June - July 1921

Seagoe Parish Magazine

JUNE—JULY, 1921,

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[MOFFETT

SEAGOE WAR MEMORIAL.

THE Memorial Pillars and Gates at Seagoe Parish Church were Dedicated on Sunday, June 19th, 1921. The Pillars are of Portland Stone, and in each Pillar is inserted Tablet of Red Granite, on which are carved the names of 52 men connected with Seagoe Church and Parish who fell in the Great War. The following words are inscribed on each Pillar—"These Gates are a Memorial to the Men from Seagoe Parish who fell in the Great War 1914 1918," and at the foot of each Tablet are the words “Their name liveth for evermore." The names of the men inscribed are as follows, 26 on each Pillar James Allen, William Henry Armstrong, Thomas Joyce Atkinson, Robert Henry Brown, Samuel Clayton, John Collen, Thomas Cordner, William Cordy, Robert John Cordy, Francis Currie, David George Dunlop,. Thomas Ellis. Thomas Flannigan, Samuel Fox, Willoughby Frazer, Francis Gillespie, Isaac Gilpin, John Girvan, James Gordon, David Gracey, James Gracey, Ernest Hall. 'I'homas Hewitt. Bertram Holland, Norman Sydney Holmes, Thomas Henry Holrnes, Thomas Kilpatrick, James Lamb. Joseph Malcomson„ William Malcomson, Edward Marshall, John Matthews, Maxwell. Johnston M'Afee, Joseph Henry M'Ardle, Alexander M cCabe, Francis M 'Kerr, Thomas Mighton, William Milligan, Robert Taylor Montgomery, Herbert Moore Murray, Joseph Parkes, David Porter, Samuel Robinson, William Sharpe, Henry Sinnamon. Jackson Stothers, Joseph Stothers, Maxwell Stothers, George Weir, James Henry Weir, George Whiteside.

Dedication of War Memorial.

The Services in connection with the Dedication of Seagoe

War Memorial were held on Sunday, June 19th, 1921.

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

was unfortunately prevented by illness from being present.

He sent as his Deputy the Ven. H. R. Brett, M.A.,

Archdeacon of Connor. The Archdeacon preached at Morning

Prayer from the text inscribed on the pillars, which

occurs in the Apocrypha—The Book of Ecclesiasticus, xliv.

