March 1914

SeagoeParish Magazine.

MARCH, 1914.

Our Churchwardens 1913-14.

THE accompanying portraits of the

Rector's and People's Churchwardens for the current year will

remind our Readers of the responsibility and important work which the

laity of the Church are called upon to under.

take, and which they willingly and efficiently

discharge. Mr. James Twinem and Mr.

William Best have, during the past year,

given unsparingly Of their time and attention

to the interests of the Parish of Seagoe, and

their year of office, which expires at Easter,

has been marked by many important events

in our local Church life. The Rectory Purchase

Bazaar last December, the building of

the New Class Room in Seagoe School

(largely due to the enterprise of the Rector's

Churchwarden), the beautifying of the Chancel

by the erection of the Canon Blacker

Memorial, and the efficient ventilation of

the Church, have all been accomplished

since the Churchwardens assumed office last

Easter. Seagoe Parish is highly privileged

in having so many of its stalwart laymen

deeply interested in the progress of Christian

work in our midst. The photograph, besides

providing a lifelike portrait of the

Churchwardens, gives an interesting glimpse

into the architectural beauty of the Church

It was taken by the Rector from the Vestry steps.

MR. JAMES TWINEM, RECTOR'S CHURCHWARDEN (SEATED),

AND WILLIAM BEST, PEOPLE'S CHURCHWARDEN

Special Notice,

The Select Vestry on the advice of the Diocesan

Council have decided to Insure the Church and

Schools against possible injury during the civil

commotion which will ensue if the Home Rule Bill

passes. This entails a special charge of £21. The

Churchwardens will stand at the Church door with

plates at each Service. and the Parishioners are asked

to give what they can to cover this very needful

expense. Please. do not allow your gifts to lessen the

amount you usually give at the Offertory in Church.

The New School—Room

This fine addition to Seagoe School was declared

open by the Very Rev. C. T. P. Grierson, Dean of

Belfast, at a, very pleasant Afternoon function on

Monday, February 9th. The Rector presided, and

spoke on the importance of the School as an

educational centre in the Parish. The Dean spoke

eloquently on the subject of Religion and Education.

Mrs. Blacker kindly entertained all present to Tea at

the close of the meeting.

Prize Distributions.

Last month was marked by a long series of

Sunday School Prize Distributions in various centres.

The gatherings began with a fine muster of adults

and young people in Hacknahay, on Friday, Feb.

6th. The Rector presided. An interesting feature

of the Programme was the excellent singing of the

Day School Pupils, accompanied on the Harmonium

by the Principal of the School, Miss Chambers. A

hearty vote of thanks was passed to all who had

helped and especially to Mr. and Miss Calvert for

once again kindly entertaining the Sunday Schools.

The next Distribution was at Drumgor on Sunday

afternoon, Feb. 1 5th. This year owing to Mrs.

MacMullan's illness there was no festive gathering.

On Monday, Feb. 16th, a great crowd gathered in

Seagoe School, and enjoyed a splendid programme

arranged by Mr. Boyle, the Superintendent, and Mr,

S. R Chambers. The action songs were very novel

and amusing. Seagoe Sunday School carried off the

Blue Ribbon of all the Sunday Schools by winning

three silver medals for an unbroken attendance at

Church and Sunday School throughout the year.

The winners were May Best and Isabella Best,

daughters of our People's Churchwarden, and Mary

Jane Atkinson, grand-daughter of Dynes Atkinson,

Sexton of Seagoe. These three pupils attended twice

each Sunday at Church and twice each Sunday at

Sunday School and every Wednesday during the

week-night service during the year. Mrs. McKeown

Of Edenderry kindly gave the Tea for the Festival.

Edenderry had its Prize-giving on Thursday,

Feb. 19th. The large Hall was quite filled. and a

great many prizes were distributed. Mrs. Stevenson

kindly handed the prizes to the winners.

Carne as usual distinguished itself. The pro-

gramme was unusually good and we were glad to

notice many new performers. Mrs. Grimshaw of

Peacefield very kindly distributed the prizes. The

Superintendent Mr. David Murray had arranged

everything very efficiently.

Levaghery, last but not least, held its annual

gathering on Monday, Feb. 23rd. The Rector presided,

and the prizes were handed to the successful

children by Mrs. McDowell. Mr. Jas. Sheppard

deserves great credit for arranging an excellent

Programme. The Sunday School Prizes this year were

awarded on triple basis of marking, viz., for

attendance at Church, attendance at Sunday School

and Proficiency at the Annual Sunday School Examination.

Hacknahay School Concert.

Tickets are on Sale at 1s and 6d each for a grand

Concert to take place in Hacknahay School, on

Thursday, March 19th, at 8. The pupils of the Day

School will perform several attractive items, and other

distinguished Artistes will give their services. Secure

your tickets at once.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Offertories

All that I have is Thine."

Sundays—Morning £4 4 8

Evening 1 16 1

Week-days 0 6 1

Total £6 6 10

REGISTER FOR FEBRUARY

Baptism.

