November 1907

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

NOVEMBER, 1907.

Clergy:

Rev. James E. Archer, B.D., Rector, The Rectory, Seagoe.

Rev. Walter R. Crichton, B.A., Curate, Seagoe Villa.

(Cases of illness in the Parish should be notified to

the Clergy without delay.)

Churchwardens:

Major Stewart Blacker, J. P., Carrickblacker, Rector's Churchwarden,

Mr George Calvert, Breagh, People's Churchwarden.

THE HARVEST.

At this season of the year when God has once again

fulfilled his gracious promise of the Harvest it is our

duty to recognise His mercy and goodness in the

gift. Let our Thanksgiving this year be more real

and heartfelt than ever before. At our Harvest

Thanksgiving Services in the Parish Church we

would like to see every family in the Parish represented

so that from every corner of each Townland a

United voice of Praise and Thanksgiving might

ascend to the Throne of God. This can only be done

if all those who read these words will come themselves

and strive to bring others with them, and the Services

should be specially for Seagoe Parish folk. Others may

come from other Parishes who do not usually worship with

us, and we are glad to see them, but let all our people

remember that the Services are to voice the Thanksgivings

of this Parish for God's mercies. We will do our best to

accommodate all our people within the walls of the Parish

Church but as there is likely to be a very crowded gathering

at each service, we would ask all who wish to obtain

a place to come in good time.

The Hymns chosen will be such as all can heartily

join in. The Harvest Anthem " Praise the Lord,”

has been carefully practised by our Choir, and its

sweet and joyful music will help to tune our hearts

aright. The special Preacher on Thursday, November 7th,

at 8 o'clock, will be the Rev. T. G. G. Collins, B.D.,

Rector of Warrenpoint, and on Sunday, November 10th,

the Rev. F. M. Moeran, M.A., Rector of Cookstown, will

preach at both services. The Church will be decorated with

Flowers and Fruit, and we will be glad to receive such gifts

at the Church, between 10 and 12 on Wednesday, November 9th.

On Monday, November 11th, a Harvest Tea will be held in

Seagoe Parochial Schools at 7-30 to which we cordially invite

all our people. Part of our religion we must remember consists

in friendly and social intercourse with one another, and on this

occasion we shall have a splendid opportunity of meeting our

fellow Churchmen from all parts of the Parish. A feature of the

evening will be a large Parish Cake to which each Townland of

the Parish is contributing. It will be decorated with the emblems

of the Harvest and the name of each Townland will be worked into

the sugar decorations, and in the centre there will be a

representation of the Parish Church.

Tickets for the Harvest Tea at 6d each are now on sale through the

Parish. No one under 16 will be admitted.

* * The attention of the Parishioners is specially directed to the

object of the Offertories at the Harvest Services. They are to go

towards the cost of the Renovation of the Church, and we expect

liberal gifts so that we may be able to meet the considerable

expense involved in the recent improvements.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE CARDS.

(THIRD QUARTER.)

The Returns for the quarter ending September

30th, are published below, but some of the cards

from the outlying schools have not yet been sent in.

We would like to see a larger number of names in the

First Rank, and we hope our Senior Pupils will begin

to attend the Services with greater regularity. Let us

remember David's words, "My soul hath a desire and

longing to enter into the Courts of the Lord."

N.B.—Several cards have been handed in without

names on them and therefore cannot be recorded.

Will Superintendents please see that names are written in.

Seagoe.

Attended every Service.—Boys.— Thos. England,

Victor Walker, George Wilson.

Girls.—Jennie England, Maud Dickson.

Missed one Service.—Boys.—John Porter.

Good Attendance -J. D. England, David Porter.

Girls.—Teresa Ramsay, Annie White, Sarah

Webb, Jane Webb, John Twinem.

Edenderry,

Attended every Service.—Boys.—-Alfred Richardson.

