March 1909

Seagoe Parish magazine.

MARCH, 1909.

Old Seagoe Notes-

Seagoe Sixty Years Ago.

[The Rector has received the following interesting and touching Reminiscences of Seagoe sixty years ago from Miss A. Wolseley, daughter of the Rev. Capel Wolseley, who was greatly beloved and respected by the people of Seagoe during the years when he was curate of the Parish. Miss

Wolseley has also sent a portrait of her father taken at the time when he became Curate of Seagoe, and we hope to reproduce it in next month's issue.]

Our earliest impressions are, it is said, always more vivid than any we receive in later years certainly no part of my life stands out so distinctly as the nine or ten years spent in Seagoe Cottage to which my father brought his bride some sixty years ago, and in which I was born. He was the principal figure in my little world. Only today the reading of some old letters brought it all back to me, and I pictured myself sitting on a low stool by his side, with my Bible open on my knee, whilst he taught his staunch army of Sunday School teachers—questioning them and pointing out how they should crumble the bread of life for the little ones under their charge. This meeting was held every Tuesday in our own dining room, no wonder his was a successful school, every Sunday the church was filled, gallery and all, the old fashioned square pews making excellent little class rooms. I can see him now from my vantage ground—standing on the seat of the pew—as he walked up and down the aisle, hymn book in hand, keeping a keen watch on all the children, while the sweet old refrain, that we sang every Sunday, rang through the Church:-

"0 that will be joyful, joyful, joyful, joyful,

O that will be joyful

When we meet to part no more."

One can hardly hear it now without tears. Three times a year rewards were given, four months' punctual attendance—without a break—gained first prize; one ‘miss' meant second prize; twice absent or late third, after that nothing! First prize holders could choose a Bible or Prayer Book, and it was a proud day for me when I walked up and received a Bible out of the round wicker basket (we have the remains of it to this day!) in which the prizes were invariably carried to Sunday School. The discipline under my father's superintendence was perfect. I never recollect seeing a girl punished, but if a boy got beyond his teacher he was marched up to the chancel steps and made to sit there with his book open on his head until closing time. Once, for open rebellion, some boys were expelled—much to the dismay of the teachers who predicted direful results, but the stern, just treatment bore good fruit—in a few weeks the offenders were back begging to be forgiven and reinstated—which they were.

Owing to the size of the parish many people were unable to get to Church, so my father held meetings in various cottages on four nights of the week, reserving only Saturday for study work. I often heard him say that a preacher should keep up the weekly practice of preparing one written sermon, one with notes and one extempore.

He had over twenty Sunday School teachers, many of whom he valued greatly, and by whom he was much beloved. We have still the large family Bible presented by them in 1852 as a token of

"affectionate regard," and the beautiful address which accompanied it, signed on behalf of all the teachers, in which they praise God for the work their "dearly beloved Pastor" had been permitted to do among them. Before my father left the parish there was another presentation made to him of a tea and coffee service, this I recollect quite well, it took place at one of the yearly gatherings of Sunday School teachers in our own house, and had been arranged with such secrecy that it was a great surprise to himself.

These “Teachers 'Teas" were red letter days to all concerned—though there were no ‘amusements'

provided - my father conducted all himself, and great was the quiet happiness where Christian love was the bond of union.

Of all the teachers I naturally gave the preference to my own, Miss Jane Corner, who afterwards became Mrs. H. Atkinson, of Bannfoot. We all loved her, and she us. I remember sitting on her knee just before we left Seagoe, and wondering at the tears which were falling on my face as she pressed me in her arms. Writing to comfort her in trouble, years afterwards, my father expressed sentiments which illustrate his mode of thought so well that I venture to repeat them here:--

“I was going to say I was sorry you had been laid aside, but why should I say so when I know it is done by the Hand that ‘doeth all things well.' When He prunes the tree, not only is His object good, but the pruning itself is good. In prosperity we seem to bask in His smile, but in adversity He seems to TOUCH US, and that touch thrills through us. In prosperity we are in danger of forgetting Him, but in adversity He makes us sure that He does not forget us. Cheer up. Christ never paid so high a price only for the narrow strip of joy and peace which any of us have in this world—no—it will take the broad and endless hub of eternity to display the pattern of the Heavenly things themselves—Solomon says, "The sleep of a labouring man is sweet' '—and what makes it sweet—is it not the labour going before? Even so the soul's saddest moments in this world will only tend to make sweet “the rest that remaineth." As to the children, if you have trained them in the way they should go, He is able to keep His promise without your help, if He pleases to dispense with it.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

He is in no want of means, so fear not. Rough winds - even storms - have their use in the economy of nature. Remember the hymn which says "The oak strikes deeper as its boughs by furious blasts are driven." Such is God's arrangement for the oak - I think His purpose in affliction is much the same for the people of His planting - may you find it so."

