March 1925

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

MARCH, 1925.

CLERGY:

Rev. Canon Archer, B.D., The Rectory, Seagoe,

Portadown.

Rev. William T. Wilson, M.A., 20 Edward Street,

Portadown.

Rev. Robert W. Johnston, L.Th., 35 Church Street,

Portadown.

CHURCHWARDENS:

Mr. Thomas H. Wilson, Lower Seagoe—Rector's.

Mr. John E. Lavery, Kilvergan—People's.

N.B.—For List of Services, etc., see Last Page.

SEAGOE PAROCHIAL MISSION,

March 21st to March 29th.

Missioner—Rev. Canon FORRESTER, M.A.

PRAYER FOR THE MISSION.

O GOD, the Father of Heaven, have mercy

upon us sinners, and bless the coming

Mission in our Parish. Seek and save the

lost; convert the sinful; arouse the careless;

teach the ignorant; help the weak; and look

with pity upon us all Through Jesus Christ

our Lord. Amen.

It is hoped that this prayer will be used daily by

all in the Parish, old and young.

The Bishop's Commendation.

The Bishop of Down heartily and prayerfully

commends to the people of Seagoe the Mission which

will begin in the Parish on March 21st and conclude

on March 29th. Canon Forrester is well known

to him as a most faithful Missioner who has done

much for the spiritual up-lift of the Church of Ireland

both at home end in the Foreign Mission field. He

will faithfully proclaim the Gospel message in the

ears of the people. If it had been at all possible the

Bishop would have been present at some time during

the Mission to take part in the Services, but regrets

that owing to previous engagements he cannot

do so. He will be present in spirit, and prays that

the Divine Blessing may rest upon the Clergy and

People of Seagoe Parish during the coming Mission.

The Mission.

The Mission in Seagoe will (D.V.) begin on Saturday,

March 21st, so that only a short period of three

weeks remains before its commencement. It is very

important that during this short interval our people

should do all they can to make the Mission known

throughout the Parish. There are always some

people who will tell you after the Mission is over

that they had not heard of it, but we hope that the

coming Mission will be so widely known in every

one of the Twenty-two Townlands of the Parish that

no one will have to regret afterwards their absence

from it through not knowing when it began.

Publishing the Mission is of the first importance,

and next to "Publishing" comes “Preparation."

This means that each one of us is going to take full

advantage of the Mission when it comes. This can

only be done if we prepare for it. Please make sure

that you will so arrange that you will be clear of

other engagements between March 21-29. You will

then be quite free to attend all the Services. If you

have others dependent upon you try to so arrange

that they also will be free to attend the Mission

Services. It will be a great help also if you can call

for someone on your way to the Mission Services,

and bring them with you. It will be a useful part of

your preparation to plan out this beforehand. There

are quite certain to be some amongst us who will

not at first be inclined to come to the Mission. Then

in the next place we must Pray for the Mission and

for him who is to conduct the Mission. You will

use the Mission Prayer (printed above) in your private

Prayers morning and evening. You will not fail to be

present at Public Worship on every opportunity up

to the Mission, and you will use the Prayers and

Hymns and Scriptures as so many spiritual helps

for the forthcoming Mission. Especially when you

come to Holy Communion you will use it as an

occasion of special Intercession for the Mission. Try

as far as you can to make use of these suggestions.

They will be a help to you in the good work, and then

when the Mission comes you will feel that you have

really done something to strengthen and establish the

Kingdom of God in our midst.

List of Mission Services.

Saturday, March 21st, 8 p.m.—Church workers'

Service. (All those who help in any way in Church

work, Churchwardens, Vestry, Sunday School

Superintendents, and Teachers, Sustentation

Fund and Missionary Collectors, members of the

Bible Classes, and all who have done preparation

work for the Mission are invited to attend this

Service.)

Sunday, March 22nd—

8 a.m.—Holy Communion.

11.30 a.m.—Morning Prayer. Sermon by Rev.

Canon Forrester, and Holy Communion.

3.30 p.m.—Men's Service.

7 p.m.—Evening Prayer and Sermon.

Monday, March 23rd—

1.15 p.m.—Short Open-air Service outside Messrs

Armstrong's Factory, Edenderry.

8 p.m.—Mission Service.

Tuesday, March 24th—

1.15 p.m.—Short Open-air Service outside Messrs

Robb's Factory, Edenderry.

4 p.m.—Address to Mothers in Edenderry Parochial Hall.

8 p.m.—Mission Service in Parish Church.

