November 1908

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER, 1908.

IMPORTANT NOTICE.

THE Lord Bishop of the Diocese has kindly consented to pay a visit to the Parish on Thursday, December 10. A Social Meeting will be held in Seagoe School at 7:30 on that evening and the Bishop will be present and speak. This will be a very important occasion and we are anxious that the meeting should be as representative as possible, We especially invite to this meeting the heads of households and the church workers of the Parish. Owing to the limited size of the Schools it will not be possible to admit children or young people under 16. We are sure the Lord Bishop will receive a most hearty welcome from the people of Seagoe on the occasion of this his first visit to the Parish since his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese.

Clergy:

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

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

N.B.—It is most important that in all cases of illness notice should be given to the Clergy of the Parish without delay.

Churchwardens:

Mr. J. H. Stevenson, Killicomaine, Rector's Churchwarden.

Mr. Thomas Martin, Kilvergan, People's Churchwarden.

Select Vestry:

ATKINSON, MR. W. R.

ATKINSON, MR. T.

CALVERT, MR. G.

MAGINNIS, MR. T. E.

MONRO, MR. JOSEPH

MONTGOMERY, MR. J.

COSTELLO, MR. ATKINSON

MONTGOMERY, MR. T. J.

GRACEY, MR. J. G.

IRWIN, MR. W.

ROCK, MR. DAVID

STOOPS, MR. HUGH

ATKINSON, MR. W. R., Secretary and Treasurer.

THE HARVEST SERVICES.

Carne

The Harvest Thanksgiving Services this year have been attended by unusually large numbers. The first Thanksgiving Service was held on Sunday, October 18th, in Carne Church Hall at 4 o'clock. The Rector preached from the text Exod. 23-19. There was a crowded attendance of worshippers who joined with great heartiness in the service. The room was decorated with the fruits and flowers of the season and looked very bright and nice. On the Monday following, the Services were continued, the preacher being the Rev. J. W. Johnston, Curate of Drumcree. There was again very full attendance of the residents in the District. At both services the music was very good, and Mr. T. H. Wilson presided at the harmonium with his usual ability.

The Parish Church

On Thursday, October 22nd, the Parish Church was crowded, the occasion being the Annual Thanksgiving Service for the Blessings of Harvest. The Church had been most tastefully decorated and we have seldom seen such profusion of beautiful flowers. Begonias, Dahlias, Daisies, and Chrysanthemums added the brightness of their blooms to the more subdued tints of the autumn foliage. The special Preacher was the Rev. G. G. Mervyn, M.A., Vicar of St, Patrick's Bally-macarett, Belfast. The subject of his sermon was "The Unchangeableness of God." The music was very well rendered by a large choir under the direction of our genial and capable organist and choirmaster, Mr. T. H. Wilson. The Harvest Anthem “Praise ye the Lord” was sung with great precision and vigour and reflected the careful training which the choir had received. The stirring strains of the “Benedicite” at the close of the service formed a fitting conclusion to a most reverent and hearty Thanksgiving Service.

On Sunday, October 25th, the services were continued, and both morning and evening the

Church was crowded, especially in the evening was this the case, and a large number of intending

worshippers had to turn away owing to the impossibility of finding room in the Church. Quite a

hundred people remained standing in the porch and doorway during the service. The Preacher was the Rev. S. P. Mitchell, M.A., Rector of St. Nicholas's Church, Belfast. His subject at Morning Prayer was “The Joy of Harvest” and at Evening was “The Wheat and the Tares.” The Harvest Anthem sung at Thursday's service was repeated. The offerings at both services were on behalf of the Parochial Expenses Fund.

In the afternoon a service for the children of Seagoe, Edenderry, and Hacknahay Sunday Schools was held at 3:30. The attendance was good, and the behaviour of the children excellent. Children's hymns were sung, and the Rector gave a short address on “Christ in the Cornfields.” The offerings were for Foreign Missions.

Hacknahay

The services in this District were attended by large numbers. In fact on both occasions on which the service was held the school was almost uncomfortably crowded.On Sunday afternoon, October 25th, the Rev. S. P. Mitchell preached. Special Harvest Hymns were sung by a large choir, which had been most carefully trained by Miss Calvert. We have never seen the old walls of the school looking so bright as they did this year in their garlands of flowers The Rev. John Taylor, who is always such a welcome visitor to Seagoe Parish, preached on Monday evening, and this service was attended by even larger numbers than on Sunday afternoon. The offerings were in aid of Hacknahay Day School, and were most liberal.

We cannot close our report of these services without thanking very warmly all our friends, too numerous to mention, who sent such an abundance of beautiful flowers and fruits for the decorations at Carne, and the Parish Church, and Hacknahay. Also we wish to thank those who at an expenditure of much time and trouble assisted at the decorations of the Parish Church and the Schools. A special word of thanks is due to the children of the Day Schools, who brought some splendid bunches of flowers to their teachers for the decorations. Looking back upon the Harvest Services of 1908 the feeling that most fills our mind is one of thanksgiving to Almighty God for the spirit of reverent gratitude which seemed to fill the hearts of all who joined in this act of united worship.