Girls.—Jemima Allen, Sarah Dawson, Alice Hawthorne,

Bella Magee, Margaret Magee, Ethel Preston,

Maggie Smith.

Missed one Service.—Boys.— Charles Montgomery.

Girls.—-Minnie Atkinson, Maggie Brown, Bessie

Dawson.

GOOD ATTENDANCE. —Boys.—John Dawson.

Girls.—Maggie Hawthorne, Annie Graham, Gerty

Richardson, Jeannie Watson, Maggie Martin, Maria

Rooney, Annie Smith, Maggie Ruddy, Sarah McDowell,

Sarah Coulter.

Levaghery.

Attended every Service.—

Girls—Maggie Lewie.

GOOD ATTENDANCE -Bertram Holland.

Girls—Minnie Lewie.

Baptisms.

“They brought young children to Christ."

Oct. 5^th —Mary, daughter of William and Mary

Anne McClatchey.

„ —William Robert, son of Robert Henry

and Margaret Ann Best.

„ —Martha Jane, daughter of William

Edward and Elizabeth McCann.

Marriage.

“The Lord bless thee and keep thee”

Oct. 9^th —Robert Surplice, Annaloist, Shankhill

Parish, to Annie Corkin, Moyraverty.

Burials.

“In sure and certain hope."

Oct.7^th —Hall Hewitt, Tamnificarbet, aged 77.

,, 13^th Elizabeth McCann, Ardmore, aged 75.

,, 30th William J. Watson, Edenderry, aged 72.

,, 31th Julia Robinson, Dublin

We notice in the list of those who have passed

from our midst this month some names well-known

in the Parish. Mr. Hall Hewitt had been in former

years a very active worker in the cause of the Church,

and in the critical days of Disestablishment did useful

work in the Parish of Seagoe. His last illness

was long and trying, but he was supported and

strengthened by his faith in his Lord and Master.

He was very highly respected by all his neighbours

and friends. We offer our deepest sympathy to Mrs.

Hewitt and her family in their bereavement.

Mr. William J. Watson, who died suddenly on Sunday,

October 27th, was well-known to many in the Parish

especially in the Edenderry district, and was a staunch

supporter of the Church. The Hymn Boards in the

Parish Church and in Edenderry Hall were his

thoughtful gifts, and the very last conversation we

had ere he retired to the couch from which he never

rose, was about his annual gifts to our Church

Funds. He was a refined and courteous gentleman

always anxious to further the welfare of those around

him. His awfully sudden death should remind us

that “In the midst of Life we are in Death," and

that it is our solemn duty to "Watch, for in an hour

that we think not, the Son of Man cometh."

As we go to press, we learn with much regret of

the death of Miss Julia Robinson (late of Lylo House.)

The sad event took place in Dublin. We offer our heartfelt

sympathy to her sisters, who have had to mourn the loss

of two of their number within the short space of a few months.

LECTURE.

Dr. Woollatt, Principal of the Technical Institute,

has very kindly consented to give a Lecture on

“Wireless Telegraphy," with Experiments and

Lantern Views, to the members of the Men's Recreation Room,

in the Parochial Hall, Edenderry, on Monday, November 4th,

at 8 p.m. Admission— Members free. Non-members 3d each.

OFFERTORIES FOR OCTOBER.

Of Thine own have we given Thee."

Morning. Evening.

Oct. 6—19th S. after Trinity £0.11.0

,, ,, £0.4.2 0.6.0

,, 13—20^th ,, £1.8.4 0.10.2

,, 20—21^st ,, £1.4.8 0.2.1 1/2

,, 27—22^nd ,, £0.19.2 0.12.9

Week-days ,, 0.7.9 1/2

Church Army Offerings 3.11.0

£4.7.7 5.9.10

THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

The monthly meeting for Superintendents and

Teachers was held in Seagoe School, on Monday,

October 28th, at 7-30. There was a fair attendance.

