March 1908

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

MARCH, 1908.

THE CHILDREN'S MISSION.

A series of very interesting services has been held in the Parish Church by the Rev. James Stephens, Children's Missioner, under the Church Parochial Mission Society. Mr. Stephens had just concluded a mission to the children in Lurgan, and having some spare time at his disposal before commencing another mission in England, he kindly consented to come to Seagoe and hold special services for ten days. Every afternoon at 4:30 a service for children has been held in the Parish Church, and although the attendance has not been as large as we might have hoped for, yet a considerable number of our young people have listened with deep attention to the earnest words of the Missioner. The Children's Service on each Sunday were largely attended. The singing of the children was very hearty, and Mr. Stephens' addresses on "The little Foxes " and “The Children's Friend " were most instructive and impressive. The services for adults, held at 8 o'clock each evening, have been well attended in spite of the tempestuous weather which prevailed during the week. On Sunday, Mr. Stephens preached at morning and evening service. The congregations were good, and the speaker's words were followed with reverent interest by those present. The mission came to an end on Ash Wednesday evening, and memorial cards were given to those who, during the mission, have been led to think seriously about eternal things.

LENT, 1908.

Lent Lectures will be given in the Parish Church on Sunday evening on the following subjects:

March 8th.—-"Self Examination."

“ 15th.—"Neglected Bibles."

“ 22nd—"Idle Words."

“ 29th—"Intemperance."

April 5th. “Waste "

“ 12th---"Indifference."

The following special Preachers have been arranged for the Wednesday evening services. (N.B.—The hour of the Wednesday Services will be 8 p.m.)

March 4th —Rev. James Stephens.

“ 11th—Rev. J. W. Johnston,

April 1st—Rev. T. J. Forsythe.

“ 8th—Rev. W. E. Hurst.

We trust that our people will mark the season of Lent by more frequent prayer, by more liberal alms-giving, and by a more regular attendance at Divine Service.

BAPTISMS.

“My Covenant will I not break,"

Feb 1st—Georgina Matilda, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Watters.

“ 1st—Anne, daughter of William Henry and Phoebe M'Cann

„ 1st —Thomas James, son of William and Theresa Jane Gates.

“ 5th—Thomas, son of James and Sarah Neill.

MARRIAGE.

“God is Love."

Feb 12th (In Ardmore Parish Church) — James William Mayes, Levaghery, to Margaret Abraham, Ardmore.

BURIALS.

“O Grave, where is thy Victory."

Feb 9th—Margaret Smith, 5, Florence Court, aged 14 years.

Feb 15th—Anne Johnston, Killycomain, aged 75.

“ 16th —John M'Laughlin, Lurgan, aged 70,

“ 23rd—Wllliam Robb, Tarson, aged 24.

“ 24th—Elizabeth Monroe, Levaghery, aged 88.

“ 25th—Sophia Violet Wallace, Edenderry, aged 5.

“ 27th—Edith Mayes, Belfast, aged 7 months.

OFFERTORIES FOR FEBRUARY.

“ God loveth a Cheerful Giver."

Morning Evening

£ s d £ s d

Feb 2---Purification 1 16 1 0 10 9

“ 9—8th S. after Epiph. 0 19 1 0 11 0

“ 16—Septuagesima 1 3 3 0 10 8

“ 23—Sexagesima 1 0 3 0 9 0

Smaller Sums 0 9 3 Children's Services 0 7 2

Mission Services ________ 0 15 9

£4 18 8 £3 13 7

COTTAGE LECTURES.

A series of Cottage Meetings will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during Lent. They will be held at the following centres :—Edenderry, Levaghery, Killycomaine, Lylo, Drumgor, Carbet, and Tarsan. We hope that all that live in these districts, when they get notice of the meetings, will attend them. Mr. Alfred Murray has in hands the arrangements for the services.

BIBLE CLASS SOCIAL.

