March 1915

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

MARCH, 1915,

Mr. WOLSEY R. ATKINSON,

Rector's Churchwarden, 1914-15.

OUR readers will be glad to possess a photograph of one who is very highly respected both in the

Parish of Seagoe, and in the town and neighbourhood of Portadown, Mr. Wolsey Richard

Atkinson, Mr. Atkinson occupies this year the post of Rector's Churchwarden, his fellow warden

being Lieut. Colonel S. W. Blacker, whose portrait appeared in our issue of August, 1914. Mr.

Atkinson has filled at some time or other every parochial office which it is possible for a layman 'to hold. He has for many years been one of our three Parochial Nominators; he has on several occasions been elected Churchwarden, he has been for many years a member of Seagoe Select Vestry, and has acted as Hon. Sec. of the Vestry and Parochial Treasurer, since the retirement of the late Mr. James Atkinson. The Diocese of Down, and Connor, and Dromore, has honoured him by electing him as one of its representatives to the General Synod, and his Parish sends him as its own representative each year to the Diocesan Synod.

During his tenure of office as Hon. Sec. and Parochial Treasurer, he has largely by his own effort and influence carried out the following improvement schemes in Seagoe Church and Parish—Gas Installation in Church and School ; New Musgrave Heating Apparatus ; Additional Class Room in Seagoe School, 1913, and last, but not least, the Glebe Purchase Scheme, which was launched in 1910 and, thanks to his energy and financial ability, seems likely in a brief space to reach a successful conclusion. Mr. Atkinson gives ungrudgingly of his time and interest to the welfare of the Parish, as his father and grandfather did before him. He not merely arranges all details for the collection of the Sustentation Fund each year, but has this year also acted as Collector in several Districts of the Parish. That Mr. Atkinson may be long spared to carry on his noble work in the Parish is the earnest Wish of everyone who has the welfare of the Church at heart.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIVALS.

During the past month Social gatherings have

been held in all our Sunday Schools. Owing to the

war it was agreed, by a self denying ordinance, that

the pupils would not accept any Book Prizes this

year, and that the money so saved would go towards

some War Fund to help our valiant Sailors and

Soldiers. The children, in a most willing spirit,

gave up the pleasure of receiving their prizes. Their

action in the matter is just what we would have

naturally expected from the loyal children of Seagoe

Parish, who always set the interests of the Empire

before all personal considerations. If the boys and

girls of our Sunday Schools cannot go to the front

and take their place in the Trenches, they have at

any rate the satisfaction of feeling that they have

done something by this act of self denial to make the

lot of our brave soldiers and sailors less difficult

than it might otherwise have been.

It was thought well that this year, although no

Book Prizes were awarded, the Social gatherings

should be held as usual. There are many things

calculated to depress the feelings of our people in

wartime, and the pleasure and exhilaration of the

annual "Feast" must prove a useful corrective to

such gloomy depression. The series of gatherings

were characterised by much enjoyment, and the

children appreciated them to the full.

Monday, February 1st, was the date fixed for Carne

Sunday School. The Hall was crowded. An. ample

supply of tea and cake was most kindly provided by

the Teachers. A lengthy programme of musical

items, readings and recitations was arranged. A

notable feature of the programme, was, that almost

every item was provided by local talent, At the close

the Rector, who presided, presented Red Certificates

for attendances, and Blue Certificates for answering

to the successful children. Special thanks are due

to Mr. David Murray, the energetic Superintendent

of the Sunday School who made all arrangements.

Mrs Coulter very kindly assisted in the preparation

of the tea.

Hacknahay Sunday School bas had a very prosperous

year, thanks to the unfailing attention of its

worthy superintendent, Mr. George Calvert, ably

seconded by Miss Calvert. The Schoolroom was

more than crowded. A liberal supply of tea and

cake was generously provided by Mr. and Miss

Calvert. An attractive Programme had been

arranged by the Principal of the Day School, Miss

Chambers, assisted by Mr. Chambers, who kindly

accompanied the performers.

