May 1922

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

MAY, 1922.

Confirmation.

Special Sermons on "Confirmation" will be preached

(D.V.) in the Parish Church at Morning and Evening

Prayer on to-morrow (Sunday, April 30th). Candidates

for Confirmation with their parents and Sponsors are

specially invited to be present at these Services.

Change of Date.

The Lord Bishop has, at the suggestion of the Rector,

kindly altered the date of the approaching Confirmation

to Thursday, June 22nd, at 3.30 p.m. Candidates will

please note. It was thought that the date previously

arranged was not suitable owing to its nearness to the

holidays in July.

The Easter Vestry.

This important meeting of the Registered General

Vestrymen and Women of the Parish was held in Seagoe

School on Thursday evening, April 21st, at 8.30. It was

preceded by a meeting of the outgoing Select Vestry.

The Rev. Canon Archer, Rector, presided. Prayer having

been said by the Rev. A. O. Draper, Curate, the Hon.

Secretary read the Minutes of the last general Vestry,

which were confirmed and signed. The first business was

the election of officers for the ensuing twelve months. The

Rector nominated as his Churchwarden Mr. Robert

M'Clements, of Edenderry. The election of the People's

Churchwarden then followed. The only name proposed

and seconded was that of Mr. Samuel Rennix, and he was

declared duly elected. The voting for a new Select Vestry

then took place, with the following result —Messrs. John

Montgomery, James Twinem, David W. Murray, Robert

Price, Miss Isobel Atkinson, Messrs. John E. Lavery,

Thomas Martin, Thomas E. Maginnis, William H. Atkinson,

Joseph H. Stevenson, Moses Gilpin and Hugh

Stoops. Sidesmen were elected as follows T. Montgomery,

John H. Twinem, Gilbert Price, Arthur John Montgomery,

James Ford, James Sheppard, and W. Sherman. Mr. Joseph

H. Stevenson was re-elected Hon. Sec., and Mr. Hugh

Stoops Hon. Treasurer. During the meeting Mr. Hugh Stoops

and Mr. James Twinem reported on the financial state of

The Parish. Mr Twinem stated that over 400 parishioners

had joined the Weekly Envelope Scheme and that all the

districts, were contributing well. The Chairman, in reviewing

the work of the Parish during the past year, noted an increase

in the attendance at Public Worship on Sunday evenings, and

also, an improved attendance of children at the Sunday Schools.

Our New Churchwardens.

Mr. Robert M'Clements, the newly appointed Rector's

Churchwarden, came to the Parish some years ago from

Newry, of which town he is a native. He was a member

of the Vestry of St. Patrick's, Newry, and he comes of

an old and very loyal Church family, his father having

been for many years a devoted Parishioner of St.

Patrick's Church, Newry. Mr. M'Clements has already

done good service in Seagoe Parish. He has conducted

the Thursday evening Bible Class in Levaghery School,

and is Superintendent of Edenderry Morning Sunday

School. His son, Mr. R. M'Clements, jun., is a member

of the Choir and has given good help with his violin at

entertainments on many occasions in the Parish. Mrs.

M'Clements is a useful member of the Mothers' Union.

Mr. Samuel Rennix, the newly elected People's Churchwarden,

occupies a very responsible position as Principal of Seagoe

National School. He is not unfamiliar with the duties of

Churchwarden, having held that office on eight occasions

in the Parish of Knocknamuckley. Mr. Rennix has given

valuable help in the Parish. He conducts Seagoe Girls'

Morning Bible Class and Superintends Seagoe Afternoon

Sunday School, the largest in the Parish. He is also a

member of the choir.

We are glad to have some new members in the Vestry.

We welcome Mr. William H. Atkinson, of Clarisford,

whose long experience of Vestry work in several parishes

will be of great service. Mr. Hugh Stoops will be a most

useful member, and his wide acquaintance with the keeping

of Ledgers will enable him to keep our Parish Finance

in perfect order. Mr. Moses Gilpin has given unstintedly

of his time and attention to the working of the Weekly

Envelope Scheme. He has been in touch with the Church

on both sides of the Atlantic, and comes of a family long

resident in Seagoe Parish.

The Past month.

The Services in the Parish Church during Holy Week

were well attended. The Rev. G. Bloomer was welcomed

by his many friends in the Parish, and his solemn words

on our Lord's Passion will be treasured by those who

heard them. Easter Day was unfortunately very inclement,

and the attendances at the Services were materially

reduced. It was found impossible to fully decorate the

Church owing to the continuous rain on Easter Eve.

