March 1911

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

MARCH, 1911,

Churchwardens of Seagoe, 1910—11

MR. CHARLES COLLINS,

Rector's Churchwarden,

MR. THOMAS REID,

People's Churchwarden .

THE position of Churchwarden is a very important one. It is moreover a very ancient office

in the Church, as our readers will gather from the list of former Churchwardens of Seagoe

at present appearing from month to month in our Old Seagoe Notes. The list of Churchwardens

in this Parish is practically complete from the year 1690, but it, of course, extended far beyond

that, only that the registers of a previous. date are not in existence. This month we present our

readers with portraits of the two

Parishioners who

were chosen and

elected to the office

at Easter, 1910.

The Rector's

Churchwarden , Mr.

Charles Collins, of

Edenderry, comes

of an old and highly

respected family.

The name of Collins first appears in

the Seagoe Register

in the year 1722 (see

Old Seagoe Notes).

Mr. Collins' father,

the late Mr. James

Collins, of Kernan,

was for many years

a member of the

Select Vestry. The

People's Churchwarden,Mr Thomas

Reid, of Lower Seagoe, also represents a family that has been associated with Seagoe Parish for many years. The Reids

have been resident in Tarson for generations, The first occurrence of the name in the extant Register, is in

the year 1698 (see old Seagoe Notes). Mr. Reid's father, the late Mr. Robert Reid, acted as Rector's Churchwarden in 1856-57, and was reappointed at least four times in later years. In the records for 1856 there is

an interesting coincidence, the election of Mr. Robert Reid as Rector's Churchwarden is entered in the minutes

and the first signature after that of the Rev J. A. Beers, who presided, is that of Mr. James Collins. After a lapse of more than half a century the sons are continuing the good work for the Church and Parish of

Seagoe in which their fathers engaged.

Special Lent Services

On the Wednesdays in Lent beginning with Ash

Wednesday, March 1st, there will be special Lent

Services in the Parish Church and the following

special Preachers have been arranged

March 1^st —Rev. A. J. Murray,

8^th —Rev. F. J. Halahan.

15^th —Rev. T. W: E. Drury,

22^nd —Rev. J Sides.

On Sunday evenings in Lent Sermons will

preached on the subject of " Social Evils."

as

follows :—

March 5th. " Intemperance."

The Drink Traffic."

12th. " Betting and Gambling."

19th. " Untruthfulness."

[Sunday, March 26th, being everywhere observed

as the 300th Anniversary of the publication of the

Authorised Version of the Bible, Special Sermons

will be preached on that subject in Seagoe Church.

At Morning Prayer on " How to Read the Bible,"

and at Evening Prayer on " How we got our

Bible."]

April 2nd— “Non-Churchgoing."

9th— " Sunday Observance."

SEAGOE PARISÄ MAGAZINE.

Parish Register for February.

BAPTISMS.

“From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures."

Feb. 4^th —John, son of Samuel and Mary Gracey.

Albert Andrew, son of Albert and Jemima Matchett.

Sidney, son of Robert James and Jessie Fitzpatrick Becket.

Offertories for February.

Sundays —Morning, £4 16s 4d ; Evening. £2 6s 4d,

Weekdays, l3s 2d.

Robbery at Seagoe Church.

We regret to record that some miscreant, as yet

unknown, forcibly entered Seagoe Church on the

night of Tuesday, Feb. 21st. It was a bright moonlight

night. The footprints of the intruder were

easily recognised along the path. He broke the

Vestry window, unfastened the inner latch, and then

set about his sacrilegious work. The Vestry furniture

was roughly handled, and the coverings of the Holy

Table were sadly disarranged. The handsome brass

Almsdish, presented by Dean Dawson, was taken from

the press in the Vestry. As soon as the robbery was

discovered the Rector informed Sergeant Long who

at once with his usual energy set to work to discover

the thief. On Wednesday night word came that the

Almsdish had been found by a pedlar at Lambeg,

near Lisburn, strange to say, immediately opposite

the gate of Lambeg Rectory. The man said his wife

had seen it on the bank behind the hedge where it

had apparently been thrown by the thief.

It would have been impossible to have disposed of the Brass

Dish as there was an inscription on the back of it.

The Rector, with Sergeant Long, went to Lisburn

the next day and identified the plate. On the

following Sunday morning at the early celebration

the Rector rededicated the plate and restored it to

its former uses.

