlee, of Edenderry,

the painting of the inside of the Church.

Welcome.

We welcome back to Seagoe Mr. James

McDowell and Mrs. McDowell, who have just

crossed the Atlantic from their home in

“Seagoe" Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.A.,

and are staying in their house at Killicomaine.

They are always very welcome visitors to the

old Parish.

A Rose In June."

This is the nice and poetical expression which

tradition has handed down in Seagoe Parish to

denote the "rent" paid on a freehold farm. If

anyone were to ask on what terms such a farm is

held the answer would be " A Rose in June. "

We wonder who first used the expression and

when it first arose. Perhaps some of our readers

could throw some light on its origin. It

seems to imply that in former days, as also

nowadays, Seagoe and its neighbourhood was

prolific in roses.

Regret.

We regret very much that in our last issue we

omitted to refer to an interesting Children's Service

which took place in Drumgor Church Hall

on the afternoon of Easter Day. It had been

arranged by Mr. W. Hutchinson and the Ven.

Archdeacon Hannon gave the address. During

the Service the Archdeacon dedicated two new

collecting plates for use at the Services in the

Hall. The Rector and the Rev. W. F. Hayes

were also present. The Hall was crowded and

had been prettily decorated with flowers.

Lurgan Choral Festival.

This annual event, in which Seagoe choir takes

part, will be held in Dromore Cathedral On Saturday,

May 30th, at, 4 p.m. Mr. Smith, the

popular organist, of Shankill Parish Church, will

conduct the musical part of the Service. Dromore Cathedral,

where the Service will be held,

is an ancient, and most interesting building. It

dates from A.D. 1100.

The great Bishop Jeremy Taylor is buried there.

His last words were “Bury me at, Dromore." Bishop Percy

resided there for over 30 years, and during that

time was a great literary figure in the life of his

day. He lived at the Old See House on the

hill opposite the Cathedral. The bridge over

the Lagan beside the Cathedral was built to

commemorate Bishop Percy's episcopate.

The Parochial Hall.

During the renovation of the Church it was

found impossible to hold the usual services in

the Church. Permission was given by the Lord

Bishop to hold services in the Parochial Hall.

They have been well attended by the parishioners.

Mr. T. H. Wilson has presided at the

American organ, and the Singing has been very

hearty.

Sympathy.

During the month we have lost through death

some very faithful parishioners. On May 1st

Rhoda Guy passed to her eternal rest after a

very illness. Her services at the Rectory

during almost twenty years were much appreciated

and her kindly and genial manner won

her many friends. Her funeral on Sunday, May

3rd, was largely attended. We offer our sincere

sympathy to her sister, Miss Agnes Guy.

Within the last few days death has carried away,

after a brief illness, James Best, of Balteagh.

He was working up to within a few days of

his death. He was highly esteemed by all who

knew him and he was a valued helper in our

Drumgor district. We offer our deep sympathy

to his wife and little ones and to his aged mother.

We regret also the death of Mrs. Browne, of Edenderry,

who had been seriously ill for a lengthened period. Mrs.

Margaret, Anne Colbert, of Armagh, formerly

Miss McKeown, of Edenderry, was well known to

a past, generation and many will regret her loss.

Parish Register Tor May Baptisms

Donaldson—May 2nd, 1936, Clifford Carlisle,

son of David and Margaret Agnes

Donaldson, Edenderry.

Sponsors—Elizabeth Myrtle Wright, Margaret

Agnes Donaldson.

Somerville—May 2nd, 1936, Thomas William

Alexander Robert, son of Robert and

Rebecca Somerville, of Hacknahay.

Sponsors—Ellen Carson, Rebecca Somerville.

PRIVATELY BAPTIZED.

Kilpatrick—May 7th 1936, Jeanette, twin

daughter of William James and Edith

Kilpatrick, of Levaghery.

Kilpatrick—May, 7th, 1936, James, twin son

of William James and Edith Kilpatrick,

of Levaghery.

Burials.

Brown—May 4th, 1936, Ellen Brown, of Kernan,

aged 74 years.

Best—May 6th, 1936, James Best, of Belfast,

aged 54 years.

Colbert—May 11th, 1936, Margaret Anne Colbert,

of Armagh, aged 67 years.

Best—May 26th, 1936. James Best, of Balteagh,

aged 51 years.