A most successful reunion of the four Sunday Morning Bible Classes took place in Seagoe School on the evening of Monday, February 17th. The tea tables were tastefully arranged, and over 140 sat down and seemed to enjoy to the full the good things provided for them. A special cake had been baked of large size and rich quality, and on the top of it in white sugar the words "Seagoe Bible Class Social" were written in large letters. After tea the Rector took the chair, and gave an address on Bible Class work. He dwelt on the pre-eminence of the Bible as The Book of Books, and spoke of the advantages to be derived, both spiritually and intellectually, from a study of its pages. The Rev. W. R. Crichton said a few words, and impressed on those present the duty of regularity in attending the classes. Mr. Jas. Twinem, who conducts the Girls' class in Seagoe, gave a very practical address on the study of the Bible, and counselled all present to further the great cause of Temperance in connection with the classes. No regular programme had been arranged, but at this

stage Mr. George Rowland gave a fine display of Indian Club swinging, which was much appreciated. The company then divided into two sets for round games, which were carried on amidst much amusement until near ten o'clock. Four members then gave a Temperance Dialogue entitled "All's well that ends well." The parts were exceedingly well taken, and the performers were loudly applauded. They were the Misses E. Wilson and M. Dickson, and Messrs. J. Twinem, G. Rowland and H. M. Murray. The meeting terminated with the singing of the Doxology. Miss Armstrong, who was present, very kindly presented each member of her large class with a ticket of admission to the Social.

BAND OF HOPE.

The usual monthly meeting of our Band of Hope was held in Edenderry Parochial Hall, on Friday evening, February 14th. During the earlier portion of the evening the prospect of a successful meeting was decidedly dull, as we seemed to have a sample of the tempestuous weather which we have been experiencing lately, but we are glad to relate that although the atmospheric conditions were most unfavourable, a very large number braved the elements and found their way to the hall, The chair was taken at 7:30 o'clock by the Rev. W. R. Crichton, at which time the room presented a most gratifying appearance, being crowded to the door. After the meeting had been opened in the usual way a number of pledge cards were handed to our youthful members, who had previously taken the solemn vow. Then we turned our attention to the programme, which bore ample evidence of the trouble the performers had taken to render it both instructive and attractive. Space does not permit us to go through it seriatim, and we must rest satisfied with briefly mentioning the various items. Precedence must be given to the dialogues, of which we enjoyed four. Annie Graham and Sissie Martin explained the mechanism of "The Temperance Clock.” “Parental influence”was the subject of a conversation held by Jemima and Minnie Allen and Maggie Roney. The adage “All's well that ends well " was exemplified by James Twinem, George .RowIand, Herbert Murray, Maud Dickson, and Eva Wilson. "A visit to Granny" gave Susan Allen, Annie Smith, Mary Livingston, and Tommie Smith an opportunity of giving sound advice on what we ought to drink. In addition to these, we had recitations given by Victor Walker, Bertie Holland, Sarah Dawson, Annie Graham, and Ethel Preston, who recited “Parcels," a piece written for the occasion. Miss Armstrong, Maud Dickson, and D. Murray also helped us in their usual efficient way by contributing some songs.

After this the Rev. J. W. Johnston delivered a most thoughtful address, in which he impressed on his audience the havoc wrought in our midst by drunkenness. When the meeting had been addressed by the Rector and our thanks tendered to those who had prepared the programme, the proceedings

terminated. We are glad to say that before leaving the room a large number signified their desire to

be enrolled. Our best thanks and congratulations are due to one and all who assisted so willingly and ably making the meeting the success which it was. The next meeting will (D. V.) be held on March 20th at 7:30 p.m. Address by Rev. F. J. Halahan, M.A. It is also hoped that meetings will be held in Carne, Drumgor, and Hacknahay, during this month.

THE MONTH.

