March 1916

Seagoe Parish Magazine

MARCH, LENT, 1916,

We approach the season of Lent this year again under the dark shadow of war.

During the past twelve months, since Lent, 1915, we have learned both as a

nation and as individuals many hard lessons under the cruel discipline of this world-

conflict. May the Divine Spirit, who instructs the hearts of men and enlightens their consciences, bring home to many among us during these weeks of Lent the soul-destroying power of Sin, and the Divine remedy for sin in the regenerating grace of God's Holy Spirit.

We invite the Parishioners to attend the special services, which will be held in the Parish Church.

On Sunday Evenings, addresses will be given on “Our National Sins” as follows:—

March 12th “Intemperance."

19th—" Non-observance of Sunday."

26th—" Decline of Bible-study."

April 2nd—" Unwholesome Literature."

9th—" Decay of Home Life."

12th—" The Education of the Young."

On Wednesday Evenings at 8 0'clock, addresses will be given on “Penitential Passages in the Book of Common Prayer."

March 8th (Ash Wednesday)—" The Commination Service."

15th—" The General Confession."

22nd “The Litany."

29th—" The Office of Holy Communion" (1)

April 5th—" The Office of Holy Communion" (2)

12th—" The Office for the Public Baptism of Adults."

19th—“ The Visitation of the Sick."

On Ash Wednesday, March 8th, the following services will be held:

11-30 a.m. —Morning Prayer and the Commination Service.

8 p.m.—Evening Prayer and Sermon,

New Curate of Seagoe.

Mr. Thomas H. Scanlon, B.A., T.C D., has been appointed to the vacant Curacy of Seagoe.

Mr. Scanlon Graduated from Dublin University, and has taken out his full Divinity course.

He will (D. V.) be ordained by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese in St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on Sunday, March 25th.Mr. Scanlon comes to us with the highest recommendations, and we are confident he will receive a warm welcome from the people of Seagoe.

MR. JOSEPH MURRAY.

Death of Mr. Joseph Murray,

We deeply regret to record the death of Mr. Joseph Murray, which occurred after a short illness at his residence at Ballinary on Tuesday, February 22nd.Mr. Murray for many years past had taken a prominent part in our parish life, He was appointed Rector's Churchwarden in 1897 and People's Churchwarden in 1898, and was elected a member of the Select Vestry in 1899, and held that post until a few years ago. He was a most regular worshipper in the Parish Church, and devout communicant. In social life, he was most highly esteemed, and respected by all who knew him.

We shall miss him much from our Church and Parish. He has been taken from the ranks of the Church Militant to those of the Church.

Triumphant by the Master whom he loved and served.

We desire to express our sincere sympathy with Mrs.

Murray and the members of his family in their bereavement.

The Interment took place at Ardmore on Thursday, February 24 ^th, which was well attended.

The Rector of Seagoe and the Rev. G. Bloomer officiated at the service and the bell of Seagoe Parish Church was rang at the hour of the funeral.

On Sunday, February 26th, at Morning Prayer’ the Rector referred to the loss which the Parish had

sustained in Mr. Murray's death. Out of respect and sympathy for Mr. David Murray, The Superintendent of Carne Sunday School, has postponed the Annual Fete and Distribution of Prizes to Monday March 6th.

Missionary Boxes and Cards.

The Missionary Boxes for C. M.S. and for the South American Missions must be sent in to the

Hon. Sec. for Missions, Miss G. B. Atkinson, Eden Villa, no later than March 5th. It is most

important that they should be sent in in good time.

Those who have collecting cards for C. M.S. or S.A.M.S. must also return them before March 15th. We hope that all who have boxes or cards will collect

as much as possible in the few days remaining.

Amongst the many other calls, do not let that of Foreign Missions go unheeded. Give and it shall

be given unto you."

Women's Emergency Corps ,

(Seagoe Branch)

The following are the figures of the number of comforts received during January, February, and

March 1, 121 pairs Socks, 2 Nightshirts, 1 full Kitbag, 18 pairs Mits, Quilt Squares, 2 Helmets,

19 Mufflers. Cigarettes, Matches and Toffee.

This does not include the schoolchildren’s gifts at Christmas. We ask for Socks, Socks, and more

socks for the 9th Batt. R.I.F.