The subject for the evening was a Model Lesson on

the Church Catechism," given by the Rector. With

the aid of a Blackboard the essential features and

structure of the Catechism were pointed out, and its

leading divisions into paragraphs and sections were

drawn on the Board. Hints as to the best methods

of imparting instruction to the children were also

given, and a short sketch of the origin and history of

the Catechism followed. At the close, a discussion

took place as to the present condition of the Schools,

and suggestions were made with regard to the

Programme for the coming year. These meetings,

are, we believe, very helpful to the Teachers, and we

hope nothing will prevent them from attending.

Seagoe Men's Recreation Room.

On Tuesday, Oct. 15th, a Social for Men was held

in the above rooms, at which we are glad to say

there was a large gathering of the men of Edenderry

and the district. After having done ample justice

to the good things provided, and satisfied the demands

of nature, an adjournment was made to an adjoining

room and a short but interesting programme was performed.

The first item was an address by the Rev. James

E. Archer, who presided, in which he emphasized

the importance of the rooms, and expressed the hope

that all the men in Edenderry would take advantage

of them and become members.

Some interesting exhibits, kindly lent by Dr. Hadden,

were shown, which gave us some idea of the

insect world. Mr. S. Curry sang in fine style.

Our best thanks are due to Mr. Smith, who once

more has contributed to our amusement by giving

a display of the powers of his beautiful gramophone.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Ardrie for

being present at our meeting, and giving us proof

positive of the advantage of physical culture. "A

shooting competition for a mariner's compass

followed, and after keen rivalry between some of our

best shots was Won by Mr. Ardrie.

OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

There was a great demand for last month's

Magazine containing Archdeacon Saurin's portrait.

All the copies were sold within week. Finer copies

of the portrait suitable for framing are now on sale

at Mrs. Metcalfe's, Bridge Street. Price 6d each.

Here is an interesting Tithe-Inventory or List of the

Tithes which in old times were payable to the

Rector of Seagoe. The List is taken from a Government

Return made in the year 1740.

“There is a custom of ninepence for every cow

that calves within the present year, instead of the

Tythe of calves and milk; and fourpence halfpenny

for every stripper cow (i.e., for one that calved the

preceding year, and continues to give milk in the

present), instead of the Tythe of milk; sixpence for

every foal, instead of the Tythe of foals; one penny

for every sheep, instead of the Tythe of wool; one

penny for every lamb, instead of the Tythe of lambs;

and sixpence by every family, instead of the Tythe of

turf. Two-thirds of all of which are paid to the

Rector, and one-third to the Vicar.

“Also: There is a custom of one penny for every

kitchen-garden; fourpence for an offering at Easter;

one shilling for every Trade; two shillings and

sixpence for every marriage; one shilling and sixpence

for the birth of every child one shilling for the burial

of every person who dies in the Parish; two shillings

for the burial for any person brought from another Parish;

and ten shillings for burying within the Church. All which

are paid solely to the Vicar, and amount to nearly £50 yearly."

Those who live in Kilvergan will like to hear something about

what it was like so long ago. 1740: - “Another Townland called

Kilvergan, about 1 1/2miles distant from Seagoe, lying on the low

road from Seagoe Church to Lurgan, consisting of 180 acres

arable, meadow, and pasture, besides about 20 acres of Turf bog.

This is occupied by six tenants, who have all good farm-houses,

and pay yearly £62. There is also on this Townland a Schoolhouse,

the walls whereof are of mud, 40 ft. long and 14 feet wide in the

clear, which, together with an acre of land inclosed, and liberty

for cutting 100 cash of turf, is set rent free to the schoolmaster.'

HACKNAHAY.

The annual Harvest Services were held in Hacknahay School,

on Sunday afternoon, October 27th, at 4 o'clock. The room

had been most tastefully decorated by the ladies of the

district, and the display of flowers and fruit, was exceptionally

fine. The Music was most capably rendered by a large Choir

who had been trained by Miss Calvert. The solo in the

Anthem was very nicely sung by Miss McMurray. The Rev. R.H.