Wednesday, March 25th—

8 a.m.—Holy Communion.

9.50 a.m.—Address by Missioner to the Children

in Seagoe Public Elementary School on

Mission Work in India."

8 p.m.—Mission Service in Parish Church.

Thursday, March 26th—

4 p.m.—Bible Reading in Edenderry Parochial

Hall.

8 p.m.—Mission Service in Parish Church.

Friday, March 27th—

8 a.m.—Holy Communion.

8 p.m.—Mission Service in Parish Church.

Saturday, March 28th—

3.30 p.m.—Children's Mission Service in the

Parish Church.

8 p.m.—Service of Preparation for Holy Communion.

Sunday, March 29th—

8 a.m.- Holy Communion.

11.30 a.m.—Morning Prayer, Sermon, Holy Communion.

3.30 p.m.—Men's Service.

7 p.m.—Evening Prayer and Sermon.

During the Mission the Church of Ireland Hymnal

will be used.

Consecration of Seagoe New Burial Ground.

On the invitation of the Lurgan Rural District

Council the Lord Bishop of Down has arranged to

Consecrate the new additions to Seagoe Graveyard.

The Service will (D.V.) take place on Tuesday,

March 3rd, at 3.30 p.m. The Bishop and Clergy will

robe in Seagoe Parish Church and walk in procession

to the Old Seagoe Graveyard. The Service will begin

when the Bishop reaches the portion added to the old

Graveyard in 1874, and he will then proceed to the

ground added in 1919. The Form of Consecration of

a Churchyard or other Burial Ground is printed in

each copy of the Book of Common Prayer, and we

would recommend our readers to read it over. It is

a short, simple and touching Service. It will be a

great satisfaction to the Parishioners of Seagoe and

to many others to have the new portions of the

Burial Ground Consecrated. It will mean also, we

trust, that in the future the Graveyard will claim

more than ever before the reverent care of its guardians

—the Rural District Council. The hallowed acres where

our dear ones rest deserve all the loving care and

generous expenditure which we can bestow upon them.

We hope that there will be a full attendance of the

Parishioners of Seagoe at this eventful service, and

we are quite sure that all who have dear ones laid

there to rest will also like to take part in the Service

of Consecration. The Consecration of the Old Ground

took place probably in the 12th century, or perhaps at

an earlier date, so that it is now 800 years at least since

a similar Service was held in Seagoe. We are grateful

to Mr. John George Gracey, of Balteagh, a member of

Seagoe Select Vestry, and also of the Rural District

Council, who brought the matter before the Council

and eventually succeeded in obtaining the permission

of the Council for the Consecration.

Parish Register for February.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish

Church on February 7th, 1925.

Hoy—Mary Willo Roberta, daughter of Richard and

Kathleen Frances Hoy, of Drumgor.

Sponsors—Mary M'Mullan, Martha Walker.

Steenson —Sophia, daughter of George and Sophia

Steenson, of Breagh.

Sponsors—Caroline Jennett, Sophia Steenson.

Campbell—Elizabeth Maud and Jean, twin daughters

of William James and Jane Ann Campbell, of Balteagh.

PRIVATE BAPTISM.

Donaldson—February 14, Amelia, daughter of Isaac and Mary

Donaldson, of Killicomaine.

Burials.

Beckett—Elizabeth Beckett, of Drumgor, aged 85.

Interred in Lurgan New Cemetery.

Donaldson—February 15th, Amelia Donaldson, of

Killicomoine, aged 3 weeks.

Lent, 1925.

We have entered on the Season of Lent. Every

year the Church calls upon her members to solemnly

observe the forty days in commemoration of our

Lord's forty days in the Wilderness of temptation.

This year in Seagoe the season will be marked by

your Parochial Mission. Lent is a loud and stern

recall to Repentance. Sin is enmity against God. Sin

is the transgression of the Law. All have sinned and

come short of the glory of God. Resist the Devil and

he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and He

will draw nigh to you. Let not the season pass

without your true Repentance.

Our Finances.

It is possible now to see how the Parish actually

stands as regards Finances. Two months of the

New Year have passed and the Accounts for 1924

may be regarded as closed. Some few straggling

Envelopes of 1924 are still coming in. The total

amount received through the Envelopes in 1924 may

be estimated at about £250, the Annual Subscriptions

total up to £70, the Church Cash Collections amount

to £70. The outgoing expenses are—Clerica1 Incomes

£285, other incomes £72, upkeep of Church, etc. £50.