ISOBEL ATKINSON.

Palestine in Portadown.

26th —29th April (inclusive).

We desire to call our readers' attention to the Palestine Exhibition which will be held in the

Carleton Street Hall on 26th April and the following three days.

It might be thought by some that to attempt an Exhibition such as this, when all our thoughts and

energies are centred upon War and its claims, is to invite failure. Actual experiment, however, in

other places in England and Ireland have proved this not to be the case. A moment's reflection will

also show the fallacy underlying the thought. All Christian people agree that even through this war

“God is working His purpose out

As year succeeds to year,"

and that we all in our varied activities are as " weavers in God's loom?' If this be so, then what

can be more fitting or timely than that we should look at the Pattern as revealed in His Word ?

This is the purpose of the Exhibition, to renew and strengthen our knowledge and love for God's

Word.

Our Sunday Schools-

February is the month for the Prize Distributions in our Sunday Schools. Last year we the money

to the Red Cross Funds, but this year the Superintendents thought it well to encourage the children in their work by giving them prizes.

Hacknahay had its Distribution on Friday, Feb, 8th. As usual, Mr. and Miss Calvert most kindly

entertained the children. The room was crowded, and the books looked splendid. The Rector presided, and a fine programme was very successful.

On Monday, February 21st, Seagoe held its Distribution. The attendance was unusually large, and

a great many prizes were won. The books were presented to the winners, by Mrs. Bond.

An excellent and varied programme was performed by the children, under the skilful management of Mr. S. R. Chambers.

Drumgor Distribution followed on Tuesday, February 22nd. Mrs MacMullan and her staff of teachers had left nothing undone to provide for the comfort and happiness of the children. The room was crowded a most interesting programme was performed, in which several items were given by kind friends from Lurgan. A large number of beautiful books were given to the children. There were 25 items on the programme, and each was very good. Miss Lizzie Gracey, of Drumgor, was very helpful in preparing the programme. Mr. McCollum and Miss M. Reid, of Balteagh National School, assisted, at the close of the evening, Mrs. MacMullan hospitably entertained all the helpers

to supper.

The Parochial Hall, Edenderry, was filled with happy gathering on Tuesday, February 29th,

The Rector presided. Mr. Chambers had arranged a first- rate programme, which the children thoroughly enjoyed.

A very large number of Book-Prizes was distributed, including a special one to Mr. J H, Stevenson, Superintendent of the Morning School, who is unfortunately could not attend due to illness.

Mrs. Stothers, a most useful helper in the School, distributed the prizes to the winners.

Levaghery, one of our oldest Sunday Schools, held high festival on Thursday, March 2nd. A large

percentage of the children had won prizes. Mrs. Collins and her helpers had arranged a programme of great merit. Several helpers from Portadown assisted at it, and every item loudly applauded. The proceeds of the sale of tickets given to the Fund for providing comforts for our Soldiers.

The Distribution at Carne will take place (D. V.) on Monday, March 6th.

Prizes for Church Attendance will be awarded at an early date on last year's Church Attendance

Card returns.

Offertories for February,

Sunday—Mornings, £4:4:1

Evenings. £1:6:6

Week Days 0:6:11

£5:17:6

Bible Class Social.

The annual Bible Class Social will be held (D. V on Shrove Tuesday, March 7th, in Seagoe School

Tea at 7-30. Tickets, Sixpence each. Only those whose names are on the Bible Class Roll for this year will be admitted.

A Bit from the Front,

Just the same old 2s. 6d.—Private Arthur Allen, 5th R. Irish Fusiliers, writes from the Salonica

Force, under date January 29th, 1916:—I am very thankful for the clothing, as it is very cold here now, but the weather will soon be getting warmer. I am glad you got the Bulgarian Note all-right. I got it where the big fight was, and many coins.