The ancient Silver Communion Plate is always

kept locked up in the Vestry Safe, and the collection

from the previous Sunday evening Service was also

locked up. A small sum of money in a missionary

box was, strange to say, overlooked by the thief.

The crime was clearly perpetrated by a tramp, and

it affords one more reason why these social pests who

infest our roads and refuse to work, should be locked

up in a House of Detention and made to work for

their own support. We hope that none of our people

will give any money or food to tramps. It only

encourages them to pursue their evil life.

Item

Mr. Christopher Doyle, of Drumshambo, Co.

Leitrim, is acting as assistant Teacher in Seagoe

National School. Mr. Boyle has been -trained at

Kildare Place Training College.

Band of Hope.

The usual monthly meeting of this organisation

was held in Edenderry, on February 3rd, where a

varied and interesting programme was presented.

Before adverting to this we would like to call

attention to the gratifying sight which all beheld in

the initial stage of the programme, when a very large

number of youthful members received their pledge

cards.

We trust that all will remember the sacredness

of their vow against the use of intoxicants.

Turning from this to the programme proper, we may

say that seldom has a higher level been reached and

maintained all through the entertainment. Many of

our old helpers, under Mr. Chambers' able tuition,

had prepared songs and choruses which they rendered

most effectively. In addition to these we enjoyed

recitations, and a dialogue which reflected credit on

those who learned them under Mr R. T. Montgomery's

direction. The culminating scene of the

evening was a short wax-works display, kindly

arranged by Mr. Montgomery and a band of willing

assistants. Each model was used as a " horrible

example ' to impress on plastic minds the dangers

of intemperance. During the evening a rousing

address was delivered by Rev F. J. Halahan, who

dealt with the most prominent evil effects of alcoholic

excess. After the benediction had been pronounced,

many additional names were handed in by those

desirous of receiving pledge cards at the next

meeting.

Bible Class Socials,

On Tuesday, February 7th, the Annual Men's

Social was held in Seagoe School. The Tables were

laid for 200 and close on that number were present.

All the men's classes were well represented, and a

good spirit of Christian fellowship pervaded the

gathering. After a substantial tea an interesting

Programme of Music and Speeches began. The

Rector presided, and after a short address, called on

Mr. D. Murray for a Song. Mr. Gilbert Price followed

with a recitation, and then the Rev. F. W.

Austin gave a stirring address on f' True Christian

Manliness." Mr. Gilbert Price again recited a fine

Temperance piece, and the Chairman asked Mr. John

Gray, R.M., to say a few words to the men. We

were all delighted to hear Mr. Gray and his words

fell on very attentive ears. He especially warned the

men against the evil of gambling, and told some of

his experiences of the evils wrought strong drink

and impurity.

We wish we had space to print here the Address

to the Rev. W. R. Crichton which accompanied the

Presentation to him of a handsome Dressing Case by

the members of his Men's Class. The address

was read by Mr Wolsey Atkiuson. Mr. "Crichton

replied expressing his gratitude to the members of the

class for their kindness. The Medals, Special

Certificates, and Prizes were. then distributed. The

chief prize-winners were Thomas McCrory, Isaiah

Shanks, and Thomas Best: Fifteen Bible Class men

received Special Certificates for not having missed a

class during the year.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Congratulations,

We heartily congratulate Messrs. M'Gredy on the

honour conferred upon them and Portadown by King

George V. in their appointment as Seedsmen and

Florists to the Royal Family. The honour is well

deserved.

Edenderry v Seagoe,

A little rivalry between different parts of the Parish

is very wholesome. On Thursday, March 6th,

Edenderry meets Seagoe in a Physical Culture

Competition in the Parochial Hall. The Edenderry team

is being trained by Mr. R. T. Montgomery, and the

Seagoe team by Mr. T. Killops.

Lecture by Rev. W. T. Grey.

The Lecture on Japan delivered by Rev. W. T.

Grey, in Edenderry Hall, on February 23rd, was

most interesting. here was a large attendance and

the views shown gave a realistic picture of life in

the Far East. Mr Grey was heartily welcomed and

a warm vote of thanks to him was proposed

by the Rev. Chancellor Hobson, and seconded by the

Rev. W. J. Macaulay.

Concert at Carne,

A most successful concert, organised by Mr. D.