14: "Their name liveth for evermore. ' The passage is

taken from the famous Chapter beginning "Let ms now

praise famous men," The passage runs :—"All these were

honoured in their generations and were the glory of their

times. There be of them that have left a name behind

them, and some there be which have no memorial. Their

seed shall remain for ever and their glory shall not be

blotted out. Their bodies are buried in peace but their

name liveth for evermore." The collection was for the

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

Co. Armagh Protestant Orphan Society. During the Service

the Roll of Honour presented to the Parish by Li.-

Col. Blacker and the Misses Atkinson of Eden Villa was

Scholars, and Teachers at the Annual Excursion this year—

Dedicated by the Archdeacon. The Roll contains the

larger we think than ever before. Mr. Isaac Walker, of

names of 264 Churchmen from the Parish who served with

the Colours during the War. The Roll of Honour is placed

In the Church below the Tablet to the Memory of Dean

Dawson. It is on Parchment, richly engrossed, and chaste

in design and illumination. At 3.30 the Service for the

Dedication of the Pillars and Gates was held. The

Clergy, Churchwardens, and Select Vestry walked in

procession from the School to the Church, the Choir near the

gates singing meanwhile the xxiii Psalm. A way was

kept for the Procession by the Parish Scouts. An immense

crowd, numbering some thousands, entirely filled the

roadway for a considerable distance. The Corcrain Prize

Band (all Ex-service men) headed a body of Ex Servicemen

numbering about 150 who marched from the Orange

Hall in Carleton Street. When the Clergy reached the

gates the Ex Service men and Scouts kept a space near

the gates. The Rector read aloud the names of the

Fallen. The Tablets were then unveiled by Major Gibson,

late of the 9th Batt. R.I.F ., and who had been severely

wounded in the advance on July 1st, 1916. The Memorials

were then solemnly Dedicated by the Archdeacon,

and the Reveille and Last Post, were sounded by Sergeant

Hampton, of Waringstown. The Rev. F. J . Halahan,

M.C. (with Bar), Rector of Drumcree, who had acted as

Chaplain with the 9th Battalion in France, was present

and joined in the Dedication Prayers. The Hymn “There

is a Green Hill fa r away” was then sung, and during the

singing of the Hymns the Clergy and people moved

through the gates and into the graveyard, the Clergy taking

up their position at the Church door. The Archdeacon

having spoken briefly, the Hymn “Stand up, stand up for

Jesus ’ was sung. During the Hymn a collection was

taken up among those p resent, amounting to £15 7s. 8d.,

for the Ex-Service Men’s Club in Portadown. The

Hymns “Rock of Ages,” and “ Safe in the Arms of Jesus ”

were also sung. Then followed the concluding Prayers

and the Benediction. The weather was very fine

throughout the Service. At Evening Prayer the Rev. F . J .

Halahan preached on “Homage and Dedication. ’ ’ He referred

in touching terms to his experiences with the men

at the Front and to their nobility of character and heroism.

During the day large numbers gathered at the

Pillars and gates, which were much admired. A laurel

wreath was laid at the base of each pillar during the

day, and before the unveiling the Tablets were covered

with Union Jacks. At both Services in the Church the

Anthem “Who a re these arrayed in white robes’’ was

sung by the Choir.

Sunday School Excursion

There was an immense gathering of Sunday School

Scholars, and Teachers at the Annual Excursion this year—

larger we think than ever before. Mr. Isaac Walker, of

Seagoe Farm, had most kindly lent us two of his large

grazing fields, and 110 more suitable place could have

been found. Its nearness to Seagoe Church and School

and its pretty surroundings made it an ideal excursion

ground The Superintendents, Teachers, and Children

gathered in the Parish Church at 2.30 on Thursday, Ju n e

23rd. After a short Service conducted by the Rector the

children formed in a long procession., headed by the Scouts

with their Buglers. Two large Union Jacks were carried

at the head of the Procession. The children marched in

procession by Seagoe Road, Lurgan Road, and Church

Lane to the fields. The procession was more than a

quarter of a mile in length. Tea was dispensed by a large

band of helpers in Seagoe School for the girls at 4.30 and

for the boys at 5. Games, Tugs-of-War, Races, and all

kinds of amusements were indulged in to a late hour when

all separated after a most enjoyable day. Before leaving

the field three hearty cheers were given for Mr. Walker,

and the Rector on behalf of all present thanked him for his

kindness in giving his fields for the excursion. It is

interesting to note that Athletic Sports for the pupils of

Seagoe School were held in the same field on July 6th ,

1906, fifteen years ago.

Missionary Collections,

SEAGOE C M.S. BOXES, 1920—1921.

Total, £14 12s 6 ½ d.

Edenderry, £1 17s 1ld.—Misses Atkinson, 4s ld; Mrs.

C. Magee, 3s 2Jd ; Mr. Wm. Tedford, Is 3 d , Miss Agnes

Johnston, 3s 5 d ; Thos. and John Metcalf, 4s 7 ½ d ; Mrs.

H. Stoops, 2s 6d ; Mrs. Stevenson, 2s 5d ; Mrs. Flannigan,

3s l1d ; Miss I. Atkinson, 2s 6 d ; Miss G. Atkinson, 10s.

Drumgor, £2 3s ll 1/2 d .—Mrs. S. Best, 2s 6 d ; Miss Madge

Gracey, I s 9 ½ d ; Mrs. Hopos, 1s 9d ; Miss Hannah E .

Martin, 6s 6 ½ ; Mrs. W. Gracey, 2 s ; Mrs. M'Mullan, 5s

2 d ; Miss Lizzie Gracey, 15s 9 ½ d ; The late Mr. J . Lavery,

5d ; Mrs. Dickson, 7s l0d.

Hacknahay, ￡ 7 0s 2 ½ d .—Miss Rodgers 6 d ; Miss Margaret

E . Rowland, 10s; Mrs. Thos. Neill, 2s 7d ; Miss

Rachel Black, 6s 8d ; Mrs. N. England, 7s ; Mrs. Wm. J .

