March 1922

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

MARCH, 1922.

Confirmation.

The Bishop has arranged to hold a Confirmation in

Seagoe Parish Church on Saturday, July 8th, at 7.30 p.m.

Classes of preparation will be formed in May. None who

are under 14 can be Confirmed.

Lent, 1922.

Special Services are being held each Wednesday Evening

during Lent at 8, and the following is a List of the

special Preachers:—

March 8^th —Rev. C. F. H. Carroll, B.A., Waringstown.

,, 22^nd - Rev. J. H. M'Cleary, M.A., Belfast.

,, 29^th — Rev. G. C. Johnston, M.A., Lurgan.

April 5^th - Rev. W. R. S. Clarendon, M.A., Maralin.

The Rev. George Bloomer, M. A., Rector of Woods

Chapel, Magherafelt, will conduct the Special Services

during Holy Week.

Presentation to Rev. A, O. Draper.

On Monday evening, January 16th, a Social gathering

was held in St. Saviour's School, Wilton St., Shankill

Road, Belfast. The chair was taken by the Rev Marrable

Williams, Rector of St. Luke's, Belfast. The guest of the

evening was the Rev. A. O. Draper, formerly Curate of

St. Luke's Parish, Belfast, and now of Seagoe. The meeting

had been arranged by the St. Luke's Company of the Church

Lads' Brigade (the premier Company of the C.L.B. in Belfast),

who desired to make a Presentation to Mr. Draper on the

occasion of his leaving St. Luke's for the Curacy of Seagoe.

There was a large and enthusiastic gathering, and the

Presentation took the form of a handsome Dinner Service.

The gift was handed to Mr. Draper by the Rev. M. Williams,

Rector. Mr. Draper replied and referred to the interest he had

always taken in the work amongst boys and men in true Parish

of St. Luke's. Many good wishes were expressed for Mr.

Draper in his work in Seagoe Parish.

Our Sunday Schools.

This has been a busy month with Sunday School Socials

and Prize Distributions. In one week there were five

Socials in various parts of the Parish. On Thursday,

February 16th, Seagoe Social took place in Seagoe School.

The Sunday Schools here are growing rapidly, and the

attendance was very large, many prizes also being awarded.

The Books were handed to the successful pupils by

Mrs. Twinem, wife of the Superintendent, Mr. James

Twinem. After a few words from the Rector and the

Rev. A. O. Draper, Mr. J. Twinem and Mr. W. E. Dickson

spoke on the Sunday School work, its responsibility

and efficiency. A hearty tea was followed by round

games, the three large rooms being fully occupied.

Carne Sunday School Social was held on Thursday,

February 23rd. After tea a most, interesting Programme

of songs and recitations was provided. Miss May Hyde,

a visitor, recited especially well, and was encored. All

the items were very good. The Rector referred in a short

speech to the good work done by Mr. David Murray as

Superintendent of the Sunday School, and then called on

Mrs. Draper to distribute the prizes. A large number of

Bibles, Church Services and Story Books were handed to

the children.

Tuesday, February 14th, a Distribution of Prizes

took place in Hacknahay School. The room was crowded.

Tea having been provided for the children a Programme

of songs, readings and recitations followed. The items

had been carefully prepared and provided much enjoyment

for the audience. On the Rector's invitation Mrs. T. E. Maginnis

kindly distributed the Prizes to the successful children.

At the close each child received an orange, the kind gift,

of Miss Calvert. The Rev. A. O. Draper presided at the meeting.

Drumgor Sunday School – Drumgor had its Social

evening on Tuesday, February 21^st. There was a full

attendance of the pupils and many of their friends. Tea

and cake was generously provided by some of the residents

in the neighbourhood. Songs and Recitations followed,

the accompaniments being played by Mrs. Draper,

who also kindly distributed the Prizes at the close. The

Rector expressed his thanks to the Superintendent, Mr.

Thomas Martin, for his work in the Sunday School.

Mr. Martin expressed his interest in the work, and thanked

all who had helped in arranging the meeting. The Rev.

A. O. Draper also spoke and acknowledged with thanks

the kind gifts of many towards the entertainment.

Edenderry Sunday Schools have arranged for their

Social to be held on Thursday, March 23rd, in the Parochial

Hall.

The Sunday School Calendar.

Our Sunday School Calendar this year devotes the

Sunday mornings in Lent to a study of the Missionary

Life of Dr. Livingstone. Unfortunately, many of our

Teachers do not possess the Life. It has been arranged,

therefore, that during Lent the subject to be studied in

the Morning Sunday Schools should be the portion of

Scripture appointed as the Gospel for the Day in the

Prayer Book, as follows: -

March 5th—S Mat. iv. 1—11—Temptation.