We had it bit rough for a, few weeks, but we are getting a good rest now. As for myself, I am just

the same old 2/6, I take everything that comes my way, There is no good in grumbling. Tell Bob

and David they might get a gun soon. There are plenty of spare ones out here. I was talking to a

few more Portadown boys. They went up past us yesterday—Sam. Finnegan and Wm. Frazer, and a

few more. E. Beaston is also along with them.

Home from the Front

During the past month, we have had many of our War-heroes home from the Front. Major T. J.

Atkinson, of the 9th Batt. was home at Eden Villa from Friday, 18th, to Thursday 24th.

His many friends rejoiced to see him looking so fit and well. He was present in his place in the Parish Church on Sunday, 27th.

Capt. the Rev. F. J. Halahan, Chaplain to the 9th Batt., and Rector of Drumcree, was also home

on a few days leave, since the Battalion went into the Trenches Mr. Halahan has been there with

the men, sharing their dangers and encouraging them by his presence and example. He occasionally holds short services in the dugouts or villages at the rear of the lines, and the men very much appreciate such brief opportunities of worship. It was his lot on a recent occasion to officiate at the funeral of the first men of the 9th Batt. to fall. The service was by moonlight in a little cemetery exposed to the enemy's fire. It was very solemn and impressive experience.

Mr. Halahan says that the men of the 9th are in great need of candles. They spend much of their

time in the dark " dugouts," and candle is what they need most.

Send out some candles then immediately.

The officers of the 9th Batt. Say the men are splendid, full of high spirits. Their sporting instincts

seem to be highly developed, for if a stray partridge or a venturesome rabbit, or even a timid hare, or even a hungry rat makes its appearance they are at once ready to give chase, as though they were back along the banks of the peaceful Bann. There is of course a terrible danger in this kind of sport, and we sincerely hope our lads will never allow their sporting proclivities to lead them into danger of life and limb.

ITEMS-

The List of Registered Vestrymen for Seagoe Parish closed on February 27th. Several new names added.

Private Noah Clayton, of the 5th Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers, and late of Breagh in this Parish, has

returned from the Dardanelles. He was seriously wounded; an explosive bullet passing through his

ankle. He is at present in Armagh Infirmary and it is feared that he may lose the use of his right foot.

The services at Carbet during February were taken by the following kind helpers;—

Mr. George Locke, Mr. David Best and Mr. W. J. Caddell.

An inscription, recording the date of opening, is to be placed on the entrance gates of the new

extension at Seagoe.

A Missionary Afternoon was held in Seagoe School on Wednesday, February 23rd. A stirring address on Foreign Missions “was delivered by the Rev. H.K. Woodward, who has been engaged in mission work in India, Newfoundland, and Canada.

The planet Venus is a conspicuous object each night in the south western sky. It is just now 12 times

brighter than the second brightest star, Sirius.

Letter from Capt.- J- J. Dobson.

The Rector has received the following interesting letter from Capt. J. J. Dobson, 7th R.I.R., British

Expeditionary Force, France, and formerly a lay helper in Seagoe Parish. The letter is dated 7th

February, 1916. Capt. Dobson writes— Please pardon me for not writing to you since I began my

soldiering, I have been on the move all the time. I often think of Portadown and the interesting time

I spent there; but circumstances have changed, and life seems even more full of fascination out here

Often times it is amusing, always sporting, and exciting at times.

I was speaking to the Lord Primate as be passed through our lines. He looked well in his trench

boots. I have been very fortunate in having only five men wounded out of my company up to the

present. I am most thankful for this, but it cannot be expected that it will last.

We had some narrow escapes in the trenches, and it seems so strange that no one gets a bit excited

when the shot and shell are whistling through the air. The other day I saw lark rising

and singing in the midst of all the commotion. One morning lately, I saw a covey of partridges light on the trench close to where I was standing, and not more than 70 yards from the Germans. I am just as keen as ever on partridge, etc., but these things do not count when one is out trying to bag a Hun or two!