***

Mr. Wilson's Concert in the Town Hall on Tuesday,

April 4th, was a great success. The Hall was crowded

and the Programme was excellent. The Mayfair Glee

Singers justified their high reputation. Mr. Wilson is to

be congratulated on his energy and success. A substantial

sum is available for the Choir and the Parish Piano.

The Textile Concert in the Town Hall last month was

a very creditable display of musical Talent by the

employees in our local Textile Industries. There was a full

and most appreciative audience who thoroughly enjoyed

every item. The Conductor had his Choir well in hand.

He is, we believe, a Station Master on the G.N.R. His

musical signals are certainly carefully observed. Like an

efficient Stationmaster he is always up to time, and his

training is excellent. Several of our Seagoe singers were

in the Choir, and we very heartily congratulate Miss

Christina Flannigan, a member of Seagoe Choir, on her

singing. She received a well-deserved encore.

Sunday School Conference.

A Conference for the Sunday School Teachers of Seagoe

Parish has been arranged to be held in Seagoe School on

Thursday, May 18th. The Conference will begin at 4

p.m. The first Session will conclude at 5.30. Tea will be

provided for the members at 5.45. The Conference will

resume for the Second Session at 8 p.m. and continue

until 10 p.m. Two papers will be read at each Session,

and each paper will be followed by a discussion. A full

programme will be issued immediately. Tickets 1s each

(limited to the Teachers in the Parish Sunday Schools).

Parish Register for April.

Baptisms.

M'Donald—April 1st, Sophia, daughter of William Henry

and Mary M'Donald, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Charlotte Allen, Mary M 'Donald.

Whiteside—April 1st, William James, son of Ferguson and

Edith Whiteside, of Lower Seagoe.

Sponsors—Charlotte Guy, Edith Whiteside.

Pearson—April 19th, George Wellington, son of George

and Helen Mary Pearson, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—George Pearson, Helen Mary Pearson.

Marriages.

Ruddell and Porter—April 5th, 1922, Frederick William

Ruddell, of Lisniskey, to Mary Elizabeth Porter, of Lower

Seagoe.

Palmer and Cordner—April 24th, 1922, by Special License,

Wesley George Palmer, of Portadown, to Mary Gertrude

Cordner, of Edenderry.

Burials.

Armstrong—March 8th, Sarah Armstrong, of Balteagh,

aged 71 years

Chambers—March 10th, William Chambers, of Lurgan,

aged 50 years.

M'Kane—April 3rd, George M 'Kane, of Hacknahay,

aged 74 years.

Montgomery—April 21st, Marianne Montgomery, of Kilkeel,

aged 70 years.

Sherman—April 26th, Mary Jane Sherman, of Edenderry,

aged 78 years.

M'Bride—April 28th, Alice M’Bride, of Killicomaine,

aged 89 years.

Death of Miss Montgomery.

We record with sincere regret the death of Miss Marianne

Montgomery, sister of Mr. T. J. Montgomery, which took

place in Kilkeel on Tuesday, April 18th, after a brief

illness. Miss Montgomery, though resident for many

years in the Parish of Mourne, at all times showed

the keenest interest in her native Parish of Seagoe. Her

bright and happy disposition found a deep joy and

satisfaction in the truth of Christianity. She was a devout

member of the Church and loved the habitation of God's

house. She rests in a very hallowed spot within the walls

of the old Church at Seagoe. At the funeral, which was

largely attended, the Service was taken by the Rector,

assisted by the Rev. Canon Hayes, Rector of Kilkeel, and

the Rev. G. N. Deane, Curate of Bangor. We offer our

sympathy to her bereaved sister and brother and to all

her relatives.

Easter Vestry, 1922.

CHURCHWARDENS.

MR. ROPERT M'CLEMENTS (Rector's).

MR. SAMUEL RENNIX (People's).

SELECT VESTRY.

Mr. John Montgomery.

,, James Twinem.

,, David W. Murray.

,, Robert Price.

Miss Isobel Atkinson.

Mr. John E. Lavery.

Mr. Thomas Martin.

,, Thomas E. Maginnis.

,, William H. Atkinson

,, Joseph H. Stevenson.

,, Moses Gilpin.

,, Hugh Stoops

SIDESMEN.

Mr. T. J. Montgomery.

,, John H. Twinem.