Calvert, 3s 7d ; Mrs. Bradshaw, 6s 3d ; Miss G. Best, 2s:

4 ½ d ; Samuel Jennett, 3s 2 ½ d ; Miss M. England, 5s I d ;

Miss Abraham, 9s 0 ½ d ; Miss Sarah Magirmis, 6s 3d ; Miss

J a n e Ourry, 7s 10 ½ d; Mrs. Neill, Is 3d:; Mrs. Livingstone,

2s I ½ d ; Mrs. Craig, 2s 6d ; Mrs. H. Neill, 6s 7d ; Mrs.

Quinn, 9s 2d ; Miss Minnie M'Cormick, 3s 3d ; Miss

Rebecca Calvert, ￡ 2 4s Id.

Seagoe, ￡ 2 17s 6 ½ d .—MisR Isabella Best, 3s 10 ½ d ; Miss

Maisie Ruddell, 7s 4d ; Miss Mary Coulter, 2s 6d ; Mrs. S.

Porter, 3s 6d ; Mrs. Ramsey, 2s 6d ; Mrs. Rennix, 11s Id _

Mrs. Dickson, Is 9 ½ ,d ; Mi’s. Ephraim Collins, 4s 2d -

Seagoe Girls’ Bible Class, 8s l ½ d ; Sagoe Afternoon Sunday

School, 4s 3d ; Seagoe Morning Sunday School, 7s 7 ½ d.

Came, 12s l ½ d .—Miss Lavery, 2 s ; Mrs. Andrew

Costello, I s 6d ; Mrs. Price, 2s 6 d ; Mrs. Murray, 4s l id . ;

Mrs. Martin , 2s.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

Parish Register June—July, 1921 Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish on May 7th, 1921

M 'Cann— Mary Jane, daughter of James and Minnie M 'Cann, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Sarah Kane, Minnie M 'Cann.

Hunter—Esther, daughter of George and Frances Hunter, of Portadown.

Sponsors—Margaret Thompson, Frances Hunter

Steenson—Alexander, son of George and Sophia Steenson, of Portadown.

Sponsors—Elizabeth Shanks, Sophia Steenson,

Collins—Cecil, son of Joseph and Mary Collins.

Sponsors—Elizabeth Crossley, Mary Collins.

Smyth—Aaron, son of Aaron and Sarah Anne Smyth, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Elizabeth Crossley, Sarah Anne Smyth.

Hickland—Lucinda, daughter of John and Lucinda Hickland, of Breagh.

Sponsors—Anne Simpson, Lucinda Hickland.

Lynass – George Kerr, son of John and Alicia Lyness, of Carne.

Sponsors—Anne Kerr, Alicia Lyness.

Robinson—Richard Wilson, son -of Thomas George and Margaret Jane Robinson, of Drumnagoon, was Baptized privately on May 7, 1921.

BAPTIZED ON MAY 18th, 1921 :

Porter—Robinson, son of John and Jane Porter,of Lower Seagoe.

Sponsors—Margaret Porter, Jane Porter.

BAPTIZED ON JUNE 4th, 1921 :

M' Murray—Thomas, son of Joseph Edward and Rebecca M 'Murray, of Lylo.

Sponsors—Martha Thompson, Rebecca M 'Murray.

Wright—Kathleen Frances, daughter of John Henry and Mary Elizabeth Wright, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Margaret Agnes Mary Elizabeth Wright.

Marriage,

Topley and Maxwell—May 18th, 1921, James Topley, of Portadown, "A" Special Royal Irish Constabulary, to Margaret Maxwell, of Edenderry.

Burials,

Livingston—May 1st, David Livingston, of Upper Seagoe, aged 32.

Austin—May 2nd, James Austin, of Edenderry, aged 68

Sherman—May 2nd, George Sherman, of Edenderry, aged 42.

Ross—May 22nd, Sarah Anne Ross, Of Upper Seagoe, aged 24.

Stevenson—May 31st, George Stevenson, of Edenderry, aged 6 ½

Campbell—June 5th, Ellen Campbell. of Killicomaine, aged 72.

Magee—June 14th, Edna Magee, of Ballynaghey, aged 9 days.

Gi Ichrist June 16th, Martha Gilchrist, of Edenderry, aged 42.

Wilson—June 22nd; Mary Wilson, of Edenderry, aged 80.

Our Losses.