All the men are cheerful and very fit, and ready for any eventuality that may arise. They are well

clad, well fed, and in good fighting trim. I miss the Theological debates we used to have, but sometimes on awakening in billets here my eyes open on pictures of a theological kind hanging round my bed which do not tend to make a Portadown man sleep too sound.

Please give my kind regards to Mrs. McMullen. “I trust Seagoe is getting on well."

[Just as we go to press, we learn, with much regret, that Captain Dobson has been wounded and is in hospital. The War Office to this effect has sent notification, but no mention is made as to the character of the wounds, whether serious or light. We hope that Captain Dobson will soon be well again, and all our readers will wish him a speedy recovery.]

PARISH REGISTER for FEBRUARY

Baptisms.

Baptized on February 5th, 1916,

Donaldson—Isaac Robert, son of Isaac Robert Donaldson, of Killicomaine, Private, Army

Service Corps, British Exped. Force, France, and of Mary Donaldson, his wife.

Sponsors—Mary Kelly, Mary Donaldson.

Brown—William, son of Robert Henry Brown, of Edenderry: Private, 1st Batt. Royal Irish

Fusiliers, British Exped. Force, France, and of Mary Elizabeth Brown, his wife.

Sponsors—Cherry Bell, Mary Elizabeth Brown.

Ruddell—Margaret, daughter of Joseph and Mary Jane Ruddell, of Lower Seagoe.

Sponsors—Jane Ruddell, Mary Jane Ruddell.

Martin—Henry, son of Thomas and Sarah Martin, of Balteagh.

Sponsors—Thomas Martin, Sarah Martin.

PRIVATE BAPTISMS.

Currie—6th Feb. 1916, Frances Margaret Winifred, daughter of John and Margaret Currie, of

Drumnacanvey.

M 'Dowell—25th Feb„ 1916, Thomas Robert, son of

William James and Anna Maria M'Dowell, of Levaghery.

Marriage.

M 'Roberts and Best—March 3rd, 1916, William Alexander Clugston M'Roberts, of Purdysburn, Belfast, to Ellen Best, of Ballyhannon.

Burials,

Weir—8th Feb. 1916, George Weir, of Breagh aged 77 years,

Murray—24th Feb. 1916, Joseph Murray, of Ballinary, aged 75 years. Interred at Ardmore.

Tedford—29th Feb. 1916, Jane Tedford, of Edenderry

Interred at Tartaraghan. Aged 45years

Bunting—3rd March 1916, Elizabeth Bunting, of Edenderry, aged 69 years.

Hewitt—2nd March 1916, David Hewitt, of Tarson, aged 62 years.

Old Seagoe Notes.

Archiepiscopal Visitations in 18th Century. —It was customary in old days for the Archbishops

of Armagh to hold Visitations of the Diocese of Dromore every third year. The Visitations were

frequently held at Dromore, but sometimes in other centres, as, e.g.„ in 1778, when the Visitation was held in the Church of St. John, Moira.

In 1757 rule was introduced that all clergy absenting themselves from the Visitations must pay their Proxies or Substitutes. At each visitation, the clergy and churchwardens were expected to be present, and hose from the Parish of Seagoe were seldom absent.

The Visitation Records of Seagoe Parish have been carefully kept, and are to be seen in the Record

Office, Dublin. They supply many interesting facts regarding Seagoe. Here are a few;

1754 Isaac Gleaton, or Clayton, appointed Parish Clerk of Segoe at a salary of £5 per annum.

A clerk for the Moynteaghs was appointed at the same at a salary of £4 per annum.

1756 Rev. Thomas Higginson, Curate of Segoe

1766, 23rd July—Richard Archbp. of Armagh relaxes his right to Triennial Jurisdiction of

the Diocese of Dromore.

1768 William McGuire appointed Schoolmaster of Segoe.

1774 Francis Doherty appointed Schoolmaster of Segoe.

1782 Lead Pencil first used in Visitation Notes. [Lead Pencils first came into use in 1761.]

1785 Sego spelt Segoe for first time.

1786 Dean Blacker is styled “The Right Worshipful the Dean."

The Visitation Fees paid by the Vestry of Segoe usually amounted to 16s. 8d.