In January of the same year he wrote:-

“There are seasons when the great waves of the sea are wont specially to bring in the broken fragments of the great plants and shrubs which clothe the bottom of the deep - even so there are times when the waves of time roll in specially laden with the memories of the past, and to us of old Seagoe Sunday School, Christmas is one such wave - it has come to me freighted with recollections, many and fresh. I do now - as I did more than twenty years ago - wish you and yours a happy New Year.

Yours in old recollections and fresh hopes, Capel Wolseley."

The memory of Seagoe was dear to him up to the last. Writing to the same friend in 1878, when he was getting very weary and had long been ailing, he begs her to send him news of her people :—

“I feel a lively interest in ALL. We hear of the other end of the parish from Ann Burrel, but I know well how far the one end is from the other. I am still able to preach the Everlasting Gospel, but God

has been pleased to place me in a parish where all is dead - any living ones come from other parishes, where they are not fed. I have some encouragement, but still the East is not farther from the West than this parish is from old Seagoe."

The long and painful illness which so reduced his powers that he had to leave Seagoe and seek for lighter work, called out much love and sympathy during the nine weary months it lasted. This break down was the result of over taxing a very strong frame at the dictates of an active, tireless spirit, he was never quite the same again, though he remained at work till he was nearly seventy. The warm affection in which he was held in Seagoe, made every subsequent place seem cold by contrast.

I was with him during his declining years, and followed him to his grave in Southsea, and then remained with my mother until her death. I can say truly that no place they ever were in held so much of their hearts' affection as the dear old parish, where their brightest and best days were spent amongst a loving and appreciative people.

Items

Buy a copy of “Slainte" at Mr. Waugh's. It is the new Monthly on health subjects, published by

Lady Aberdeen and the Women's National Health Association. One penny each month.

We regret that Olivia Rowland's name was omitted from those who assisted at the Band of Hope meeting in Carne, as reported in our last issue.

A “black" shower fell in Portadown and neighbourhood on the night of Wednesday, February 24th. Next morning all the water was black with a sooty blackness. We have heard the same story from Dungannon. The mystery is easily explained. For some days previously the weather had been very calm and dry, and this being the season for fires, the particles of soot as they emerged from the chimneys fell upon the roofs, instead of as usual being blown away, and then a heavy shower of rain came and washed the soot into your barrels, troughs, and wells. In old days a “black” shower would have been regarded with superstitious terror.

The Seagoe Harriers competed in the Cross Country Championships at Belvoir Park, Belfast, last Saturday. Although they did not secure a high place, we congratulate the club heartily on the

enterprise they have shown. Next year they will improve their position. Sam Curry was the first one home of the Seagoe men. Mr. Allen, Hon. Sec., accompanied the team, and also was accorded the

honour of acting as judge in the competitions.

All copies of our February issue were sold.

New presses have been erected in Seagoe School, and several structural alterations have been effected, which much improve the building. A new swing is being erected for the boys. We invite the parents to come up and see the school children at work or play. They will then understand the efficiency of the school.

A Branch of the Mothers' Union is being formed in the Parish. The preliminary meeting was held in

Edenderry Hall, on Thursday, March 4th, at 3-30. The Union will meet on the 1st Thursday of each

month in the Parochial Hall. We invite all mothers to join without delay.

Seagoe Afternoon Sunday School has largely increased in numbers.

Miss Sarah Halliday has become a Teacher in Edenderry Morning Sunday School, and Mr. William

Walker in Seagoe Afternoon Sunday School,

The Bagatelle Table in the Men's Reading Room has been recovered, and a fresh set of Balls provided, at a cost of £8 10s. The Table forms a pleasant and harmless recreation for our working men. Who will help us to pay the expense incurred? A cheque sent to the Rector will be much appreciated, and will show our men that the Parish is going to help those who have helped themselves. The members raised £16 10s last year to pay for the Table and Furniture of their Hall.