Since our last issue we have lost, by death some

were very well known in the Parish. David Livingston,

member of the Choir, and a former Sexton of Seagoe,

passed away suddenly after a long struggle against ill

health on Friday; April 29th His death was deeply

lamented. So gentle, lovable arid Christlike a nature,

nurtured by a deep faith in the Unseen, drew to him many

closely attached friends His Funeral on Sunday, May

1st, was attended by a great crowd of people who quite

filled the Church. George Magee, cut off in the prime of

life by a motor accident, was very popular. He had been

for many years a member of Edenderry Bible Class, and

was an attached member of Seagoe Church. He was an

enthusiast in football matters. Every one who knew him

liked him. His Funeral on May 2nd was very largely

attended. James Austin (or Erskine). who died on May

1st, was well known in the Parish. He and his father

before him had been employed at Seagoe Rectory. His

kindly, quiet manner gained him many friends. Mrs.

Ross passed away on May 22nd at an early age. She bore

a tedious illness with wonderful courage. Other names

follow—George Stevenson, a bright, and happy little child

Ellen Campbell, Edna Magee, and Mary Wilson. To

sorrowful and bereaved we offer our sincere sympathy.

Seagoe Girl Guides.

First Seagoe Girl Guides are to be congratulated

getting Fourth place in the Competition for the Countess

of Gosford's Challenge Shield at Armagh on June 25.

We congratulate Edna Allen, Isa Best and Sarah McDowell;

who gained Prizes for Needlework ; and: Hannah Rainey,

Lilian Sands, and Sarah McDowell, who got Prizes for

Baked Bread.

Seagoe in U. S. A.

41 Chestnut St., S. Manchester,

Conn, U-EA., 9/4/21.

Sir,—I hope you are in good health. Well, for me I

am in the best of health, after selling that large bundle

of Almanacs, 50, but great credit is due to Miss Alice

Hopfner, the young American girl. There was a duty

the Almanac 99 cents to be paid before I could get

parcel. All parcels that come to this country are taxed,

so I had to pay a little over five shillings in English

money of duty. I am enclosing a postal order for one

pound five shillings for 50 Almanacs received and sold

hoping you will get the money safe, as I hear the Sinn

Feiners are doing dirty work. Well, I still like America;

it's a beautiful country. The good weather seems to be

coming now ; although the, winter was not so severe; I

enjoyed it immensely. I was through a Library in the

city of Hartford, and 1 saw some very beautiful old pictures

of great men, and some very old stones which were

very interesting to me ; so you see there are great attractions

in America. I think I have exhausted all this time,

saying again I shall be very glad to help the old Church

in any way it can, ,is the closing words of your old friend„

DAVID WEBB.

We have received a further sum of £1 15s from

David Webb, of South Manchester, Conn. , for Kalendars

and Almanacs most kindly sold by him in Seagoe-across—

the-Sea, as we might term South Manchester.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

WITH THE "NINTH" IN FRANCE.

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

(Continued from April—May Magazine.)

Wednesday, February 16th. — We have had five

casualties. Bull wants me to go down early and

go round the line with him, which means I shall

have to go down communication Trench instead of going

on top after dark, and the Trench is over l ¼ m. long

and over knees in slush and water. The Dump where

rations and stores are brought, by our Transport are 2

miles from the line, and everything has to be carried in

by hand from there, and now they say this dump is in

the next Div. area, and we can only use it, by courtesy,

and between stated hours, which adds to the irksomeness.

Great efforts to prevent frost bite, every man has

TO WHALE OIL INTO HIS FEET

for half an hour for 2 days previous to going into the line,

and for an hour on the day they go in. Quite necessary,

I'm sure, in the present conditions. A Draft of 50 men

has arrived at the Base. I don't know when it will

materialise here, All quiet here today. Our Heavies

fired a little, but we got no shells back here. Various

colds, expect there; will be more before the 6 days are up.

Had my hair cut close to-day. Now going to rub in anti-

frost bite grease. Thursday, Feb. 17th—Bright day after a

rainy night. Want all socks sent. Have written to, C. B.

The men are short, and want them badly, to prevent

Trench feet. (3 prs. per man), and they have only about

2 pr. Candles are also a great want for the Dugouts.