Inspection

On Friday, May 28th the annual inspection of

the Seagoe C.L.B. was held at 8 p.m. in the

Parochial hall. The Inspecting Officer was

Colonel H. Friers, the Colonel of the Battalion.

He was accompanied by Major Heuston, of the

Knock (Belfast) Company. Captain Mitchell

was in command of the lads. It was a most, interesting

display and both the Cadets and the

Training Corps acquitted themselves splendidly.

At an interval in the proceedings tea was provided.

Before leaving the Colonel congratulated

the lads on their fine bearing and general

smartness. He specially congratulated the Band

on their efficiency. The Rector expressed his

thanks to Colonel Friers for his encouraging

words and useful advice. At the close of the

inspection prizes were awarded for Church and

Drill Attendance and for other items of efficiency.

The following is a list of the awards:—

Cadets, 1st, L/cpl. Wm. Donaldson; 2nd, Pte.

Jack Best. Training , Corps—1st Pte. David

Moore; 2nd, L/ cpl. J. Simpson and Pte.

Davison; 3rd, Pte. Chas. Johnston and Pte.

Victor M'Neill.

O'Grady Drill Down—Cadets—1st, Pte. Geo.

Lynass; 2nd, Sergt. A. Heyburn.

Training

Corps—lst, L/cpl. J. Simpson; 2nd, L/cpl. J.

Bateson.

Promotions—Cadets, Pte. T. Lyness promoted

L/cpl. Training Corps—Pte. David Moore promoted

L/ cpl. Training Corps, awarded good

Conduct Stripes—Pte. Thos. Currie, Pte. Geo.

Hunter, Pte. Jim M' Cormick.

Seagoe Mothers' Union.

At, the last meeting of the Mother's Union

held on May 12th in Seagoe School a most interesting

and helpful address was given by Mrs.

Davison, of Clare, Waringstown, on the subject

of " The Hands of Christ," The Rector

presided and at the close of the meeting expressed

the thanks of the members to Mrs.

Davison for her address.

Protestant Orphan Society.

The annual collections for the Co. Armagh

Protestant Orphan Society will be made in Seagoe

Parish Church on Sunday, June 28th,

Morning and Evening Prayer.

Twenty-five Years ago.

JUNE, 1911.

In this former issue of the Magazine there is

a prominent notice of a forthcoming excursion to

Warrenpoint on June 13th, 1911, Tuesday.

The train is to leave Warrenpoint at 7.30 p.m.

On Thursday, June 22nd, King George V. and

Queen Mary are announced to be crowned. A

special service is to be held in Seagoe Parish

Church at 11.30 on Coronation Day. New gates

are just erected at Seagoe School. The boys at-

tending Seagoe School have got neat caps with

the letters S. N. S. embroidered on them. Four

Baptisms, three Marriages and three Burials are

recorded. There is a note on " Fairy Stones'

in Seagoe. There is also a note on the making

of the railway in Seagoe in 1838.

Old Seagoe Notes.

Seagoe Great East Window, March, 1896.—A

particularly interesting service was held in the

Parish Church of St. Gobhan, Seagoe, near

Portadown, on the 6th March, 1896. The occasion

was the dedication of a beautiful east window,

just placed in the Church by the Baroness

von Stieglitz, of Carrickblacker. The weather

was cold and stormy, frequent squalls of rain

following each other; but notwithstanding this

drawback, the Church was well filled.

Evensong began at three o'clock, when the

Bishop and his chaplain, preceded by twenty-

eight clergymen, entered the church during the

singing of " For all Thy Saints." Dean Dawson,

Dr. Quirk, and Mr. Leslie said the prayers; and

Archdeacon Harding and Canon Blacker read the

Lessons. Psalms 84 and 132 were chanted to

Elvey No. 27, and Bentham No. 128. Mr. C.

M. Wilson, Mus. Bac., organist of the Cathedral

of Down( played the accompaniments, and I

was glad to see him wearing his surplice and

hood. There was a large choir, and they rendered

the psalms, canticles, and hymns . with

precision and devout, expression.

A word of commendation is deserved by the

order of the Service, with copies of which all

present were supplied. It was well and clearly

printed, and contained the complete words. together

with a brief note of the special gifts that

were being dedicated.