We hope our people will not help the innumerable tramps and beggars who pass through the Parish.

No less than 86 professional tramps passed through Lurgan Workhouse last week and of these 24 were children under 15 years of age. The misery and degradation of these poor children is beyond conception. They receive no education, little food, and have to associate with the worst classes in the community. Every penny given to such people helps to perpetuate this terrible evil.

Some fine photographs of interesting Seagoe objects have been taken by Messrs Moffett. They

include cabinet size pictures of the Interior of Seagoe Church, the curious dated and initialled stone

on the right of the Church Porch, the old Communion Plate dating from 1699, The Font with arrow markings, and the oldest pages of the Parish registers dated 1672. Copies suitable for framing may be had from the Rector price 1s 6d each.

During the month an opportunity will be given to those who have not yet subscribed to the Sustentation Fund of sending in their subscription. An envelope will be left and called for. Every householder in the Parish should subscribe to this most important Fund.

The District Services on Sunday evenings are being highly appreciated in Tamnificarbet, Drumgor,

and Hacknahay. The following speakers from Belfast assisted during the past month, Messrs. McKegney, Winter, Johnston, Ward, and Bloomer.

Mr Thomas Martin, People's Churchwarden, is taking the Senior Boys Class in Carne Sunday School during the absence of Mr. Alfred Murray.

Baptisms

“The gentle Saviour calls

Our children to His breast;

He folds them in His gracious arms

Himself declares them blest." - Hymn 372.

Feb. 6^th Maud Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Abraham,

“ “ James Henry, son of James William and Margaret Mayes.

“ “ Martha, daughter of William and Eliza Jane Birch.

“ “ Samuel, son of James and Annie Best.

“ “ George Beattie, son of John George and Sarah Jane Gracey,

“ “ Emily, daughter of Thomas and Anne Jane Neill.

“ “ John, son of Richard and Ellen Jane Maxwell.

March 1^st Joseph, son of James and Alice Jane Craig.

Marriage

“Thy love through earth extends its fame,

To all Thy works expressed." - Hymn 230.

Feb. 6^th - George Robinson, Portadown, to Mary Webb, Edenderry.

Burials

“Father, in Thy gracious keeping

Leave we now Thy servant sleeping." Hymn 599.

Feb. 6^th - Anne M 'Crory, Tarson, aged 79 years.

Feb. 7^th - William Smart, Kernan, aged 80 years.

Offertories for February

“We give Thee but Thine own,

Whate'er the gift may be." - Hymn 423.

Morning. Evening.

£ s. d. £ s. d.

Feb. 7^th Septuagesima 1 12 8 0 8 0

“ 14^th Sexagesima 1 5 3 0 10 3

“ 21^st Quinquagesima 1 5 10 0 9 0

“ 28^th 1^st S. in Lent 1 5 1 0 19 1

Week Days 0 1 6 0 10 0

Total £5 10 4 £2 16 5

Lent Arrangements

The following arrangements have been made for Special Services during Lent -

On Wednesday Evenings each service will be in connection with some special parochial organisation.

The services will begin at 8 p.m.

Wed., March 3^rd - Edenderry Sunday School, Preacher The Rector

“ “ 10^th - Girls' Bible Classes, Preacher—Rev. Canon Clarendon, B.D., Rector of Maralin.

“ “ 17th - (St. Patrick's Day) Country Sunday Schools, Preacher—Rev, H. Gordon, M.A.,

St. Mary's Church, Belfast.

“ “ 24th—Men's Bible Classes, Rev. T. G. G. Collins, B.D., Rector of Warrenpoint.

“ “ 31st—Church Workers, Rev. J. J. O'Malley, Curate of Portadown.

“ April 7th—Communicants, The Rector.

On Friday Mornings, at 11-30 a.m., a Litany Service is held in the Parish Church.