,, Gilbert Price.

,, Arthur Allen.

,, John Montgomery.

,, James Ford.

,, James Sheppard.

,, W. Sherman.

The Mothers' Union.

During the past month a branch of this useful organisation

has been formed in the Parish. The first meeting

was held on Monday, March 27th, at 3.30. It was then

decided to form a branch, and that it should meet on

Tuesdays, in Edenderry Parochial Hall, at 4 o'clock. At

the meeting on Tuesday, April 4th, Miss Hartford, the

Head of the Women's Settlement in Belfast, gave an

address on "The Christian Horne." A large number

signified their intention of joining. On Tuesday, April 11th,

the Rev. George Bloomer spoke to the mothers on

“Responsibility." At this meeting the Rector formally

admitted twenty members. Each member was presented

with a Member's Card containing the Rules and the

Special Prayer for the Members. On the Tuesday in

Easter Week the members had tea together in Seagoe

School at 3.30 and then enjoyed a walk through the

grove and the Rectory grounds. Many also were interested

in Seagoe School where they had sat in the Infants’

Gallery in bygone day. They also enjoyed to the full

the mysteries of the Wishing Chair in the old Yew Tree

in the Rectory garden. The weather was perfect. On

last Tuesday Mrs. Hobson, of Armagh, brought Mrs.

Coote with her, who gave an inspiring address to the

large gathering present. A stall with interesting Mothers'

Union Literature was a feature of the meeting. Miss

Collen, of Killycomain House, is acting as Secretary of

the M.U., and Miss Georgie Atkinson, of Eden Villa, as

Treasurer.

Our Summer Migrants.

The Corncrake and the Swallow have arrived The

Corncrake was first heard at Lower Seagoe on Saturday

evening, April 22nd, and the Swallow was first seen on

Sunday morning, April 23rd, at the same place. The

Cuckoo has not yet made itself heard.

Three Questions for our Readers.

1 Where is Confirmation referred to in the Bible?

2. What does the Prayer Book say as to the proper use

of the Apocrypha?

3. Why is the Synod of Kells an important event in the

History of the Church of Ireland?

[The answers to three questions will appear in our next

issue.]

Cake Baking Competition.

Many of our readers will be interested in the Special

Seed Cake Baking Competition promoted by Messrs. T.

J. Montgomery & Son, the Live Grocers, of Portadown to

be held at Portadown Show on the 1st June. Nine valuable Prizes,

amounting to Five Pounds, are offered, and we hope to see

Seagoe well represented in the winning list. Full particulars

and entry form may be obtained from Messrs. Montgomery,

or from Aubrey Lewis, Esq., Show Secretary, 5 Erin

Crescent, Portadown. Entries on 20th May.

C.M.S

C.M.S. BOXES—1921-1922.

The Total Collections amounted to £12 15s 6d.

S. American Missionary Society.

BOX AND CARD COLLECTION—1921-22.

BOXES.

Mrs. M. Walker £0 3 1

Mrs. M'Douga11 0 6 0

Mrs. Lewie 0 5 10

Miss Sarah Montgomery 0 4 9

Miss Margretta Atkinson 0 0 10 ½

Mr. A. Smith 0 1 2 ½

CARD.

I. Atkinson 5 14 6

Total £6 16 3

ITEMS.

Mr. John Montgomery, of Levaghery, who heads the

list of the Vestry this year, has been elected to the Vestry

no less than 33 times in as many years.

***

One solitary crow's nest is to be seen in Seagoe

Churchyard trees.

***

Seagoe Churchyard has been greatly improved by the

erection and renovation of some of the headstones.

***

The Mises Dawson have gone to live in Bangor, Co.

Down.

***

The widened Bridge at Portadown is proving a great

convenience.

***

The General Synod meets in Dublin on Tuesday,

May 9^th.

***

Canon Kernan, Assistant Sec. to the Representative

Church Body, and a native of Portadown, has been on

a visit to Seagoe lately and called at the Rectory.

***

A Scouts' Jumble Sale will be held in The Parochial

Hall on Friday evening, May 5th. Great bargains will

be offered. Help the Scout camp.

***

Lurgan Choral Union Festival will be held in Lurgan

Parish Church on Saturday, May 27th, at 4 p.m. Seagoe

Choir will take part. The Rev. Percy Marks, B.D., Rector

of Cookstown, will preach.

WITH THE "NINTH" IN FRANCE.

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

NOTE.