Several were given by the pupils of the Day School, who delighted

the audience by their singing and amusing

movements in the action songs. Oranges were distributed

at the close of the evening. The Rector on behalf

of all present thanked Mr. and Miss Calvert for their

continued kindness and help. A large number of

Certificates were awarded.

Edenderry Sunday Schools, morning and after-

noon, are the largest in the Parish, and under the

care of the zealous superintendents, Mr. J. H.

Stevenson and Mr, Thomas Dawson, have reached a

high degree of efficiency, The Annual Festival is

an event of prime importance. Some hundreds of

children were present, and the Teachers kindly bore

a large share in the expense of providing the Commissariat

—consisting of copious draughts of sleep

dispelling gold medal tea, and monster pieces of rich

fruit loaves, whose exterior concealed innumerable

currants, sultanas, and candied peels of the finest

quality, The programme was excellent. The Dialogues

were specially good, and the solo singing was

far above the average. Wee' Willie Shermon, who

recited splendidly, was the hero of the evening. The

Band of Hope in Edenderry has conferred a double

blessing on the parish, not only furthering the cause

of Total Abstinence, but also in developing the

musical capacities of our young people. The children

received a large number of Certificates for Attendance

and Answering. The meeting closed with the

singing of the Doxology.

Seagoe had its "innings" on Tuesday, February

9th. It was one of the pleasantest gatherings held

this year. The school is now so spacious that there

was no overcrowding, and all the proceedings were

characterised by perfect order. A plentiful supply

of Cake and Tea was forthcoming, and after tea an

interesting programme of music and recitations.

Mr. Chambers kindly presided at the organ. The

Rev. G. Bloomer recited "The Goblins," with

wonderful effect. Mr, Boyle. the' superintendent of

Seagoe Afternoon Sunday School was present, and

rendered great help in arranging the entertainment.

"Barney O' Hea," as usual brought down the house.

A large number of children obtained Certificates.

The last of the Sunday School gatherings for this

season was held in Drumgor on Monday, Feb. 15.

Mrs. MacMullan, who has for so many years helped

in the work at Drumgor, was as active as ever, and

in the arrangement was capably assisted by Miss

MacMullan. The school was fully represented in

Teachers and Children. A programme party came

out from Edenderry, in charge of Mr. Chambers,and

they delighted all present by their songs and recitations.

"Tipperary." sung by three girls, was much

enjoyed, and the audience joined in the chorus with

great energy. The Rector thanked Mrs. MacMullen

for her kind help in the superintendence of the

School, and spoke of the value of the Religious

training given in the Sunday Schools of the Parish.

Offertories for February.

Sunday mornings £2 18 6

Evenings 1 6 1

Weekdays 0 9 2

£4 13 10

The above includes a sum of £1 in aid of the

Diocesan Temperance Society.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Seagoe War News.

A LETTER FROM THE FRONT.

[Trooper Isaac Walker, 6' A " Squadron North Irish

Horse, bas arrived back. at the front after a short stay

in Seagoe. The Rector has received the following

letter from him, dated St. Omer, France,

21st, 1915. The subject referred to in the letter

regarding the North Irish Horse is of great interest

and importance, Was the North Irish Horse the

first British Non Regular Force to come into action

in the present great war? If it was, the fact should

be clearly ascertained. We hope to be able to settle

the question by making further careful enquiry.

Many other corps will be anxious to claim this notable

priority in the conflict, but from Trooper Walker's

letter, and the newspaper cutting he enclosed the

case for the North Irish Horse seems to be very

strong.]

I arrived back here all right and am going on just

as usual. I am sending you a little cutting from

the paper which concerns us. Other Voluntary

Regiments claim to be under fire first. It is contradicted,

and explained, that we were the first to be

under fire. I and Walter Vaughan were the only

ones out of Seagoe Parish who were with the N. I. H

on the retirement from Mons. Milton Boyle, of

Drumcree Parish, and William Morton, of Ardmore

Parish, were also with us. So there were only four

altogether from Portadown serving with the N.I.H.