White, M.A., Curate of Holywood, Co. Down, was the special

preacher and chose as his text the words “Our Father," from

which he preached an eloquent sermon. There was a liberal

offering towards the local Sunday School Funds. On Tuesday,

29th inst., the Services were continued at 7-30, as on Sunday

the room was densely crowded. The service was taken by the

Rector, and the Rev. O. Scott, Rector of Gilford, preached

from the words "Bless the Lord, O my soul." He spoke in

touching terms of God's goodness in the Harvest and

emphasised the duty of Thankfulness. The solo in the Harvest

Hymn was well sung by Miss Neill.

SUNDAY SCHOOL QUESTIONS.

NOVEMBER 10th

Morning – Idolatry – Judges xviii. 14-31

(Central Thought), The Danger of a Bad Example.

1. Which Commandments did the Danites break?

2. Give the old name of Dan? 3. Mention two men

named Jonathan? 4. Where was Laish?

AFTERNOON—TWO Prayers—S. Luke xviii, 9-14—

(Central Thought), Our Prayers should be real.

1. To whom was the Parable spoken? 2. What was

the Publican's attitude in Prayer? 3. On what

did the Pharisee pride himself? 4. Why was the

Publican justified?

NOVEMBER 17th.

MORNING—Joshua viii-xi – (Central Thought), God’s

fulfilment of His promises. 1. Who saved Joshua's

spies? 2. What does Gilgal mean? 3. Describe

the siege of Jericho? 4. What was Achan's Sin?

AFTERNOON —S. Matt. xxi. (Central Thought), We

should not be proud. 1. To what is the Kingdom

of Heaven likened? 2. What is the value of a

Roman penny? 3 What answer was given to the

Murmurers? 4. What wages did each receive?

NOVEMBER 24th.

MORNING—Joshua viii-xi —(Central Thought), God

helps us when we trust Him. 1. How was Ai taken?

2. Name the cities of the Gibeonites? 3. What

does Jasher mean? 4. Where only were the

Anakims left?

AFTERNOON—S. Luke xix., 11-27.—(Central

Thought), Do your best with what you have.

1. Why was the Parable spoken? 2. Where was it

spoken? 3. Who hated the nobleman? 4. What

happened to his enemies?

DECEMBER 1st.

MORNING—Joshua xiv-xxiv.—(Central Thought) —

1. What was Caleb's inheritance? 2. Who was

Othniel? 3. Name the cities of refuge? 4. What

do you know about " Ed "?

AFTERN00N—Subjects will be announced on

Sunday, November 24th.

CHURCH ARMY VAN REPAIR FUND.

Subscriptions Received—Rev. G. H. Dannt, 5s;

Per Rev. J. Taylor, £1; Rev. J. E. Archer, 5s; Rev.

P. Bookey, 10s; Rev. Jos. Stewart, £l; Rev. O.

Scott, 2/6; Mrs. Dickson, Drumnagoon, 2/6; Per

Captain Gaskell, 7/6. Total 12s 6d.

THE SUSTENTATION FUND.

During the months of November and December

the annual collection for the Sustentation Fund will

be made all through the Parish. When the Church

of Ireland was a State Church and had large endowments

to draw her income from, this Fund did not exist, but ever

since Disestablishment the efficiency of the Church has

largely depended on the way in which the Sustentation Fund

in each Parish is supported. Here in Seagoe the Fund has

always stood at a very low figure something between £IOO

and £130. This seems an unworthy sum to come from such

a large, populous, and well-to-do Parish. Now we are

anxious this year to have a substantial increase in the Fund

and the way to accomplish this is not difficult. No less than 3

out of every 4 of those who subscribe to this Fund give only

2/6 as their subscription for the whole year. This is not as

it should be. There are families earning large wages every

week who could give four or five half-crowns without in any

wise missing it. We appeal to such to help on the fund by a

more liberal subscription. It is impossible that a large Parish

like Seagoe could be efficiently worked on so small a Fund

and there are many charges on Church property which can

only be met by payments from the Fund. The Property of the

Parish consists of the Parish Church, the Rectory, and no less

than six schoolhouses (including Edenderry Hall). The mere

cost of keeping these buildings in repair is a considerable item

to say nothing of the necessity which exists in every progressive

Parish of developing and extending the activities of the Church.