[Colonel Blacker's Letters printed this month make

reference to the troubles in Ireland during the Rebellion

of 1916. Casualties on the French Front become more

numerous among the Ulster Division, but our 9th

Battalion escapes fortunately with but few. A fishing

expedition to the accompaniment of Whizz Bangs

is recorded. The Spring has arrived, a showery but

warm season, and the leafy trees afford cover to

friend and foe. The O.C. with Telephone in hand to

3 a.m., during an attack by the enemy, gives us an

idea of an Officer's responsibility. A quaint service

held by the Padre with 60 men packed into a small

room is inspiring, we had almost said perspiring.

The arrival of the Swallow and Cuckoo are noted.

The unwanted Gunnery Inspector who was run in as

a Spy is refreshing.]

1916.

(Continued from April Magazine.)

Tuesday, May 2nd. —Close heavy day, with thunder.

Rumours about Ireland are numerous. We had a man,

L/Corpl. Adams, accidentally shot through the hand

yesterday evening. Wednesday, May 3rd. —Monday's

"Times" has a long account of the whole show. It

seems to be fairly scotched now. After very heavy thunder

showers p.m., the evening turned out fine for the

relief. We got in without casualty, but they dropped

about, 5 small H. E’s close to Flood's platoon just behind

here, and I thought they were done for. Providentially

not a man touched. Relief completed at 10.40 p.m. Very

hot muggy day, but so growing. Have been round a

good bit of the line. Of course, mud and water again —

pumping, baling and scraping going on. Am tied into the

cellar now, as Cather has had to go to M— on a C.M.

Little is coming to see arrangements for evacuating

wounded! He is responsible for such, and it's the first

time he's been here to see about it. They are trying to

charge the Battalion £46 barrack damages while at Bordon.

I have written in a snorter, somewhat libellous, I

think. I am quite prepared to refuse to pay and go to

law. It's barefaced robbery of the absent, to cover up

gross slackness in Barrack Dept. I've given them h—.

The 12th had a fairly heavy doing on Monday night, for

half an hour. They kept up a hot rifle fire in return

(25,000 rounds), and prevented brother Bosche coming

out. Only 4 men slightly wounded, perfectly marvellous.

Numerous cases of life saved by steel helmets. Thursday.

May 4th. —Yes, the poor police have had a bad time.

The Meath affair was tragic. So glad you were able to

see so many wives. Very heavy and warm to-night,

more thunder about. quiet afternoon. Sergeant Pollock,

in 'B' Coy, a splendid fellow, and one of the best

Sergeants in the Battalion, was

Hit in the Shoulder by H.E.

this p.m., I'm sorry to say. Rather bad, I fear, as he

bled a lot, but he was cheery. I earnestly trust, he will

be all right. Large working parties on again to-night.

Menaul out again on patrol, was caught by M.C. fire, and

had to lie low. He brought back good information, and

had no casualties. One letter opened by censor. The

whole thing seems to have collapsed, but at a certain

amount of cost. Still warm, but a slightly cooler breeze,

but the Trenches are warm. Astonishing amount of wet

when we are having it roasting. Quite a quiet night and

day up to this, and no casualties so far (except Pollock).

Had a long trek round the Trenches and visited the

Battalion on our left. They gave us a slight spraying

Whizz-Bangs from 11.30-12.30, but did no damage. We

had a fearful gunner in yesterday from Dundee, and

fearfully common, and rather a fool to boot, and he

snored! I had to strafe him heavily. He wandered round the

Trenches by himself and asked stupid questions till he was

Run in as Suspected Spy!

The successful raid was by the Div. on our right, and the

unsuccessful one by the Div. on our left. Menaul did a

successful patrol last night. Friday, May 5th. —Another

very warm, close day. Some Trench mortars were put in

to our line between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. No casualties, but

one landed in a Trench and turned it up. I got the Hows

on, which silenced it. It was lovely out at that time.

They dropped some bombs near Bde H.Q. this a.m. It

was a warm night, and the cellar felt stuffy with 4 sleeping

in it, but it is delightfully cool in the day time. Rumour

says many people from the North who went to Fairy House,

all missing. They seem to have at last settled for Nat.