,, 12th—St. Mat. xv. 1-28 – Prayer.

,, 19th—S. Luke xi. 14—23—Conflict.

,, 26th—S John vi. 1-14 – Refreshment.

April 2nd—Heb. ix. 11—15—The Atonement.

,, 9th—S. Mat. xxvii. The Passion.

Scout Display.

A Scout Display by the Edenderry Troop of Scouts

will be held in the Parochial Hall on Thursday, March

16^th. Secure your Ticket for what promises to be a most

interesting and novel entertainment.

The Weekly Envelopes.

A large number of the Parishioners have taken the

Envelopes and Mr. James Twinem is greatly gratified at the

response. Up to last week some 450 had been taken, and

other districts are rapidly joining up. On Sunday the

Collecting Baskets are overflowing with the offerings.

Bring your Envelope with you to Church each Sunday.

Band of Hope.

A Band of Hope meeting will be held in Edenderry

Parochial Hall on Thursday, March 9th, at 8.

Parish Register for February.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish Church

February 4th, 1922:—

M'Cabe—Samuel, son of Thomas and Mary M'Cabe, of

Edenderry.

Sponsors—Dinah M'Cabe, Mary M 'Cabe.

Porter—Thomas Robert, son of David and Sarah Mary

Porter, of Kernan.

Sponsors—Sylvia Alexandra Chalk, Sarah Mary Porter.

Magee—Isabella, daughter of Joseph William and Emma

Magee, Kernan.

Sponsors—Caroline Magee, Emma Magee.

Marriages.

Medcalf and Johnston—15th February, 1922, Wilson Medcalf,

of Edenderry, to Agnes Johnston, of Edenderry.

Sandford and Matchett—22nd February, 1922, Jacob Sandford,

of Lylo, to Florence Matchett, of "Westfield," Tegnavon,

Parish of Shankill

Burials.

Robinson—January 15th. Elizabeth Robinson, of Govan,

Glasgow, aged 65.

Hawthorne—February 7th, Edward Hawthorne, of Edenderry,

aged 71.

Collins—February 10th, Cecil Collins, Edenderry. aged

16 months.

Graham—February 11th, Samuel Graham, of Kernan,

aged 84.

Quigley—February 12th, John Quigley, of Killicomaine,

aged 37.

Cooke—February 14th, Matthew Cooke, of Knock,

aged 76.

Freeburn—February 19th, Albert Freeburn, of Edenderry,

aged 17.

Brown—February 22nd, Anne Brown. of Lurgan, aged 61.

M’Kane—February 23rd, James Henry M'Kane, of

Ballymacrandle, aged 29.

Old Seagoe Notes.

[The following Prayer is taken from “An Introduction

to the Knowledge of the Christian Religion" by the Rev.

H. Crossman, M.A., dated 1818. The book is inscribed:

"Charles Calvert's Book." It belonged to Mr. Charles

Calvert, of Breagh. It contains many beautiful Prayers

as well as much useful doctrinal teaching. Perhaps some

parent in Seagoe will teach their children this Prayer]

A CHILD'S PRAYER.

As the Child grows up, let this Prayer be used

Morning and Evening.

O Lord God, and most loving Saviour, who commanded

that little children should come unto Thee, and didst

take them up in Thine Arms, and lay Thine Hands upon

them, and bless them: look graciously upon me thy child,

and, bless me: preserve me (say this day, or this night)

from all evil and danger both of body and soul. Give me,

O God, what thou seest good for me, especially a heart to

know Thee early, to love Thee, and to do Thy Will: bless

my Father and my Mother, my Brethren and Sisters:

grant that I may live to be a comfort to my Parents, and

as I grow in years, may grow in grace and in thy favour;

and may be fit at length to be made happy with Thee in

Heaven for evermore: and this I beg for the sake of Jesus

Christ my Saviour. Amen.

Letter from Sir Thomas Drew, R.H.A., F.R.I.B.A.

[The following Letter from Sir Thomas Drew is of interest.

It was written some 16 years ago to the present Rector.

Sir Thomas was the Architect, of Seagoe Church,

and was the leading Irish Architect of his day. His

opinion on possible improvements in the present Church

must carry special weight. The Letter was originally

written with reference to a projected Memorial to the

late Dean Dawson.]

Dec. 1, 1905.

22, Clare St., Dublin.