During the past year an improvement has been made in the

collection for the Fund by instituting quarterly envelope

collections in Edenderry District, and an “Earners Fund" is being

started, so that the younger members of the Church who are earning

money in the factories and elsewhere may have an opportunity of

subscribing.

G.F.S.

The opening meeting of the Girls' Friendly Society will be held

in Edenderry Parochial Hall on Friday, November 15, at 8 o'clock.

Addresses will be given by speakers on the various Branches of the

G.F.S. work. Every member is expected to attend this united gathering.

A programme of G.F.S. arrangements for the winter season is being

drawn up by the Associates, and will be issued at this meeting.

TO FRIENDS ABROAD.

If you are interested in the Old Parish send on a subscription by

return to the Sustentation Fund, and we will print your name

in the Annual Report. You can send it either to the Rector or to

the Hon. Treasurer, Mr. W. R. Atkinson, Eden Villa, Portadown.

NEW BIBLE CLASSES.

Bible Classes for Men will be held during the winter months

as follows Carne Church Hall, on Tuesdays, at 8 p.m., by

Rev. W. R. Crichton. At Drumgor on Wednesdays at 8.

At Hacknahay on Thursdays at 8 p.m., by the Rector. Fortnightly

Bible Classes for Women and Girls will be held at same centres

(and at Levaghery Schools) at 8 p.m.

Carne—Thursdays; Hacknahay—Tuesdays ; Drumgor—Fridays;

Levaghery—Mondays, The subjects of study will be

(1) "The Book of the Acts of the Apostles, and (2) Dr. Pooler's

History of the Church of Ireland."

ITEMS.

The Rev. W. R. Crichton has now taken up work

among us and has been heartily welcomed wherever

he has gone through the Parish.

***

Mr. John McMullan, of Drumgor, has received a

handsome present of a Gold Albert with Medal attached

and a Silver Matchbox, from his fellow-workers in

the firm of Johnston Allen & Co., of Lurgan, on the

conclusion of his term of apprenticeship

***

The Rev. R. H. White, M.A., Curate of Holywood

preached in the Parish Church, on Sunday evening,

October 27th.

***

The renovation of the interior of the Church has

greatly brightened its appearance.

***

Mr. Ardrie has organised a class of young men for

Sandow's Physical Culture System. They meet in

the Parochial Hall every Tuesday at 8. Entrance

Fee 6d, and 3d per Lesson. Young men should join

at once. Tests of strength have been made each

night and we congratulate Mr. Sam Curry on still

taking the lead as the strongest member of the class.

***

Owing to the failure of the Gas supply the service

on Wednesday, October 23rd, had to be held in the

Schoolhouse by candle light.

***

We are glad to notice an increase in the congregations

on Wednesday evenings. We hope all who possibly can

will join with us in this hour of weekday worship.

***

The January number of our Magazine will contain

several special features and a beautiful coloured

picture.

***

The Parish Almanacs for 1908 are now ready and

will be on sale (price ld each) from November 15, at

Mrs. Metcalfe's, and at all the outlying schools,

Drumgor, Carne, Hacknahay, and Levaghery. They

are limited in number, so secure your copy early.

***

A List of Special Preachers is being arranged for

our Advent Services. Those who have Missionary

Cards and Boxes should push on their collections

without delay as Advent is the great Mission Season

of the Church.