May 1907

Seagoe Parish Magazine

May 1907

THE EASTER VESTRY.

The annual meeting of the general vestry of Seagoe

Parish was held on Thursday, April 4th, at 7-30 in the

Parochial Schools. There was a good attendance of the

vestrymen of the Parish. The Rev. J. E. Archer,

Rector, presided, and in a short opening statement

referred to the various organisations, which were in a

healthy and prosperous condition. The congregations had

continued to improve, but were not yet proportionate to the

numbers of the church population. Reference was also

made to the mission work of the past year and to the

efficiency of the Sunday schools. The introduction of a

very perfect system of gas lighting in the church was also

mentioned as a great improvement.

The following elections were made:

Churchwardens:

Major Stewart Blacker, Rector's Churchwarden,

Mr George Calvert, People's Churchwarden.

Select Vestry:

Mr James Albin

Mr Atkinson Costello,

Mr W. R. Atkinson, Hon. Sec. and Treas.

Mr Robert Gracey,

Mr John Lavery,

Mr Joseph Monroe,

Mr David Rock,

Mr. Wilson Irwin,

Mr T. E, Maginnis,

Mr W. J. M'Dowell,

Mr J. H. Stevenson.

Mr T. Martin.

Sidesmen:

Mr Atkinson Costello,

Mr T. E. Maginnis,

Mr T. Atkinson,

Mr J. H. Stevenson.

CONFIRMATION.

The Lord Bishop intends to hold a Confirmation

in Seagoe Parish. Church in June.

A special address to those who intend to join the

Confirmation classes will be given in the church on

Wednesday, May 8th, by the Rev. Oswald Scott

Rector of Gilford, at the 8p.m. service. We hope

to see ALL present at this most important gathering.

The arrangements for the classes will them be

announced. Every person over 14 years of age, who

has not yet been confirmed, should join the classes.

IMPORTANT.

The, Auxiliary Fund Collections should be paid

in to Treasurer before May 1st. This is a most

important Fund for the future support of the Clergy

of the Church throughout Ireland, and it is hoped

none of the Parishioners of Seagoe will fail in their

duty to support it, as it is incumbent on the Parish

to make up at least the Assessment of £300 in the

5 years.

BAZAAR AND FETE.

Thursday, June 6th, will be a most important day

for the Parish. On that day we hope to have our

annual Sunday school fete. It will be held this

year in the Portadown Recreation Grounds, and if

the day is fine (but Seagoe is always fortunate in

this respect) it ought to be most enjoyable. We are

going to have all kinds of amusement. There will

be Tug of War, Football, Sack races, 3-legged Races,

Aunt Sallies, Potato and Spoon Race, High Jumps,

etc., etc. The bazaar will be held in the afternoon,

and in the evening Athletic Sports will be held, which

will be open to all comers. Placards and handbills

are being got ready giving full particulars about the

various events.

REV. JOHN, TAYLOR.

The expressions of regret which have been heard on

all sides at Mr Taylor's departure from the parish,

have found tangible result in quite a series of

presentations. On last Saturday week a surprise

gathering of Miss Armstrong's missionary class

presented him with a beautiful Bible and Hymn book.

The choir met in the Parochial School on last

Thursday week on the hospitable invitation of Mr and

Mrs T. H. Wilson, and a marked feature of a very

pleasant social evening was the presentation to Mr

Taylor, of beautifully fitted dressing case. The

present was handed Mr. Taylor by Miss Armstrong

on behalf of the choir, who, in giving it, said a few

words of good bye and good wishes, and expressed

the sorrow felt by all on losing Mr Taylor from

among them. Mr Taylor replied thanking the choir

for their gift, and saying how much he felt having

to part from so many true friends. On Thursday

last a social meeting in connection with Seagoe

Men's Bible Class was held in Seagoe Orange Hall

(kindly lent for the occasion.) There was a full

attendance of the members and their lady friends.

Tea and cake having been dispensed, a most interesting

and entertaining programme was gone through.

The various items were received with loud applause.

During a break in the programme Miss Atkinson, in

a neat speech, presented the Rev. J. Taylor with a

Travelling Bag and handsome bound volume of

Hasting's Dictionary. Speeches were also made by

Mr. T. Atkinson, Capt. Atack of the Church Army,

and the Chairman (Rev. J. E. Archer). Mr. Taylor

replied thanking the men for their beautiful presents

and wishing the class much success in the future.

After some round games were indulged in, "God

Save the King" was sung, and all separated, having

enjoyed the evening. Mr Taylor officiated in the Parish

Church for the last time on Sunday evg., April 28th.