You may be sure of my interest being enlisted in any

project for Seagoe Church, not to speak of a memorial to

very dear old friend.

1. A Memorial Hall might perhaps be the most worthy

one, but the cost might be more than many moderate

subscriptions in amount — A Hall for 300 persons costs not

much less, if it have any architectural character, than a

Church for the same number — say £2,000.

2. Peal of Bells—Seagoe Church Tower 11ft. square, if

on examination found to be fairly built, might take a peal

of small bells, which might cost about £450 to £500. It

is not, large enough to hang a peal satisfactorily for ringing,

although it might be contrived. To hang a small peal fixed

for chiming only by a mechanical Curillon apparatus seems

always a childish sort of gratification and not a dignified

memorial. With or without a peal of bells — before I refer

to No. 3—there might be yet another outcome of a memorial.

I had sometimes talked with the Dean of a perfecting of his

work by a remodelling and transformation of the tower of

which it is capable without, rebuilding entirely. It is not

worthy of the Church as it is, and when driving round and

viewing it as a landmark last week I felt regret that I had

let opportunity go to introduce this scheme to the Baroness

Von Steiglitz in her life time. The main transformation would

be in setting on it an architectural Belfry Stage with pinnacles

(perhaps of an Irish type) which would make it a picturesque

landmark “set on a hill" from a wide country round. I can

write you more details of such a memorial if need.

Before leaving Bells, it is a consideration whether the

Parish can be reckoned on for the abiding enthusiasm of

a company of skilled ringers to pursue change-ringing as

an art. Failing other proposals being considered A Lychgate

would be a very pleasing form of memorial, of which

there are but one or two in the Diocese.

There seems to me always something more to be done

in completing the Dean's work, which he would gladly

have seen done if he had had means, in bringing the old

part of the Church into more congruity with the new work.

A remodelling of the old Tower without abolishing it

would do much to effect this. The present base would

not call for much change as the belfry and new upper stage

are the important feature of any Tower as a landmark.

Yours sincerely,

THOMAS DREW.

C.M.S.

Boxes should be handed in at once as the Accounts close

this month. See that your box is well filled.

Obituary.

Death has been busy in our midst. Young and old have

fallen asleep, and many homes are darkened by the cloud

of sorrow. The sympathy of all our people will go out to

those who have been bereaved of their dear ones. Samuel

Graham, of Kernan, was known to many. He was always

greatly interested in the past history of the Parish. He

had lived all his long life of 84 years in the house where

he was born. Edward Hawthorne passed to his rest after

a long illness and much suffering patiently borne. His

aged mother still lives as we noted in a recent issue of

the Magazine. With her and his wife and daughters we

deeply sympathise. The death of Albert Freeburn, after

a few hours' illness, was very sad. He had been for some

years in the Malone Training School and was looking forward

to returning home to Florence Court in few months.

Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson, of Govan, had many friends in

Seagoe. Her remains were brought from Glasgow to be

interred in the, old Graveyard here.

Edenderry Playground.

The playground for Edenderry children is now in full

swing, and provides endless enjoyment and recreation

for the children. Swings and a fly pole have been erected

and are kept going all day except during School hours. We

hope the children who benefit by the playground will

remember the man who so thoughtfully left his money for

that purpose. Mr Wilson loved Edenderry and Seago. He

was greatly interested also in the Parochial Hall. After his

death a cheque was found in his desk filled in and signed

for his annual subscription to Seago Sustentation Fund.

It was the last cheque he signed. It would be a good thing

For a name board to be erected at the playground inscribed

“Watson Recreation Ground," so that everyone might know

how it came into existence.

Presentation.

At a Choir Social in Seagoe School on February 24th a.

Presentation of a China Tea Set was made to Mrs. Wilson

Medcalf on the occasion of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs.

T. H. Wilson hospitably entertained the Choir.

ITEMS.

A large number of Tickets have been sold for Mr. Wilson's

Concert in the Town Hall on Tuesday, April 4th, and a most

attractive Programme has been arranged.

***

Will the person who by mistake took an umbrella from

the Church Porch on Sunday evening, February 19 ^th,

please return it to the Sexton without delay, and they will

receive back their own.

WITH THE “NINTH" IN FRANCE.

By Lieut.-Co1. S. W. BLACKER, D.S.O.

(Continued from February Magazine.)

Thursday, April 13^th —They had a good deal of

rain here Tuesday and Wednesday, place muddy.

It turned out very hot in the train yesterday

p.m., but I was glad of all my clothes on the boat.