Murray, took place in Carne Church Hall, on

Thursday, February 2nd. The Hall was crowded. The

programme was unusually good, and a party of

singers from Portadown performed a number of

items. The closing piece by Messrs S. Currie, Binks,

and Grimason, was the most amusing thing seen in

Seagoe for many a day. Everyone was delighted

with the entertainment.

Girls' Bible Class Social.

This important annual event took place on

Monday, February 20th, at 7.30 p.m., in Seagoe

School. There was a splendid attendance of members

who seemed greatly to enjoy the gathering. After

tea all present assembled in the large schoolroom.

The Rector occupied the chair, and gave a short

address on Bible-Class Work. A trio was sung by

Messrs D. & H. Murray, and S. R. Chambers. The

Rev S. P. Mitchell, Rector of St. Nicholas's Church,

Belfast, spoke some straight and earnest words basing

his remarks on the three words " Girls'—Friendly—

Society." An interesting feature of the evening was

the presentation of a handsome Carriage Clock to Mr

Chambers, the teacher of the Seagoe Girls' Bible

Class. Mr. Chambers expressed his sincere thanks

for the present which had come to him as a complete

surprise. A fine address was given by Mrs. Patter-

son, of Ardmore, on " The True Friend." —The

distribution of Special Certificates and Prizes followed.

Miss Armstrong, who takes such interest in the

Edenderry Class, kindly distributed the Prizes. Miss

M. Smith was awarded a Special Prize by Miss

Armstrong for only having missed one Sunday and

that through illness) during five years. The

Rev R. D. Patterson, and the Rev. F. J, Halahan having

spoken briefly, a very pleasant and profitable evening

was brought to a close.

S.N.S.

Every school should have its colours and it has

been decided that Red, White, and Blue, are for the

future to be the colours of Seagoe School. Neat caps

for the boys of the school containing the three colours

are being made, and each cap will have a handsome

monogram made from the letters S.N.S. (Seagoe

National School) just above the peak in front. Small

silver brooches with the same monogram are being

made for the girls of the school, and will soon be

ready. They will also receive a small piece of red

white and blue ribbon. Of course none of the children

need wear the cap or brooch unless they like but from

the enthusiasm with which the children received the

Manager's announcement, we believe there will be a.

tremendous demand for them.

Diary for March.

MARCH 4th, JUMBLE SALE, Edenderry Hall,

3 to 9. Great Bargains. Admission 2d.

6th, PUBLIC LECTURE on PALESTINE,

with Limelight Views, in Edenderry Hall.

Open to all members of Bible Classes, Admission free.

Collection for expenses.

9th COMMUNICANTS' CLASS—Edenderry Hall at 8. Subject:

' The First Exhortation." All Communicants invited.

13th, CHOIR MONTHLY SOCIAL, and Practice in Seagoe School at 8.

17th,St. Patrick's Day ENTHRONEMENT of the Lord Primate in Armagh Cathedral.

Special train leaves Belfast at 12.55. We hope some of our Seagoe people will try to

attend this interesting ceremony.

20th, Public Lecture in Edenderry Hall at 8, by the Rev. T. S. Hall, B.D.„

Rector of Upper Falls Church, Belfast, on ZENANA MEDICAL MISSIONS. Admission free. Limelight Views.

21st, GYMNASTIC ENTERTAINMENT by Seagoe P.C. Team, in Carne Church

Hall at 8. Admission 3d.

24^th C.M.S. accounts close.

26th, BIBLE SUNDAY.

28th, DIOCESAN SYNOD in Belfast to elect New Bishop. Seagoe sends

four Synodsmen to this most important gathering.

Prize Distributions,

The annual distribution of Sunday School Prizes

took place in DRUMGOR, on Monday, February

6th. Tea was on the tables at 7-30 and the

Hall was crowded with the pupils and their friends

The Rector presided. After a splendid tea, provided most generously by Mr Robert Gracey,

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINEE

(member Select Vestry), an excellent programme

was performed ; the children from Balteagh School

kindly providing some most interesting items, The

prizes were then distributed and after a hearty vote

of thanks to Mr Gracey a most enjoyable evening

was brought to a close. We are very grateful to Mr

Knox, of Lurgan, for his kind present of oranges for

the children,

On Monday, February 13th, Levaghery Social was

held. The room was crowded as it always is on such

occasions. After tea the chair was taken by the

Rector, and an attractive programme of music and

recitations was performed. A unique feature in con-

nection with Levaghery Sunday School this year was

that every child succeeded in winning an attendance

prize. We congratulate Levaghery on its distinguished

success. We thank Mr and Mrs Collins

for kindly supplying the tea and sugar used at the

Social, and Mr and Mrs M' Dowell for a welcome

gift of apples.