The congregations at both services on Sunday were very

large. We hope our people will all remember the

words spoken with so much earnestness on so touching

an occasion, and strive to be steadfast, unmovable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord."

CHURCH ATTENDANCE CARDS.

The returns of the attendance of our children at

the Parish Church for the Quarter ending March

31st, are very gratifying. We print the names of

the best attenders:—

Edenderry.

EXCELLENT—Attended every Service. – Girls -

Eliza J. Martin, Jemima Allen, Maggie Hawthorne, Maggie

Magee, Minnie Atkinson, Maggie Smith, Alice Hawthorne,

Susan Allen, Mary Jane Fleming, Lizzie Gates,

Maggie Rowney, Mary J. Livingston.

Boys—George Fleming, Eddie Richardson, Charlie

Montgomery, Thomas Flannigan.

12 Girls—4 Boys.

VERY GOOD ATTENDANCE—Missed one Service.—

Girls—Lily Magee, Edith Mills, Charlotte Green,

Maggie Martin, Louie Montgomery.

Boys— Thomas Smith, John Dawson, A. V.

Richardson.

The following also attended very regularly

Isabella Magee, George Graham, Joseph Fleming,

Valentine Graham.

15 others also made good attendances.

Seagoe.

EXCELLENT- Attended every Service.—Girls—Maud

Dickson, Jennie England.

Boys—Victor Walker, Thomas England.

VERY G00D—Missed one Service.—Maggie Ruddy,

Maria Watson, Theresa Ramsay.

The following also deserve mention :—John Porter,

Minnie Watson, James D. England, Mary Jane

Webb, Sarah Webb, Jane A. Webb, Annie White,

Adeline M'Loughlin, John M 'Loughlin.

Levaghery.

EXCELLENT—Attended every Service.—

Bertie Holland, Maggie Lewie.

VERY G00D—Missed one Service. —Jane Gillespie.

HONOURABLE MENTION—Sarah Montgomery, Minnie

Lewie.

Carne.

EXCELLENT—Attended every Service.—Susan Cordy,

Adelaide Murray.

Baptisms.

“One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism."

April 6^th —Joseph Atkinson, son of Robert and

Maria M'Cullough.

,, ,, Sarah Ethel, daughter of William and

Eliza Jane Hall.

,, ,, Robert, son of James and Annie Best.

,, ,, James Robert, son of Robert James and

Jessie Beckett.

,, ,, Sarah Ann, daughter of George and

Sarah Teggart.

,, 15^th —Norah, daughter of James and Annie

Freeburn.

Marriage.

“Those whom God hath joined together let no man put

asunder.”

April 17^th —John Gardiner, Moyraverty, to Sarah

Jane Jamison, Lurgan.

Burials.

“In the midst of Life we are in Death."

March 31^st —Mary Ellen Hagan, Balteagh, aged 37 years.

,, ,, Albert M 'Cabe, Seagoe, aged 3 years.

April 6^th —Annie Millar, Belfast, aged 38 years.

,, 7^th —Eva Fryar, Seagoe, aged 16 years.

,, 16^th —Jane Hughes, Clanrole, aged 2 days.

,, 19^th —Mary Lewie, Levaghery, aged 99 years.

„ ,, —John Collins, Seagoe, aged 79 years.

„ ,, —Samuel Porter, Seagoe, aged 40 years.

,, 21^st —John Hara, Bocombra, aged 76 years.

It is seldom we have to record so long a list of

deaths. We are sure the sympathy of all our

readers will go out to those in our midst who are

in trouble and bereavement. The aged, bowed down

with the weight of years; and the young, just entering upon

the bright prospect of life, must both pass

out into the great Eternity. The Lesson for those

who are left is surely this—"Be ye also ready, for

in an hour that ye think not, the Son of Man

cometh."

MISS ARMSTRONG'S CLASS.

A most enjoyable social evening was held in Edenderry Hall

on Friday, April 6th, when Miss Armstrong most kindly

entertained the members of her Missionary Class and

some other guests to tea. There was much excitement during

tea-time by the frequent discovery of treasure hidden in the cakes.

After tea a very pretty " Song of the Flowers" composed by

Miss Armstrong, was sung by some wee ones dressed

up to represent flowers. It was so much appreciated

that an encore was demanded. The latter part of

the evening was spent in games which were thoroughly

enjoyed.

SEAGOE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.

Mr T, B. Stothers, principal of Seagoe National

School, has received an increment of salary from the

Commissioners of National Education. The increment

is awarded for general efficiency in school work based

on the government inspector's reports. We are glad

to notice a large increase in the number attending

the school this quarter. The Rector has offered a

silver medal for competition, which will be awarded

to the child (boy or girl) who, in the opinion of the

teachers, is in every way the best child in the school.