Jesus called a little child unto Him."

McNeill—Feb. 7th—Mary Helena, daughter of John and Elizabeth McNeill, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—John McNeill and Elizabeth McNeill.

Marriage.

God is our Home."

Wright and Twinem—Feb. 19th—James Wright, of Battle Hill, Co. Armagh,

to Ellen Twinem, of Tarson.

Burials.

Death is swallowed up in Victory."

Holland — Feb. 16th — Margaret Jane Holland, Edenderry, aged 6 months.

Pentland—Feb. 24th—George Pentland, Belfast, aged 46 years.

Mahaffy — Feb. 28th — Sarah Anne Mahaffy, of Edenderry, aged 25 years.

The Parish At Home.

Seagoe Parish enjoyed an " At Home " in the fine

enlarged Parochial Schools, on Thursday, February

12th. The new Room was used for the first time, but

even with this extra space there was not sufficient

room for the many who assembled. Messrs. Birrell

and Fawcett's Concert Party from Belfast provided a

novel and amusing Programme. An interval of 15

minutes for mutual, conversation " with the person

who sat next you " was largely availed of on the

advice of the Chairman. There was a most sociable

spirit present, and a word of thanks is due to the

ladies who sent in such a large number of splendid

cakes. There never were such cakes before. The

Parish " At Home " of 1914 will be long remembered.

Jumble Sale.

Our Annual Jumble Sale will be held (D.V.) in

Edenderry Parochial Hall, on Saturday, March 28th,

1914, from 5 to 8. have received many promises

ot most useful and valuable commodities and

splendid bargains will be on sale. Admission—2d.

We ask all those who have helped us in previous

years to kindly make up parcels of goods which will

be galled for on Friday, March 27th, or Saturday,

March 28th.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

ITEMS.

10,580 bricks were used in the construction of

Seagoe New Class Room.

A Volunteer camp for Volunteer Sectional

Officers was held in Carrickblacker during the third

week in February.

A bad corner for motors has been rounded off, and

made safe on the Gilford Road at Levaghery. Some

other sharp corners in the Parish need treatment.

All copies of February Magazine were sold

immediately on publication.

Mr. J. J. Forsythe, of Lower Seagoe, is pursuing

his Theological Studies in St. Aidan's College,

Birkenhead.

We regret the closing of Carne Dairy which for so

many years supplied the Parish with the purest milk

at a low price.

Mr. James Holmes, of Killicomaine, has arrived

at Capetown, per Liner “ Runic," after a splendid

voyage.

Mr. Dobson, our Lay Reader, has been paying a

visit to his home in Mohill, Co. Leitrim.

The Tuberculosis Dispensary in Edenderry is doing

most useful work. Dr. Robinson seems to be the

right man in the right place.

Remember our Special Lent Services.

All Missionary Boxes and Cards, and Protestant

Orphan Cards, must be handed in at once,

A considerable number of names has been added

to the List of our Registered Vestrymen.

The first Motor Funeral to Seagoe from Belfast

took place on the occasion of the interment of the late

Mr. George Pentland, in Old Seagoe Graveyard on

February 24th,

A First-Aid Class in connection with the

Ulster Volunteer Force is being arranged in Seagoe.

Any woman wishing to join will please communicate

immediately with Miss Atkinson, Eden Villa.

Entrance fee 1/-

First-Aid Class also meets on Wednesday evenings in Edenderry Parochial Hall,

We heartily congratulate two of our Parishioners

Who have entered the state of Matrimony during the

past month. Miss Ellen Twinem, now Mrs. James

Wright, Mr. John Lyness of Carne, who married

Miss Alicia Kerr, of Tullygally. All our readers

will join with us in wishing both couples much

prosperity and blessing.

Lent Services,

During Lent a series of Five Special

Addresses will be given on Sunday Evenings

in the Parish Church on The Scriptural

Basis of the Book of Common Prayer?'

March 8th—" The Visible Church."

15th—" The Christian Ministry."

22nd—" Holy Baptism

29th—" Holy Communion."

April 5th—" Public Worship

On Wednesday evenings at 8 0'clock a

course of Lent Lectures will be given on the

Seven Penitential Psalms.

Feb. 25th—(Ash Wednesday) Ps. vi., The Psalm of Contentment.

March 4th—Ps. xxxii., The Psalm of Humility

11th—Ps. xxxiii., The Psalm of Self Control.

18th—Ps. li.i The Psalm of Godly Sorrow.

25th—Ps. cii. and cxxx., The Psalm of Despair

April 1st—Ps. cxliii., The Psalm of Faith and Hope.

Bible Class Social.

The Annual Bible Class Social was held in

Edenderry Parochial Hall, on Shrove Tuesday,

February 26th. It was limited to members of the

Bible Classes but the attendance was so large that the

Hall during the games was almost inconveniently

crowded. After an enjoyable tea, games began and

were continued until a later hour; During an interval

Mr. Gilbert Price, of the Carbet Class gave

two very amusing Irish Recitations. The Prizes

were distributed at the close of the evening by the

Rector. Sixteen Certificates were awarded for a

years unbroken attendance.