Total Receipts £390; Total Expenditure £407. The above

figures are a rough estimate of the Receipts, the exact

figures will be given in the Annual Report. Turning now

to the New Year 1925 we find a distinct improvement.

Since the first Sunday in January the number of Envelope

sets taken and being used are 130 more than last year. In

1924 230 sets were in use; this year there are already

360. It is remarkable that the increase in the number

of Envelopes taken is almost altogether in Edenderry

District. The country parts of the Parish are taking

only the same number of sets as last year. In both

Edenderry and the Country there is a considerable

increase in the amount contributed each Sunday

through the Envelopes. The increase from Edenderry

amounts to some 22s weekly, and from the country

about a similar amount. The nett increase in

contributions therefore amounts to about £2 4s 0d

per Sunday, or about £110 per annum. This increase

will suffice to cover the existing expenditure, but

another £70 will be required to get the Parish up to

the Minimum Stipend. This ought not be a very

difficult matter. It is not creditable to a Parish so

large and populous as Seagoe to find it among the

few Parishes in the United Diocese which have not

reached the Minimum Stipend of £400 and Free House.

It is most important that all the Distributors of

Envelope Sets should send in the list of Names and

Numbers of those who have taken sets, so that a

further effort may be made without delay to get

other sets distributed among the 300 workers who

have not yet taken them. About 360 have taken sets

of Envelopes, but there are quite 650 individual

Church workers in the Parish who might take sets,

but have not yet taken them.

Sunday School Prizes.

For the past four weeks the Annual Distributions

of Sunday School Prizes have been taking place at

some centre or other throughout the Parish. The

round began in Levaghery on Thursday, January

29th, and ended up at Drumgor on Thursday,

February 19th. At each centre there were large

attendances, and great enthusiasm. A very large number

of Prizes were distributed. Many of the children got

Hymn Books and Prayer Books, others got nice

Bibles, and some chose Stories. There were many

requests for special books, but in most cases it was

impossible to obtain them. The mere purchasing

and choosing of the books is a stupendous task, but

when request is made for a particular book it multiplies

the difficulty greatly. At Hacknahay there was a

crowded School and a very attractive programme

of music and recitations. The Prizes were distributed

by Mrs Bunbury Atkinson, of Gleneyre, who also

most, kindly presented four special Prizes to children

who had not missed a Sunday during the year.

Carne, Edenderry and Seagoe also had crowded

attendances. A novelty was introduced at Edenderry,

where a display of slides was given with the new

Electric Lantern. They were much enjoyed by the

children. The number of Prizes distributed this

year was a record. At Carne much preparation had

been made, and an excellent programme had been

arranged by the Superintendent, Mr. D. W. Murray.

Drumgor was the last of the Distributions. A large

number of Prizes were awarded, and a most enjoyable

evening was spent.

The Mothers' Union.

Owing to the Consecration of the Graveyard taking

place on Tuesday, March 3^rd, it will not be possible

to hold the usual monthly meeting of the Mothers'

Union on that afternoon. A special meeting of the

Union will be held during the Mission Week (see list

of Services) on Tuesday, March 24th, in Edenderry

Parochial Hall at 4 p.m.

Men's Recreation Room.

The following subscriptions have been received

for the furnishing of the Men's Recreation Room in

Bridge Street: —

Mr. Charles Montgomery £1 0 0

Major D. G. Shillington 1 0 0

Right. Hon. R. Best 2 2 0

Mrs. Alan Bel l 2 0 0

Lt.-Co1. Blacker 1 0 0

Mrs. Atkinson (Eden Villa) 1 0 0

Lord Justice Moore 1 1 0

The Rector would be glad to receive further subscriptions,

and thanks very sincerely those who have already

subscribed. During this week a large Stove has been

placed in the room. The room has also been thoroughly

cleaned and repaired. A sum of £25 will be required to put

the room in complete order and to provide for initial expenses.

Eleven Years Ago.

(Extracts from the War Diary of the late Private

Herbert M. Murray, P.P.C.L.I.)

Wednesday. February 16th, 1916.—At 3 p.m. put on

our packs to march to Billets in Bailleul. No orders

arrived, so decided to find somewhere to put up for

the night. Eventually got fairly comfortable quarters

in a Convent.

Thursday, February 17th. —Up at 6 a.m. Went for

walk round town. Got identity disc. At 1.30 marched

off to billets 4 miles away. Made ourselves "at home”

in an old barn with horses and cows and chickens as

companions. Saw our first aeroplane fight.