Immediately after the Creed; the Bishop,

standing near the east window, with uplifted

hand, pronounced the form of dedication. saying,

We dedicate this window to the praise and

glory of God, and in sacred memory of Stewart

Blacker; in the name of the Father, and of the

Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

The stained-glass window is a fine work of art,

and has been executed by Messrs. Heaton,

Butler, and Bayne, at a cost of £300. The subject

illustrated is the Ascension. Our Blessed

Lord, rising towards the glory which streams

from above, occupies the centre; below in the

distance are the roof tops of the city of Jerusalem.

In the foreground are "the eleven" in

various postures of devout wonder, gazing up

into heaven. While in the tracery of the beautiful

perpendicular stone-work are angels and

stars above "the cloud, " the apex being occupied

by a crown, presumably that of glory. The

colouring is delicate and subdued, and the drawing

most lifelike. Mr. Drew, the architect of

the Church, gave the instructions to the artists,

which is a guarantee for the propriety of the

treatment and execution.

On the north wall of the chancel has been

placed a large brass, the work of Messrs. Singer

& Sons, of Frome. This has been presented by

the parishioners to record their gratitude to the

generous family of Carrick-Blacker, to whom

their parish owe so much. This brass bears the

following historical and deeply interesting

inscription : —

To the glory of God, and in record of the

munificence of Stewart Blacker, of Carrickblacker,

Esquire, deceased anno 1881, and his

surviving sister, Dame Hester Anna, Baroness

Von Stieglitz, to this parish of Seagoe.

"They, following the pious example of their

forefathers (of whom it is on record that Valentine

Blacker rebuilt, about 1662, the ancient

parish church, ruined in the rebellion of 1641 ;

and the Very Rev. Stewart Blacker, Dean of

Leighlin, with the Rev. George Blacker, vicar,

by their exertions, built this church in 1816) .

in 1876 by a gift of £1,000, and an advance to

the vestry of £1,600, secured to the parish, at

the disestablishment of the Irish Church,

parochial endowment fund now, in 1896,

amounting to In 1891 the Baroness Von

Stieglitz generously aided the parishioners in the

rebuilding of the nave of this parish church and

the erection of the south aisle, and at her sole

cost, added the chancel in loving memory of her

aforesaid brother, Stewart Blacker, providing it

with suitable furniture, and adorning it with

many costly gifts and offerings towards the

comely and reverent worship of Almighty God.

SERVICES—The PARISH CHURCH

HOLY COMMUNION Sunday after Morning

Prayer ; 3rd Sunday at 8 a.m., and on the Chief

Festivals.

HOLY BAPTISM— 1st Saturday of cach Month at 3

p m e, and during any Service in the Parish Church,

notice be given ; Two Sponsers at least are required

and they must be Confirmed Members of the Church.

Churchings are held at each Baptism. Mothers are

(See Book of

expected to bring a thankoffering.

Common Prayer.

MORNING PRAYER—Sundays and Chief Festivals,

11-30 a.m.

EVENING PRAYER—Sundays, 7 p.m

DISTRICT SERVICES

Hacknahay—Last Sunday of Month at 3-30 p.m.

Drumgor— Sccond Sunday of Month at 4 p.m

Edenderry—Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

MARRIAGES must be performed between 8 a.m. and 3pm

CLASSES,

BIBLE CLASS FOR MEN in Edenderry on

Sundays at 10 a m.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS 10 a.m. Edenderry Parochial

Hall and Seagoe School. 3 p.m. Seagoe, Edenderry

Parochial Hall, Levaghery, Hacknahay, Carne,

Drumgor, Bocombra.

MOTHERS' UNION—2nd Tuesday of each month

at 7-30 p.m.

CHURCH LADS' BRIGADE in the Parochial Hall

on Tuesdays and Fridays.

GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY in Seagoe School on

Mondays at 8 p.m.

SEAGOE P.E. SCHOOL, 9-15 a.m. Principal—Mr.

R. Scott.

3 p m. Licenses are issued by Rev. Canon Hannon,

Rectory, Lurgan. Due notice (48 hours) mus be given to the Rector of intended weddings. FEES—BY License—

Labourers 5/- Tradesmen 10/-, Merchants and Farmers 15/-, Professional, at. 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

It will be a help to the Clergy if they are notified of the

arrival of new Church families in the Parish.

A copy of the Magazine will be sent post free to any subscriber for 3/- per anunm.