I am glad to say we are all safe and sound yet. We

had a Church Service today, but I did not get to it.

Everyone likes to attend, but we can't all get. I

think this is all at present. Thanking you for your

kindness. I only wish this war was over till we all

get back.—l remain, yours sincerely,

ISAAC WALKER.

[The following is the Newspaper cutting enclosed

by Trooper Walker and referred to in his letter.]

NORTH IRISH HORSE.

FIRST NON-REGULARS TO GO UNDER FIRE.

The Daily call "

says :—An Officer of the North

Irish Horse says in a letter I see there has been

a lot of controversy about the honour of being the

first Non Regular Forces to go under fire. The

honour has been claimed for the London Scottish,

but it was clearly established that the Northumberland

Hussars were in action before the London

Scottish left home, It is now our turn to dispute

the claim of the Northumbrians.- The North Irish

Horse arrived in France on August 26th. They were

pushed forward at once, and reached the frontier in

time to assist in the retreat from Mons. We had our

baptism of fire near Compiegne on September 1st,

and a few days later fought at Le Cateau.

I don't believe in wrangling over matters of this kind, but if

credit is wrongly given it is only right that the truth

should be known. I believe that the South Irish

Horse can claim to have been in action very early in

the war, but have not the facts handy.

A Letter from Private J. Girvan.

Private John Girvan writes as follows from the

front under date, Wednesday, February 10th, 1915—

There is not much change in the weather out here.

It is raining every day. Our trenches are in some

places very bad.

I have been in every engagement

that my Regiment has been in since the war broke

out. Our Regiment has the honour of being the first

Regiment to get into Armentieres. There was some

fun when we came to it, as there was a French girl

and she said she would kiss the first French soldier

that would come in. We had an interpreter with us,

and he was the first one, and she ran out and kissed

him. Our boys gave her a good cheer.

I got the " Seagoe Magazines " you sent me, and

also the " Portadown News." I also got the gift that

the Portadown people sent out to us, and I might let

you know that Portadown was the first town to send

-to their soldiers in our Regiment among the twenty

towns from which our men come. You were asking

me did I see Whiteside, well, when I am writing this

letter he is the next one to me. I sometimes see

McNeill too.

Social at Levaghery.

Levaghery School, the oldest school building in

the Parish, was the scene of a very pleasant Social

on February 8bh. The hall has been recently

improved by the erection of a new fireplace.

The audience was very larger Proceedings began

with tea. After the tables had been cleared, a

Programme of Music, Dialogues and Recitations was

begun. One of the most interesting items was a

Recitation by one of the most junior members of

the Sunday School, Sarah McDowell. Selina Bradshaw,

another junior pupil also recited with great

success. Mr. Chambers acted as accompanist, Messrs.

Wright and Brown convulsed the audience with their

comic duets. The Dialogues by Miss S. Martin and

Sam Magee were very cleverly done and caused great

amusement. Red and Blue Certificates were awarded

for Sunday School work at the close of the evening.

A vote of thanks to Mrs. Collins, the able Superintendant

of the School and to all who had helped was heartily

passed. The Proceeds of the sale of Tickets is

given to the Red Cross Society.

Bible Class Social,

Shrove Tuesday has for many years been marked

in the Parish by the Annual Social for the Bible

Classes. This year, as in other years, it proved one

of the most enjoyable of gatherings The three

rooms of Seagoe School were occupied, and during

the evening presented a very animated appearance.

All parts of the Parish were represented—Carne

exchanged greeting with Hacknahay, and Edenderry

played hide and seek with Tamnificarbet. After a

few musical items, to which Mr. Wright, Miss Bella

Robb, G. Price, and Davy Hughes contributed,

number of round games were engaged in. A large

number of Special Certificates for a year's unbroken

attendance were awarded.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

PARISH REGISTER FOR FEB.

Baptisms.

Baptized on February 6th, 1915.

Macauley—Edward Carson, son of Ephraim and Ellen Macauley, of Edenderry,

and of Macleod, Alberta, Canada.