Friday, February 18th. —Up at about 8 a.m. The

old women at the farm-house made us coffee and

biscuits. We sat round the fire in the kitchen. Fell

in at 4 o'clock and marched up to trenches. Halted

for inspection and short talk by Colonel Buller.

Arrived at dug-out. Called out for fatigue making new

dug-out. First experience of fire. Shells flying

overhead and machine-guns turned on us. Quiet

about 9.30 and returned to dug-out.

Saturday, February at 7 a.m. Did nothing but lie in

dug-out. Afternoon went with Chamberlain to front line

trenches. Saw them sniping some guns. Came out of

trenches to billets in Locre for four days' rest.

Sunday, February 20th. —Up about 8 a.m. Inoculated

against Typhoid. Feeling sick from effects of it.

Went to bed early.

Wednesday, February 23rd.—Still in billets in

Locre. Morning purchased some luxuries for trenches.

Afternoon fell in at 4.30 to march off to trenches. Arrived

in 1st line trenches supports.

Thursday, February 24th. — “Stand to” 6 a.m. Very cold.

Snow on ground. Unsuccessful effort to light fire to make

breakfast, so had to be content with some grape-nuts and

bread. Fatigue filling up sandbags. Afternoon making a new

dug-out. “Stand to" about 6 o'clock.

Band of Hope.

On Tuesday, March 10th, a Band of Hope meeting

will be held in Edenderry Parochial Hall at 8 p.m.

The charge for admission will be 3d. A programme

of Dialogues, Songs and Recitations will be given.

Temperance Sunday.

Sunday, March 1st (1st Sunday in Lent) is the

day set apart for Temperance Sunday. The collections

at Morning and Evening Prayer will be on behalf of

the Diocesan Temperance Society and the Ulster

Temperance Council.

ITEM.

Miss Isobel Atkinson's Sunday School Class in Edenderry

Morning Sunday School contributed £1 11s 0d towards the

support of the Seagoe Bed in the Mission Hospital at Chota Nagpur.

SERVICES.

THE PARISH CHURCH.

HOLY COMMUNION—1st Sunday after Morning

Prayer; 3rd Sunday at 8 a.m., and on the Chief

Festivals.

HOLY BAPTISM—1st Saturday of Month at 3 p.m.,

and during any Service in the Parish Church.

if notice be given; Two Sponsors at least are

required, and they must be Confirmed members

of the Church. Churchings are held at each

Baptism. Mothers are expected to bring a thank

offering. (See Book of Common Prayer.)

MORNING PRAYER—Sundays and Chief Festivals

11.30 a.m.

EVENING PRAYER. —Sundays 7 p.m., Wednesdays

8 p.m.

EDENDERRY PAROCHIAL HALL.

EVENING PRAYER—Sundays at 7 p.m., Thursdays

at 8 p.m.

DISTRICT SERVICES.

Hacknahay—Last Sunday of Month at 3.30 p.m.

Drumgor—Second Sunday of Month at 4 p.m.

CLASSES, &c.

ADULT CLASSES - Sundays at 10 a.m.

For Men—Edenderry and Seagoe. For Women—

Seagoe School.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS—10 a.m. Edenderry Parochial

Hall and Seagoe School. 3 p.m. Seagoe, Edenderry

Parochial Hall, Levaghery, Hacknahay, Carne, Drumgor.

Girls' Friendly Society meets at Breagh (Miss. Calvert's)

on alternate Tuesdays at 7.

Seagoe Scouts in Seagoe School and in Edenderry

Parochial Hall, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at

7.30.

Seagoe Girl Guides meet in Seagoe School on

Saturday at 3.

Mothers' Union, Edenderry 1st Tuesday, at 4 p.m.

DAY SCHOOL—Seagoe, 9.30 a.m. Principal—Mr. S. Rennix.

MARRIAGES must be performed between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Licenses are issued by Rev Canon Hannon, Rectory, Lurgan. Due notice (48 hours) must be given to the Rector of intended weddings. FEES— By License—Labourers 5/-, Tradesmen 10/-, Merchants and Farmers 15/-, Professional £1. By Banns 5/-.

FUNERALS will be attended by the Clergy if proper notice be given. SICK CASES should be notified to the Clergy without delay. FEES FOR CERTIFICATES BAPTISM , 3/7; Children (Factory), 1/- and 2/- (non-residents); MARRIAGE, 3/7. An extra search fee is chargeable in certain cases.