During this month a great many Parish events take place. We would call the special attention of our people to the Wednesday evening Lent services. There is no more helpful service than that which comes to break the round of the week's duties; and the quiet hour spent in God's House should refresh our spirits and strengthen us to face the inevitable conflicts and temptations which beset us. The Cottage lectures in many districts of the Parish should also prove a splendid opportunity for drawing our people together in united worship. In some parts of the Parish the distance to the Parish Church is too great for the aged and infirm to traverse, and they can in these services enjoy the privilege of worship close to their own doors. During the month we would also direct attention to the need of preparation for the solemn services of Holy Week and Easter. Many are no doubt questioning with themselves whether they will at that season approach God's Holy Table. Now is the time to begin your preparation, and those who have never, it may be, come to that Feast of Love Divine, should by prayer and meditation seek God's grace so that they may be worthy partakers. In these and many ways the Parish ought to receive much spiritual blessing during this month.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

The new programme is working well, and the teachers find the notes published in the Sunday School Magazine very useful. The subjects for the morning Sunday School this month contain many helpful lessons from the lives of Samuel and Saul. No book in the Old Testament contains more useful truths than are to be found in the pages of 1st Samuel. In the Catechism the Morning Lessons are taken from the questions on Holy Baptism. We hope that the teachers will see that the children learn accurately both the words of the Catechism and the Bible proofs for them. The latter verses of Hymn 628 are being learned by the children. It is a beautiful Hymn, so simple and yet so full of meaning. In the afternoon on March 15th, we hope the teachers in all our schools will bring into their lessons the subject of Temperance. The leaflets in each Magazine will provide splendid material for such teaching. In the leaflet inserted in the February magazine there is a most interesting note on Prohibition in the State of Maine, U.S.A.

IMPROVEMENTS.

A further improvement is being carried out in the road leading to Seagoe Church. Mr Greaves of Fair Acre, has given a strip of his ground so as to permit the road to be widened. He would suggest that the widening be continued to Seagoe Turns. It would not merely be a great advantage to those who make use of the road, and especially to those who in large numbers pass along it to Seagoe Church on Sundays, but it would also greatly benefit owners of property concerned, by widening the approach to their land, as well as immensely improving the appearance of one of the finest building sites in the neighbourhood of Portadown. A very slight alteration in the existing fences would accomplish this desirable result.

SHORT TIME.

A wave of depression is at present unfortunately passing over our local industries, and many hands are on short time. We are glad to hear that it is not likely to last long, but still while it lasts there must be considerable amount of destitution among our people. Let our people meet their difficulties with a stout heart and smiling face, and things will soon right themselves. Under the adverse conditions which have prevailed for the past few weeks, the attitude of the workers has been admirable, and although the hours of work have been seriously curtailed, and wages consequently cut down, yet we have scarcely heard a murmur about it, and the mutual sympathy between employer and employed so happily existing in our midst was never more evident than at the present moment.

MR T. B. STOTHERS.

Mr. T. B. Stothers, Principal of Seagoe Parochial Schools, has been nominated to the curacy of St. Paul's Church, Stockton-on-Tees, Diocese of Durham, and will be ordained at the Lent Ordination by the Bishop of Durham. Mr. Stothers has been for many years Principal of the Seagoe Schools and has also acted as Superintendent of the Seagoe Afternoon Sunday Schools. We congratulate Mr. Stothers on the position to which he has attained, and trust that he may have much prosperity and blessing in his new and responsible sphere of work.

PARISH NOTES.

The Bible Class Social was great success.

The Men's Thursday Class at Hacknahay now numbers 33 members.

Mrs. M'Mullen has been appointed superintendent of Drumgor Sunday School.

Several new members have joined the Edenderry Men's Class during the month.

There is still a good deal of sickness through the Parish, especially amongst children.

Miss Armstrong's Girls' Class now meets each Sunday morning at 10 in the Anchor Cafe.

Special Preachers have been arranged for the Wednesday Evening Services during Lent.

During the recent storm a large tree was blown down in the grounds of the school master's residence.

We offer our heartiest good wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Mayes, of Levaghery, on the occasion of their marriage.

During the Children's Mission, addresses were given to the Children in the Parochial Schools by the Rev. J. Stephens.

A large number of the Children obtained pretty Memorial Cards of the Mission bearing a picture of The Good Shepherd.

On Sunday, March 15th, the Rev. D. H. Hall, B.D., Will preach Morning and Evening Service for the Bible Society.

We would recommend our farming friends to purchase each week that excellent paper “The Irish Homestead," 1d weekly. Order it at Waugh's.