Two gold medals were

awarded. One to Mr. Thomas McCrory for a third

unbroken attendance of 3 years (making 9 years in

all) at Edenderry Men's Class, and one to Mr.

David Boyce for three years of unbroken attendance

at Edenderry Men's Class. We sincerely thank

several kind friends who sent us tea cakes towards

the requirements of the Social. The Social was a

useful witness to the important work done by the

Bible Classes in the Parish.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

OLD SEAGOE NOTES,

A Remarkable Apology, 1822.—The following

remarkable apology is entered in the Registers for

1822—-An unpleasant circumstance having taken

place between the Rev. Mr. McCartan, P.P., and Mr.

James Walker, of Levaghery, It is this day agreed

on, for the purpose of procuring peace and neighbourhood

between the Parties, That The Rev. Mr.

McCartan shall declare his concern that he happened

unguardedly to act or Speak in any manner to Mr.

Walker and that he pledges his honour to be more

cautious hereafter and hopes to be forgiven on the

Michael John Macartan.

present occasion.

Eye except (sic) the above appology.

James Walker.

1822, June 13th.

Present Stewart Blacker

Francis Smith

George McKaughly,

Vestry Clerk.

A Sacrilegious Robbery in Seagoe, 1821.—

The Register for 1821 contains the following entry—

At a Vestry held in the Parish of Seagoe pursuant

to Pubiic Notice on Tuesday the 9th day of October

1821, the Clergyman, Churchwardens and Parishioners

being assembled for the purpose of taking into

consideration the late nefarious Robbery committed

in this Church between Sunday the 30th of September

last and Sunday the 7th inst., when the Table Cloth

and Cushions belonging to the Communion Table as

also the Cushions belonging to the Pulpit were

feloniously taken and carried away by some person

or persons unknown.

Now We the Clergyman, Churchwardens and

Parishioners assembled in order to shew our

indignation at such horrid proceedings, Do offer a Reward

of One Hundred Pounds Sterling, To be paid by the

Churchwardens of this Parish, To any person who

shall within six months after this date prosecute to

Conviction the perpetrators of this Sacrilege.

Stewart Blacker, Minister.

Robert Watson,

Churchwardens.

Wm. Burne,

G. McKaughly, Vestry Clerk.

The Iron Entrance Gates at Seagoe New

Church, 1820.—The iron gates which still do duty

at Seagoe Church were erected in 1821. They were

purchased with money obtained from the Sale of the

Roof Timbers of the Old Church. At a Vestry held

on Thursday the 26th day of October 1820 it was

resolved That the sum of £28 18s ld shall be

expended in erecting a proper Iron Gate at the

entrance of the New Church Yard, levelling the Yard

and preparing the same for planting. A note is

added to the Vestry Minutes of 1821 to the following

effect—

Note, the gate weighed 7 cwt. 3q 71b which at 3d

per lb is £10 18s 9d which the Churchwardens settled

for and paid in full.

List of Churchwardens of Seagoe (continued)

1806——Mr. John Calvert, Jun.

Mr. Thomas Jones.

1807—Captain Woolsey, Killycummain.

Mr. William Ellis, of Drumminakelly.

1808—Captain Woolsey, of Killycummain.

Mr. Wm. Ellis, of Drumminakelly.

1809—Mr. James Watson, of Edenderry.

Mr. Simon Huet, Knockramor.

1810—Mr. Henry M'Caw, of Kilvergin.

Mr. George Joyce, of Ballydonaghy.

Notes on Old Seagoe Church.

—The Blacker Pew in Old Seagoe Church was a very conspicuous

object. It was situated on the south side of the

Church, between the Pulpit and the Chancel. It was

of the old square or box shape, and was surmounted

by a canopy from which curtains were hung, Its

position in the Old Church is marked by the marble

memorial to the Rev. George Blacker in the ruined

walls in the old graveyard.

The Font, which finds a place in the present

Church, occupied in the Old Church a place under or

at the foot of the stairs leading to the gallery, on the

left of the entrance door.

It is said that many of the stones and monuments

from Seagoe Old Church Graveyard are built into the

walls of Seagoe Cottage, now occupied by Mr. T. H.

Wilson.

Before the high western gable and belfry fell it

was heavily with masses of ivy which formed

a favourite resting place for a colony of Owls whose

twittering at broke the weird silence of the

old graveyard.

For many years a, venerable Pear tree stood in the

graveyard and was said to have been planted on the,

boundary line between the townlands of Upper and

Lower Seagoe.

The Roof of Old Seagoe Church had a very steep

pitch, and must have been supported by massive

timbers. The building was very narrow for its

length being nearly three times as long as it was,

broad. The outside measurements of the walls give

the length as 66ft. and the width as 27 feet. The

east and west walls are 3}ft. thick, and the north

and south 3ft. thick.

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