Service. A somewhat lively artillery day on both sides;

no damage to us any way, so far. Saturday, May 6^th. —

A heavy strafe from our guns 12.30-1.30 a.m. Considerable

noise. Night dark and windy and some rain. Much cooler

today, and wind. Practically no retaliation on us. Y.C.V.'s

had about 25 casualties last night in the return strafe

on the wood, in which 9 were killed. A fairly quiet day,

but some Whizz-Bangs into the village this p.m., which

wounded 2 R.A. We had no casualties, I'm thankful to say.

A new Trench is being dug to-night joining up across a

bend in our line and shortening it. 400 men on it in 2 reliefs.

Menaul got in from patrol. Met nothing. Y.C.V.'s had

1 officer killed and 11 men, and some 20 wounded in last

night's strafe. Rain held off all day, and it was pleasantly cool,

a light, shower about 9 p.m. Thank goodness, Nat. Service at

last. Oh, that they may include Ireland. Wonder who succeeds

Birrell? The "Times" has something in about calling in all

arms. Wonder what about U.V.F. We are trying a service here

in lines to-morrow. Did a lot of walking today, the weather

was so delightful and cool and nice after the stifling heat.

2 p.m.—Went for long trek round with Pratt, round the

whole line. Inspected the new Trench cut last night; ground

hard and they only got down about, 3 feet. Will want

another 2 nights' work on it. Scott, R.A., came down again

yesterday p.m. and we examined a house in Bosche lines,

which seems fortified, but owing to the thickness of the

leaves it's very hard to see, and, I fear, impossible to

range on. The trees are nearly full out and give a lot of

cover from view.

I Heard Cuckoo Easter Sunday.

One swallow April 16th. Monday, May 8th . —It has

turned very cold again, very trying, and showers. A

great strafe last night Ricardo on our right had arranged

a raid for 11.30 p.m. The Bosche arranged one just on

his right for 11 p.m. He was desperately bombarded for

3 hours with Trench mortars and other missiles. He carried

out his raid, and did great execution. His casualties

for the night were heavy, 17 killed and 67 wounded.

They put in a lot of stuff here from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.,

but we got off lightly—1 killed (Sergt-Maj. Cross). I'm

sorry to say, and 4 wounded. It was a noisy night. The

men manned the Trenches and fired a certain amount,

which kept their minds occupied, but they were splendid.

Just heard from Ricardo, who says his men were

magnificent. I was in touch with the 3 Coys in the line

the whole time, as the wires were not cut, and sat with the

'phone in my hand till 3 a.m., thoroughly knowing the

situation on our front. Gen. N. and G.S.O.I. arrived on

their way to Ricardo, anxious to know what we saw from

here, and our views. I told him it was asking for trouble

doing the same thing each time on these raids, and that

the Bosche knew exactly what to expect and when. The

night's casualties must have been 200. We got 1 German

Officer and some prisoners, and of course, cannot guess

approximately what the Bosche casualties from our fire

was, but it must have been equal to ours. Relief to night.

Tuesday, May 9th. — The relief went, off all right and

we were in here by 11 p.m. Very quiet after the strafe.

Still cold and showery. We had a quaint little Service,

attended by about 60 men, in a small room H— at 3.30 p.m.

on Sunday, Wednesday, May 10^th - Weather turned

warmer and finer after a wet night very quiet, here since

Sunday. A memo has just come in from G.H.Q. saying

much leakage of information going home in letters, and

especially Officers' letters; in future any one transgressing

will be

Tried by Court Martial!

We have to find 200 men for working parties every night

infernal, and 50 men by day, and last night was very wet

into the bargain. However, there is work that has to be

done. Thursday, May 11^th. — A great football match

yesterday against the 1st Cameronians—rather a

professional team. A good fast game ended in 2 goals all.

The 'Downs' had some casualties last night—22 I hear.

Some 7 more of Ricardo's wounded have died. A dull close

day. The country is looking lovely, and the blossom in

the orchard is lovely. H— is a very pretty place, with

the river and the woods, and the undulating ground,

notwithstanding its ruined look. Letters just in. Alas! No

compulsion of Ireland. Friday, May 12 ^th — A dull close

day, threatening thunder, but quite pleasant sitting out.

We are still to do 6-day reliefs. The Huns put heavy

stuff (5.9) over the village after lunch, but it was well

behind us. They fire tremendously with M.G.'s at our

aeroplanes. The Battery just behind us, which fires right

over this house, has just opened, and there's a deafening

noise going on. As far as I can make out there have been

10 killed, 35 wounded, and 3 accidentally wounded, so

far; so we've escaped very lightly after 7 months out

here (45 all told).

(To be continued.)