Mr. T. B. Stothers, R.U.I., conducts a class for men in Hacknahay School every Sunday at 3. All the churchmen of the district should join this class without delay.

400 copies of the Seagoe Parish Magazine were sold in January, and 380 copies of the February number were sold. These are the largest numbers issued since the Magazine was published.

The Rector hopes that any of the Parishioners who intend to emigrate to Canada or the United States this Spring will, before leaving, ask him for a letter of introduction and recommendation.

The Clergy, Churchwardens, and Select Vestry of Seagoe, have been summoned to attend a Visitation to be held by the Lord Bishop in Lurgan Parish Church, on Friday, March 13th, at 2:30 p.m.

The Rev. James Stephens, our recent Missioner, is the author of the well-known hymn, "Low at Thy pierced feet," which is one of the most popular of modern hymns. The beautiful tune to which it is sung was composed by the late Mr. J. S. Mitchell, an Irishman, and formerly organist of Queenstown Parish Church.

A Petition signed by the Rector, and several of the Sunday School Superintendents, and Teachers, was forwarded to Mr. Wm. Moore, M.P., asking him to use his influence to have Ireland included in the new Licensing Bill. Mr. Moore has sent a long and interesting letter in reply stating that he is in sympathy with the views expressed in the Petition, while at the same time he regards the present Bill as open to serious criticism in many of its details. He concludes with these words, “I will be very glad to act in the spirit of the Petition."

OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

We resume this month our notes on the Roads of the Parish in olden days.

* * *

A feature of the old roads was that they did not lead to the town of Portadown as nowadays. The roads all led either to the King's Road (old Lurgan road) or to the Moss at Derryvore or Levaghery where “firing" was got. The sections into which the roads were divided for repair prove this—

SEAGOE ROAD

This road ran from “George Midkiff's Bridge" to Levaghery Moss, and is the present road running past Seagoe Church. At a latter date this road was measured from " The Horse Block " to Widow Quarry's." The Horse Block was a square block of stone at the entrance to old Seagoe Church, at which women could mount on horseback, when it was the custom to ride to Church.

" Widow Quarry's " was the place now known as Quarry's Turns."

* * *

THE ROAD OF THE MANNOR OF KERNAN.

This road is frequently mentioned, and ran from “George Midkiff's Bridge" or Kernan Bridge or Seagoe Bridge to Kilvergan Bridge. This road was one of the most interesting in the

Parish and was known as the Low Road to Lurgan. At Kernan Hill there was a Watchhouse, no doubt for the purpose of detecting fires if they should take place. One of the most extensive views of the surrounding country may be had from Kernan Hill.

Extract from 6th, 1742.— Anthony Midcalf from the Watchhouse in Kernan to John Tufts, Derryvore, Upper Seagoe, and Kernan to work under him. "

* * *

THE MILL ROAD.

This was the name formerly given to the Road which passes through Claurole, Tamnifiglasson, and Balteagh, to Kilvergan Bridge. It was called the Mill Road from the Mills which once existed at Kilvergan, and are often called the Low Mills.

* * *

Here is an extract from the Vestry Register dated October 6th, 1747.—"The following persons shall serve as overseers of the Highways for the ensuing year—John McNeely from the Blue Stone to the Low Mill, the inhabitants of Balteer, Knockmena, Bocomra, Clauroll, Dromgask to work under him. John Beans at the road by his House, the inhabitants of Monraverty to work under him."

* * *

Here is a strange way of spelling Bocombra. The extract is dated October 3, 1754—Lisnisky to

Buckkomaragh to work within themselves, John Gilpin, Overseer.

* * *

Amongst the many functions discharged by the Vestry of Seagoe in past days, one of much interest but of some difficulty, must have been the naming of deserted infants or foundlings. In days of great, distress and poverty, such as frequently occurred when the population of the country was more denser and the means of subsistence much more limited, the cruel custom of abandoning infant children was often resorted to. We give from the Registers two cases in which the Vestry discharged the responsible duty of suggesting names for such little orphans, and we think our readers will agree that they chose the names well :—1765—Resolved that the name Clarissa Sego be given to a deserted child. May 3rd, 1774—That a deserted infant be named Phllip Sego.