Good attendance, neatness, and knowledge, will be

taken into account in the awarding of the medal.

The result of the competition will be made known

at the break-up for the summer holidays.

OFFERTORIES.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you."

Morning. Evening.

Mar. 31- Easter Day £0.13.10 2.16.6

Afternoon £7.18.10 1.4.1

April 7—1st S. after Easter £1.5.3

£0.4.2 0.14.9

,, 14—2^nd ,, £0.5.1 0.13.2

,, 21—3rd ,, £1.5.4

,, 28 — 4 ,, £1.3.9 0.18.1

Wednesday Services 0.10.9

Total £13.17.11 0.7.11

The Collections at our Church Services are improving, but

considering the size of the Congregations, they are still very

meagre. Last Sunday morning, out of a congregation of 450,

only six worshippers gave silver coins. This is not as it should be.

If God for one moment withdrew His gifts from us what would

become of us, but "He daily loadeth us with benefits."

The Easter Collecting Cards were a great success, and have

already been the means of adding over £8 towards our

Sunday School Prize Fund.

THE BAZAAR.

District Organisers are asked to make special

efforts to gather in as much work as possible for

the forthcoming Sale on Thursday, June 6th.

Those who have Collecting Cards will please make

a big effort to double their Collections before the Sale

comes on. Begin to-day! There are some of your

friends whom you have not yet asked to give you

something on your Card. Ask them without delay.

QUESTIONS FOR TEACHERS & CHILDREN.

The Sunday School Teachers in the Parish are

asked to make out for each Sunday the answers to

these Questions and to see that every child in the

class knows the answers before the close of the

Sunday School.

MAY 5th.

MORNING—Joshua's Exhortation—Josh. 23

1. Name the boundaries of the Promised Land (verse 14)?

2. What was Israel to keep and do?

3. How does Joshua describe the Strength of Israel in verse 10?

4. What was Israel warned not to do (verse 12)? 5.

5. How does Joshua encourage the people (verse 14)?

6. If Israel transgressed what would happen?

AFTERNOON—A Suppliant—S. Matt. xv. 21-31.

1. Where did these events happen?

2. What did the woman of Canaan say?

3. Did Jesus answer her?

4. What did the disciples say?

5. How did Jesus reply to them?

6. What kind of sicknesses did Jesus heal?

MAY 12th.

MORNING—Joshua's Last Charge. Josh. 24 1-16.

1. Where did Joshua gather the tribes to?

2. Who was the father of Abraham?

3. Why is Abraham mentioned here?

4. What mountain did Esat possess?

5 What do you know about Balak and Balaam?

6. Who was the "hornet.”?

AFTERNOON —SPECIAL MISSIONARY LESSON—Acts 2, 1-21.

(Hints to Teacher) —Describe upper room— the wind—fiery tongues

—the multitude—point out on Bible map the countries where they came

from— explain Peter's words—Leaflets on Missionary Work will be

given to each Teacher. Hymn to be learned 112, verse 3. Bible verses

to be learned by heart S. Matt. xxviii 19, 20.

MAY 19th.

MORNING—Joshua's Death—Josh. 21, 17-43—

1. Whom did the Lord drive out before Israel?

2. Why did Joshua say—" Ye cannot serve the Lord"?

3. What were the people to put away?

4. What did Joshua do after he wrote in the Book?

5. How old was Joshua and where was he buried?

6. What do we read about the bones of Joseph?

AFTERNOON – Blindness - Mk. viii, 22-38—

1. Where was the miracle performed?

2. How did Jesus heal the man?

3. What did the man say?

4. Whom did men say that Jesus was?

5. To whom did Jesus say " Get thee behind me, Satan"?

6. If we are ashamed of Christ what will happen?

MAY 26th.

MORNING—Further Conquests—Judges 1, 1-26

1. What question did Israel ask of God?

2. Who went up with Judah?

3. What did Achsah ask of Caleb?

4. Why could not Judah drive out the inhabitants of the valleys?

5. What was the other name of Bethel?

6. Tell the story of the spies.

AFTERNOON Mk. ix:,14-20.

1. What did Jesus see when he came to His disciples?

2. Describe the sickness of the man's son?

3. What did Jesus say to the father?

4. What did Jesus say would make all things possible?

5. How did Jesus cast out the evil spirit?

6. Why could not the disciples cast it out?

QUESTIONS ON THE COLLECTS.

5 S. after EASTER—

1. What do we attribute to God in this Collect?

2. What will make us think good things?

3. What will incline us to do good things?

ASCENSION DAY and S. of ASCENSION—

1. What effect should the Ascension of Christ have on our life?

2. Where has Christ been exalted to?

3. Who is to comfort and exalt us?

WHITSUNDAY—1. To which Person of the Trinity

is this Collect addressed? 2. How did God at this

time teach His people? 3. What do we ask Him

to grant us?