Sponsors—Jane Sharpe, Ellen Macauley.

M 'Neill—David William, son of Samuel George McNeill, Private 1st Batt. R.I.F., British

Expeditionary Force, France, and Elizabeth Anna M 'Neill, of Breagh.

Sponsors—Edith Fleming, Elizabeth M'Neill.

Cassidy—George Edwin, son of Thomas Cassidy, Private 16th R.I.R.j and Elizabeth Cassidy

of Edenderry. Sponsors—Emily M 'Crory, Elizabeth Cassidy.

PRIVATE BAPTISMS.

Roney—10bh February, 1915, Myrtle, daughter of James William and Mary Isabella Roney,

of Edenderry.

Cordy—28th February, 1915, Robert David Cordy, son of William and Margaret Cordy, of

Portadown.

Marriage,

M 'Cabe and Thornberry—February 3rd, 1915, Thomas M 'Cabe, of Seagoe,

to Mary Thornberry of Portadown.

Burials,

Walker—February 5th, Watson Walker, of Seagoe, Aged 70 years.

M 'Cabe—February 5th, Rebecca M'Cabe, of Ballinacor, aged 84 years.

Pelan—February 6th, Matilda Pelan, aged 84 years.

Conolly—February 8th, Anne Jane, Edenderry, aged 54 years.

Rogers—February 9th, Jane Rogers, Edenderry, aged 60 years.

Walker—February 16th, Abraham, Levaghery, aged 49 years.

Webb—February 20th, James Webb, aged 75 years.

Spence—February 23rd, Margaret, Edenderry, aged 32 years.

Cantata Receipts.

Tickets sold £10 5s 6d ; Expenses 13s 9d ; Net

profit £9 11S 9d ; Cost of Desks £ll 2s 9d, leaving

a sum of £l 11S Od still due. Mrs. Atkinson of

Eden Villa, has most kindly sent a cheque for

£l 11S to cover this deficit, so that we may

congratulate Mr S. H. Chambers on having been

successful in meeting the cost of the furnishing of

the new Schoolroom.

Seagoe War Trophies,

War trophies are beginning to reach Seagoe from

her brave soldiers at the front. Trooper Isaac

Walker, on his recent. visit, brought back a very fine

pair of ebony drumsticks, mounted in aluminium,

which were taken from a captured German drummer.

He also brought a collapsible silver tumbler of fine

workmanship in a leather case, and a pair of massive

spurs which belonged to fallen German officer.

Private Edward Miller, of the Irish Guards,

recently sent home a- German soldier.'s Helmet

inscribed with the words For God and Fatherland "

Many of our soldiers have sent home Queen

Alexandra's Box, and also Princess Mary's gift.

Jumble Sale.

The Annual Jumble Sale will be held in Edenderry

Parochial Hall, on Saturday, March 27th,

from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Splendid bargains.

Admission 2d.

ITEMS,

The 9th Batt. R.I.F., moved from the Palace

Barracks, Holywood, to Newtownards Camp and

Huts, on Friday, February 26th. We hear the Huts

are comfortable, but 'mud' is the great enemy.

Why could not some Fusilier with a turn for

engineering devise an efficient and cheap plan for

making mud-proof roadways in camps ? Here is a

chance for some of our smart Seagoe lads.

The new Fusilier Band in which several of our

Seagoe musicians have got places has made good

progress, and provides stirring martial music on the

route marches.

The railway and banks near Seagoe have

recently been levelled, the water channels widened,

and the rail spaces neatly filled up with broken granite

giving the whole line a very tidy appearance. ' We

congratulate the G.N .R. on their enterprise in this

matter.

The turf fire on a hearth in a house in Seagoe

Parish has never been extinguished for forty years.

Can this record be beaten ?

Farmers and owners of gardens should till and

plant extensively this Spring as there may be a

scarcity of food towards Autumn.

The Rev W. R. Crichton delivered two most

interesting Lectures on Jewish Work in Hamburg,

in Carne and Bocombra last week.

The Superintendents of all the Sunday Schools

received Reward Books this year.