The first half she pitched heavily, and the second half of the

journey she rolled, at times so badly that the baggage

and people on chairs all went, sliding into the rails. Smith

and I had lashed our chairs to the rails. Some Canadian

Nurses were in front of us and were very sick. The 2

men who have died are Houston, a Glasgow man, and

Bernard, a brother of the Sergt. Only came in the last

draft. Pratt and Padre were in M— at the time, about,

4.30 p.m. The old ladies here were profuse in their

welcome. Cather brought a gramophone back with him,

by Fergie's direction. Friday, April 14th —A very wet

night turned everything into mud again. Leave has been

stopped, and everyone to be back by 18th. Am distressed

that 8 or 9 have not got away; very hard on them.

Div. H.Q. are coming in here after all, so general squash

up will ensue. I don't think we shall stay here long, but

one never knows. Am going over to M this p.m. to see

A, and B. Saw one of the new Officers, Andrews. Was

in a Bank at Bangor. Was favourably impressed.

R.A. General moves out of here today, I believe. Day

turned blustery and fine, but cold wind. A draft of 26

expected today: Saturday, April 15th —I fancy we shall

go into the line again within 10 days, probably where we

were before HA -. A move from here is, 1 think, imminent,

but where to I cannot imagine, as every place is

packed. They all seemed very well at M — yesterday

I Sent for Jimmy Shepherd

and had a chat with him, and thanked him for bringing

your letter. The weather is still bitter cold, N.W. wind

and squally, snow and hail showers. A football match

with 9th Inniskillings to-day. Ricardo's lot. Saw 'At’

and young 'Shill.' yesterday, and told them I had seen

their people. Still odd cases of Hun spots among the

troops. Sunday, April 16th—A lovely sunny warm day,

but still what wind there is is cold We had service in

the opera and it was warm. The fruit trees, grass

and foliage, are coming on fast. Am bringing A. and B

back here to-morrow and sending C. and D to M—. We

go into H— line Thursday or Friday. But only having

one Battalion in line, so we shall be out a good deal—6

days in and 18 out. Lots of working parties on every

day, but not, much for me to do. The Div. Staff says that

leave has been stopped on account of Easter traffic at

home; if so it's a shame. However, it is hoped it

will begin again 25. We beat, 9th Inniskillings 6 goals

to 0. We shall be in the line Easter Sunday. Reid is

L/Corpl., but still looks after Betsy Jane. Talked to

Hughes about his brother, and Johnny Cook came to see

me. Monday, April 17th—I made an eloquent appeal for

Allen's leave and he has got it all right. Rain all night

has taken the sting out of the air, and it’s a soft spring

like day, but moist and everything 'lifty.' The road S.E

of A— was into 1st R.I.R. Trenches, arid they lost about

200. I learn, including some prisoners. It was the S Wales

Borderers at Marg -, Casualties 86, so far as I can judge,

7 2nd Lieuts. wounded. A very intensive bombardment

which flattened out the Trench line. We go in, as I thought,

Thursday. The Lurgan handkerchiefs and candles have

now come. Ricardo's lot, not satisfied with their beating

on Saturday, have challenged to play again to-day on their

ground, and are sending over for the team. Find the old

ladies can provide

Delicious Fresh Eggs

People seem to think the leave will re-open on 25th,

which looks as if the Easter traffic theory were correct.

I am sending Vanston, the new Capt. from 4th Battalion,

to Army School for a month. Johnny Cook was very

smiling; tell his father. Tuesday, April 18th —Such a

stormy night, and a wet cold morning so far. I am waiting

for it to get a little better before sallying forth to Bde. H.Q.,

and then on to have a look at the line. I fear this rain have

made the Trenches bad again. Preseat idea is a postponement

till all are ready, probably in that case the Bosche will make

push first. We won our return match against Ricardo's lot

(9th Inniskillings) yesterday, only by 1 goal to 0. Ground very

greasy. Fergie was anxious as to result. Have collected a few

things to send home. Wednesday, April 19th —I enclose a

list of casualties. Vennard is an elder brother of the nice Sergt.

I have not met G.S.O.I yet, he is a Sapper. Had lunch with

Ricardo yesterday and a long talk. I then passed on to M—

and saw Leitrim, and a long talk about, the Trench line.

He is seedy—gastric trouble. Got back here at 6.30 p.m.,

rained all day. Sloan was never touched, don’t know how

report got about. He is shoeing smith, and never goes into

danger. We have to move out of this at 10 a.m. to-morrow for

some obscure reason; as we cannot begin relief till 8 p.m.,

owing to the light. We shall have to put in 8 hours in

M— en route. Shall be very sorry to leave this place

and the old ladies. I don't expect we shall get in again.