TRINITY SUNDAY—I. What is the special attribute

of the Trinity? 2. What is our special duty towards the Unity?

3. For what two things do we pray in this Collect?

OUR NEW CAPTAIN.

Captain H, Atack, of the Church Army, arrived in

the Parish on Tuesday last. He comes with a

grand record of strenuous spiritual work from Bolton,

Lancashire, the native place of Captain Gaskell, who

was so well liked in Seagoe. The Rector is getting

a "Seagoe Parish Tent," which will be moved about

from place to place in the Parish during the spring

and summer months, and which will form the

headquarters for Church Army work. The Tent will

hold a large number of people. A large red flag with

the words "Seagoe Parish Tent" is being made and

will float from the top of the tent. Due notice will

be given of the Districts in which services will be

held.

GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY.

On Monday, April 22nd, the closing meeting of

the G,F.S. was held in the Parochial Hall, Edenderry.

There was a large gathering present of members

from all parts of the Parish. Several candidates were

admitted to full membership by the Rev. J. Taylor.

A most useful and practical address to the girls was

given by Mrs. Chambers, who is always a welcome

visitor to our Seagoe G.F.S. The meeting was

brought to a close with prayer by the Rector. We

congratulate Miss G. Atkinson on the very successful

way in which she has conducted the onerous work of

the G.F.S. during the past session.

ITEMS.

The following should have been inserted in last

month's issue—Prizes for excellent Church attendance

—Susan Cordy, Adelaide Murray.

Easter Text Card.—Highly Commended—David

Frazer.

***

A most interesting address on Mission Work in

India was given in Edenderry Hall by Miss White, of

the Chota Nagpur Mission, on Friday, April 26th.

***

Mr. John George Gracey, of Drumgor, has been

elected to fill the place on the Select Vestry, rendered

vacant by the resignation of Mr. Wilson Irwin.

***

The Easter Services this year were very bright and

the Church was very prettily decorated with flowers.

***

Captain Atack held an open-air meeting in Florence

Court on Tuesday evening, and also addressed meetings

in Drumgor and Carne on Wednesday and Friday.

***

Temperance meetings were held during the month

in Edenderry, Carne and Drumgor. Most attractive

programmes were provided.

***

The Annual Parochial Report will be issued in

a few days.

***

Come to the Church Army Social in Edenderry

Hall on Saturday, May 4th, at 7-30. Address by

Captain Atack. Refreshments provided. Admission

free. Children not admitted. Short speeches, songs,

hymns, etc.

***

We congratulate the Seagoe Football Team on the

high place they occupy this season in the Junior

League. We hope they will carry off the Cup in

triumph.

***

An excellent group of the members of Mr. Taylor's

Men's Class has been taken by Messrs. Moffett & Co.

Copies may be ordered through Mr. Wm. Atkinson

Bridge Street.

***

We are glad to say that the circulation of the

“Church Army Gazette" in Seagoe Parish has gone

up to 130 weekly. This is a large increase, but why

should not a copy be purchased by every family in

the Parish. It costs 1/2d weekly.

***

From this time during the summer months the

Wednesday evening service will be held at 8 0'clock,

Instead of 7-30. Please remember that next Wednesday

it will be at 8.

***

The Infant Sunday Schools in Edenderry both

morning (Teacher Mrs. Stothers) and afternoon

(Teachers—Misses Montgomery) are, we rejoice to.

say, in a most prosperous condition. There were:

almost 100 present last Sunday.

OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

In our last issue we promised to give this month

some further particulars concerning the history of

the Old Church, and the following facts will no

doubt interest our readers: The only monument now

remaining on the walls of the Old Church that

was there when it was used for Divine service, is that

immediately over the Blacker vault where the Blacker

pew originally stood in the Old Church. It was erected

to the memory of the Rev. Geo Blacker, who was Vicar

of Seagoe from 1796 to 1810. ' He died at the early age

of 46 in the year 1810. His memory was long revered

as that of a pious and devoted clergyman, and until recently

there were living some who remembered the 'solemn

impression made on them by the bitter wailing of

the many poor who followed his body to its resting

place in the Old Church. The tablet bears the

following inscription—" To the memory of the Rev.

Geo. Blacker, late Vicar of this Parish, a sincere.

Christian, a warm friend, an exemplary clergyman,

who illustrated by his actions the gospel which he

preached. He lived beloved, and died deeply

lamented May 1st, 1810, aged 46. An Israelite

without guile."