On Sunday Evenings a Course of Sermons will be preached as follows—March 7th, Self-examination; March 14th, Repentance; March 21st, Faith; March 28th, Thanksgiving; April 4th, Charity.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Men's Social

The Men's Social on Monday, February 15th, proved a great success. It was the most representative gathering of men possibly ever held in the Parish. The following organisations were represented: Edenderry Men's Bible Classes, Seagoe Bible Class, Hacknahay, Carne, and Drumgor Week Day Bible Classes, Edenderry Men's Hall, Seagoe Physical Culture Class, Seagoe Harriers, Edenderry Football team, the Select Vestry and Sunday School Teachers. There were 140 men present who completely filled the numerous tea tables which Mr Davison had arranged in Seagoe School. The Programme after tea, was varied and interesting, The Rector having taken the chair welcomed in a few brief words all who had come together. The Programme consisted of gramophone selections by Mr Smith, C,E., recitations by Mr R. T, Montgomery, a song by Mr D. Murray, an address by Mr J. G, Edwards, Principal of the Technical Institute, a display of Drill by members of the Physical Culture Class, an address by the Rev F. J. Halahan, Rector of Drumcree, and the Distribution of Bible Class Prizes. Every item was well done. Messrs W. Findlay and Donaldson took up the challenge of the Culture Class in weight lifting and showed what good muscles they possess. Mr. Edwards spoke on the subject of manual labour and the need of knowledge and education in every walk of life, The head must guide the hand if even the simplest tasks are to be well done. The close attention of the men present showed that they took a deep interest in what he said. We are sure the digging, ploughing, sowing, weaving, moulding, and packing, will be better done this year, than ever before, in Seagoe Parish. More of the men should join the evening classes in the Technical Institute and so improve themselves.

The display by members of Mr. Ardrey's class was excellent. If all our young men will join this class next season we shall see no more of the slouching awkward gait so common amongst our younger men and what is still better we shall hear less often the sad news so often heard nowadays of our young fellows falling into fatal ill health in the prime of their manhood. "A healthy mind in a healthy body" should be the aim of every man (and woman too) in our midst.

The Rev. F. J. Halahan's address was manly vigorous, and had a fine Christian tone about it. He

spoke of the need which existed for courage amongst men to show the example of Christian living amongst their companions, both in their daily work and at their games.

A large number of prizes were distributed. Three special certificates for not having missed a Sunday

during the year, were awarded to Mr. Thomas M’Crory (who has not missed a Sunday for four consecutive years); to Mr. Isaiah Shanks (who has not missed a Sunday for two consecutive years); and to Mr. Thomas Best (who did not miss Sunday during 1908).

The meeting closed with a hearty singing of the Doxology. The Rev. W. R. Crichton was unavoidably absent owing to a severe cold.

Women's Social

A largely attended Social for women and girls attending the Sunday Morning Bible Classes was held on Monday, Feb. 22. Through the generosity of Miss Armstrong, a splendid tea was provided, and full justice was done to the good things set before those present. After tea, the Rector took the chair, and a most interesting programme followed. Mr Smith very kindly brought up his gramophone, Andy Curry played the mandoline. Messrs D. Murray and S. Chambers, and Miss Chambers sang. Mr. R. T. Montgomery and the Misses Livingstone and England gave recitations. The Rev. O. W. Scott, Rector of Gilford, gave an address on the subject of Bible Study, counselling the members of the classes to read their Bibles daily, and to study them from a critical as well as a devotional standpoint. Mr. Scott's earnest words were listened to with deep attention. At the close of the evening the Prizes were distributed. The attendance at the classes had been very satisfactory, and three members of Edenderry Class had not missed single Sunday.

Special Certificates were awarded to those members, and Miss Armstrong awarded a gold brooch to Miss Margaret Smith, who had only missed one Sunday during the year. After a few words from the Rev. W. R. Crichton, and a hearty vote of thanks to Miss Armstrong and all who had helped, the meeting was, brought to a conclusion. The catering was well done by the Messrs. Montgomery.

Service of Song

On Friday, February 12th, at 7-30 the Service of Song “No Surrender" was given by the members of the G.F.S. in Edenderry Hall. Miss Armstrong presided at the Harmonium. The singing was very nice, and the pathetic story was read with great expression by Mr. S. R. Chambers. The lantern views were exhibited with his usual skill by Mr, E. Holland. Much credit is due to Miss Armstrong for the careful training of the choir.

Prize Distributions

The Prize Distributions in connection with Carne and Drumgor Sunday Schools took place on Friday, February 5th, and Saturday, February 6th. The Halls were well filled with the Scholars and Teachers. At Carne the Recitations, Dialogues, and Songs were very well done. “The Carpenter's Shop" by some Edenderry boys was very realistic. At Levaghery several items were given with good effect by the children, and round games followed which were thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Miss Atkinson, superintendent, presented two special prizes. The expense of the entertainment was generously defrayed by the Teachers.