Div. H.Q will be sure to beg it. Fergie and Transport

remains here, but the animals are in the open now.

Betsy Jane and Uncle are in a stable all right. There

seems a Cabinet crisis on. I hope it will lead to

something. Glad the Army Council are firm. An

uncomfortable day tomorrow. I am arranging for our

mail to come on at once, and will try and send an answer

back by messenger which should catch H.Q. bag here at

6 p.m. Not actually raining now but heavy clouds about.

You will be glad to hear we

All Have Tin Hats Now

and every one has to wear them in the line. Fergie has

also issued me with goggles, and a new Field Dressing,

so I'm well equipped! You ask if it feels warm in France

after Ireland. It is bitter still, and I am wearing all my

winter things and Tiger's woolly, and Brit, warm on bed

at night. It must get warm soon here. We are nearly

through April. No word of leave being reopened. I

how they will relieve Battalion. Anyway 12th

will relieve us. We shall be in for Easter. I'd made

all arrangements to leave here Latest, about 5 p.m., and

give men tea en route, and now it's all upset, which is

bothersome. However, no doubt, it's all for the best. I

only hope we shall have our usual luck in weather, but

it doesn't look promising just at present. Menaul and

young Ensor returned this morning at 2 a.m., and lay

outside for 3 hours, unable to get in as it was so rough.

Thursday, April 20th, 5 p.m. [“Mesnil”] – Only time for

a hurried scrawl. Am half way into the Trenches at M—

and am moving on almost, at once. Have been fixing

things up with Coy Commanders, and have only just got

away, and am due now in H— to talk things over with

14th R.I.R. Blustery, showery, cold, but improving.

Very fit. April 21st. Good Friday —The relief was over

at 10 p.m. without casualties. Our mess kit went astray

and didn't arrive till 11 p.m. We brought one cooker

right up into the village successfully. A quiet night, but

generally more activity and liveliness than when we were

here last. Went all round this a.m., and am just in. The

line is improved in many ways and in wonderfully good

condition. We had a fine night for the relief and fine today.

Thanks to the socks you've sent, every man has come in with

3 prs socks, and plenty candles, which we want now as we

are back in the caves. Our letters leave here at 3.30 p.m. to

catch the Div. bag at 6 p.m. at H— . We were just out of M—

in time yesterday, as

They Put Some Dozen Big Ones

in there this morning, but only one casualty I hear. I

wore my tin hat for 3 ½ hours this morning and found it not at

all uncomfortable after all. Have not heard a word as to

the other wounded. Mercier has been sent home, I believe.

The 7 cows still all right, and 5 milking still.

Saturday, April 22nd—It began to rain about 3

p.m. yesterday and continued steadily and heavily till

9 a.m. this morning - result trenches deep in water and

mud, and collapsing. Fergie made an issue of mufflers

and mits before we came in and they were thankfully

received. Just heard cuckoo for first time. It's turned

much warmer, which is a good sign, and the rain has stopped.

We had one casualty last evening, from rifle grenade.

Very slight scratch at back of head. 'At.' and young Shill

were standing close to him the time. Am asked to send in

name of Officer to go home to be instructed in Staff Capt.

duties. Brew jumped at it. The Padre has arranged Communion

Service after 'Stand Down' in the morning, about 4.15 a.m.

It's the only time most people could attend. The letters now

go by hand to M—, where one of the grooms takes them on to

Fergie for Div. bag. Easter Sunday, April 23rd —Have nothing

new to wear to-day, so put new blade in razor! Pratt's

suggestion. We had a great strafe on last night, a cutting

out expedition on our right, and we pounded the Hun

trenches with all sorts from 9 p.m. to 10.45 p.m.—a deafening

noise. Haven't heard result yet. Think they were

surprised as they only made a feeble response in guns.

Went out to the Marsh posts at, 4 a.m., then to Service

5 a.m., so began the day early. Padre is off holding Services

all round. Fine again, sunny, but N. wind; rained again

heavily yesterday; heavily from 3 p.m.—7 p.m. trenches

running rivers again. The gunner Officer down here for

this 24 hours; was Battery Q. M.S. in 120 ^th Battery, had

18 years' service. Came out with V. Div. and was all

through the Retreat. Seems quite a nice fellow, and young

looking. He says the Archies are manned by R.H.A.

Wheatley has gone to R.H.A. No one in his place yet.

(To be continued.)