Friday, Feb. 18th—We got the relief over without mishap,

and it was completed by 9 p.m. A very clear moonlight

night; slight frost, and. drizzling to-day. The

Trenches are shocking, and the 12th must have had an

awful week, and worked very hard to keep them up at

all. Some are collapsed altogether, and new ones will

have to be dug at night. I went all round them this

morning ; from 5.45 a.m. till 8 a.m. it took me to get

round. They are exposed in many places, owing to falling

in, and of course in some places knee deep in slush, and

crumbling away. It's disheartening work; as fast as you

clean up one place you hear and see other parts falling in.

There's such a lot to be done. We might have another

cake. It was a quiet night as far as we were concerned,

there was a terrific bombardment further north from

about 1 a.m. till 4 a.m., and again about 5 a.m. Don't

how what it meant. I came in after lunch yesterday to

talk over things with Bull. The long communication

Trench was in an awful condition, in places up to and

over the knees in gluey clay. Colds are prevalent, I

have escaped so far, thank goodness. I have brought in

far less kit this time—blanket, sleeping bag, both coats,

washing kit and puttee stockings. Coming in at night, one

can come in overland, not in the trench, which is a boon,

but the ground slopes towards the Hun Trenches, and is

if they should fire on the chance of there being a

on. Of course they can see nothing. Both sides

have a habit of turning M.C. on to the road and village

at night, which is disconcerting.

(*Bull Commands 12th R.I.R., was in 1st R.I.F.)

10 p.m.—Such a wild, wet day it has turned out. The

Trenches are roaring rivers, and every one wet through.

THE 2 MEN WOUNDED

in the line are both doing well. The 2 in M. (the wounded

one has since died) were hit by a 5.9 shell which landed in

the yard by the cookers. No fault of theirs, poor fellows.

One wounded in leg by a sniper today ; not bad. These

Trenches are quite good except one bit, but of course this

weather bursts any sort of Trench. Owing to wet

were unable to dig our new Trench tonight, and worked

on main communication, which is falling in. The men are

splendid, never a complaint, and always cheerful.

Saturday, Feb. 19th.—Fine at last, and a wind, but very watery

looking sun. Mild quiet night. Went round at 5.30 a.m.

and found much water about, and Trenches fallen in in

many places. A dugout fell in about midnight, burying

1 man, but he was got out unhurt. A sniper just been

located, and Pratt is off to see if he can snare him. We

downed 2 Huns yesterday. One of our snipers got them

at about 400 yards. It blew hard all night, and the wind

is getting up again. Socks and candies are our wants for

the men. Padre goes off tomorrow evening for the

leave. We shall miss him sadly. Red T— turned up the day

we came into the line. Yes, send handkerchiefs. Our

mess cook has gone on leave, McNeill, from Meadow Lane,

Portadown, and Dodd, the mess waiter, has taken his

place and cooking quite well. Hooper does waiter. 4th

Div. and Hants resting. 36th Div. taken over this line

permanently. Am really quite comfy. 9.45 p.m.—A

tremendous outburst of fire just N. of us from 6 p.m. to 7

p.m., but nothing happened. We all stood to arms for 2

hours. It has been an anxious evening with disquieting

reports from Patrols. I have taken various precautionary

measures and am now awaiting developments. Don't be

alarmed. You will know by this time to send socks ; still

to send socks, candles also, but no mitts or mufflers yet.

I believe the men at the Base have a mascot, but don't

know for certain, Fine today except for drizzle this,

evening, which has now stopped. The sleeping

acommodation at M— isn't bad. Pratt and I share a room of

sorts.

ADJUTANT HAS A KENNEL TO HIMSELF,

and Berry and Padre double up. I shall only lie down.

tonight, not go to bed, Sunday, 9 a.m.—Nothing has.

happened during the night, except a Zep. came over at

midnight, but did nothing. About 150 men live in some

deep caves cut into the hill, and sounds of mining under

it have been heard. Patrol has discovered men working

at what looks like a shaft, about 150x in front of us. I

cleared, all the men out of the caves back to the village.

An expert miner is coming to-day to examine. We passed

an anxious night expecting an explosion, which would, of

course, have been the prelude to an attack. Clear frosty

morning. Such a heavenly spring day, sunny and warm,

and a peaceful day. Very little shell fire, and only occasional M.G.

(To be Continued.)