Old Seagoe Notes.

Families of Collins and Reid.—In connection

with the insertion in this number of the Magazine of

the Portraits of our present Churchwardens, Messrs.

Collins and Reid, we give here the first occurrence

of the names from the Registers ;—

Anne, daughter of James Collins and Mary his wife, was baptized, Fryday Innocents Day, the 28th

of December, 1722.

1698—September 18th, John, son of John and Mary Reed, was baptized.

Robbery at Seagoe Church in 1896.—The following note was inserted in the Parish Records by

Dean Dawson :—

Wednesday, 23rd September, 1896.—On the afternoon of this day a burglary was discovered to

have been perpetrated in the Vestry on Tuesday night or early on Wednesday morning. The safe

was broken into and the sum of 2s in silver and copper was abstracted from the drawer of the safe.

The safe also contained a box holding the Holy Communion Plate, this was taken out and opened but none of the plate was removed. The principal implement used was a large strong pick-axe which had been kept under the belfry stairs, and was used in

opening graves in the Churchyard. How an entrance

was effected has not yet been ascertained, but departure was effected through the Vestry door, which was found latched but unlocked.

[It is remarkable that this robbery took place on a

Tuesday night, the same night as the recent robbery.

The present safe was put into the vestry since 1896,

and is very strong, otherwise the recent burglary

might have had more serious results. The erection

of iron bars on the Vestry windows should be undertaken without delay as a further protection.]

Old Seagoe Songs.—We are greatly obliged to

an anonymous correspondent for kindly sending us

another verse of the old Seagoe song on “Sloan

Woolsey" which appeared in last month's issue. It

is the sixth verse of the song

The next morning early they were

laid on the banks:of the Bann,

Where Dean Blacker's yeomen

around them did stand ;

With poles on their shoulders,

they bore them along,

With the Dean at their head,

they were singing the Psalms.

The song was sung all over Ulster and was well.

known in the neighbourhood of Belfast some sixty or

seventy years ago. We have not yet been able to

find out who wrote the lines. Perhaps someone can

inform us. It was evidently written by someone who

lived in Seagoe Parish about 80 years ago. Other

ballads were written by the same person of which a

few fragments remain which we hope to print later.

Here is the first verse of another old song very

popular in Seagoe some 70 years ago, and a favourite

song of the late Mr. John Walker, Clerk of Seagoe.

It is called " Jockie to the Fair."

'Twas on a summer morn in May,

When nature painted all things gay,

Taught birds to sing, and lambs to. play,

And decked the meadows fair.

His Sunday-coat the youth put on,

For Jessie had vowed away to run,

With Jockie to the Fair,

And Flora's garment round him hung,

That shepherds used to wear.

Curfew in Seagoe.—At a Vestry held in the

Parish Church of Seagoe, on Easter Tuesday, April

2nd, 1782, it was decided to give Mary Porter, the

Sextoness of Segoe, £l 8s 3d for ringing the Bell

morning and evening, at six in ye morning, from ye

25th of March to ye 29th of September, and at eight

in the winter, and at nine at night throughout the

year.

Churchwardens' Seat in Seagoe.—ln old days

the Churchwardens of Seagoe had a special seat in

the Church which they occupied during public

worship. In the Vestry Minutes for April 2nd, 1782

(quoted above) one item of expense is—To repairing

the Church and making a seat for the use of the

Churchwardens, £5.

Churchwardens of Seagoe (continued) :—

1740 —James Bradshaw, of Knocknamuckley.

Richard Dynes, of Cros McCaghely.

1741 —Mr„ George Mothers, of Drumgor.

Meredith Conn, of Upper Seagoe.

1742 —William Timmins, of Knockmena.

Solomon Stephenson, of Ardmore,

1743 —Woolsey Mathers, of Levaghery.

Mich. Abram, of Derryadd.

1744 —Jas. I-ftrrison, of Drumgask.

Wm. Lutten, of Breagh.

[The above list is interesting as proving the extent,

of Seagoe Parish in old dayg when it included within

its. bounds the present Parishes of Knocknamuckley

and Ardmore.]