OFFERTORIES FOR OCTOBER.

“Freely ye have received, freely give.”

Morning Evening

£ s d £ s d

Oct, 4th—16th S. after Trinity 1 6 10 0 13 7

“ 11th—17th S. after Trinity 1 5 6 0 9 3

“ 21th—18th S. after Trinity 0 11 5 0 11 6

“ 27th—19th S. after Trinity 4 7 10 3 12 10

Week Days _________ 4 18 1

Total £8 1 7 £10 5 3

BAPTISMS.

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me.”

Oct 3rd—David, son of William James and Mary Webb.

“ “ —Violet Gladys, daughter of Samuel and Louisa Fox.

“ “----Edmund Henry, son of George and Catherine Cairnes,

“ “----Lizzie, daughter of William and Rebecca Gracey.

Oct. 11th— Mary, daughter of David and Anne Johnston.

Oct. 14th—George, son of George and Margaret Metcalfe, Hull, England

Oct. 25th—Graham, son of Samuel and Eliza Metcalfe.

MARRIAGES.

“As Christ did love His Spouse, the Church.” ( Prayer Book)

Oct. 2nd—Robert Henry Thompson, Ballynahy, to Jane M'Neill, Ballymacrandal.

“ 10th—William John M 'Cardle, Edenderry, to Margaret Parks, Edenderry.

“ “ ---- Joseph Henry M'Cardle, Edenderry, to Hannah Jane Parks, Edenderry.

BURIALS.

“Jesus wept.”

Oct.12th —Mary J. Russell, Killead, aged 1 year.

“ “ ---John Dickson, aged 83 years.

Oct. 18^th —Johanna Atkinson, aged 57 years.

Oct. 19^th —Francis Sloan, aged 66 years.

IN MEMORIAM.

In loving memory of Frances Watson, of Killicomain, who departed this life 29th November. 1907, and was interred in the family burying-ground, Seagoe, aged 70 years.

JOSEPH L. WATSON.

ITEMS.

The Rev. Thomas Wright, a native of Portadown, and for the past years on the Staff of Missions to Seamen in Rangoon, Burmah, preached in Seagoe on Sunday, October 18th, at Evening Prayer.

Mr. W. J. Calvert reports that on October 1st he saw three swallows flying in a south-easterly direction. The swallows migrated south much earlier than usual this year owing to the severe weather. The last seen about Seagoe were noticed on September 15th but Mr. Calvert's observation is much later.

The Missionary Exhibition at Lurgan proved a great success, and was visited by a large number of Seagoe people.

The Harvest Services at Drumgor will be held on Sunday, November 8th, at 4 o'clock, and on Monday, November 9th, at 8. The preacher on Sunday will be the Rev. D. L. C. Dunlop, curate of Maralin, and on Monday the Rev. J. J. O'Malley, curate of Portadown.

Much sympathy has been expressed with Mr. W. Atkinson, of Bridge Street, Edenderry, at the great loss he and his family have sustained in the very sudden death of Mrs. Atkinson.

The Select Vestry have decided to build an addition to the Church Stables. There is not at present sufficient room for the horses of those who drive to Church.

Mr. W. Doherty, of Kilmoriarty School, Portadown, is erecting a neat railing round his grave plot in Seagoe Churchyard.

Friday, November 20th, 1908, will be the third anniversary of the death of the Very Rev. Abraham Dawson, late Rector of Seagoe.

Seagoe Harriers had a pleasant run of 7 miles across country in the neighbourhood of Belfast last Saturday, 24th inst., on the invitation of the County Antrim Harriers. Mr. James Shanks, Captain, accompanied the Seagoe boys.

Hacknahay School continues to flourish both in numbers and efficiency, and has proved a great boon to the inhabitants of the district.

A new Cover is being prepared for Seagoe Magazine for 1909.

The Diocesan Synod meets in Belfast on Thursday, November 5th. On the evening of that day a Great Meeting of Church Workers and others will be held in the Y.M.C.A. Hall, Wellington Place, at 8 o'clock. Addresses will be given by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Bishop of Aberdeen, Lord Langford, and others. The Cathedral Choir will give musical selections during the evening. The admission will be by Ticket. The Rector has a few Tickets (4) for Seagoe Church Workers who would wish to come.

We heartily congratulate Messrs. M'Gredy & Son on the splendid honours they have won at the Great National Rose Show in London. They were awarded two Gold Medals for new Roses. This is the highest honour obtainable by a rose grower, and this is the second time Messrs M'Gredy have obtained it. It proves that the district of Portadown, with its level open stretches of fertile land, is specially adapted, not merely for the growth of the finest Fruit, but of the choicest Flowers as well. It is a pity that one sees so few rose-covered cottages and bright gardens in Seagoe. There are only two cottages in the Parish where Roses are carefully trained to cover the front walls.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

We hope to begin our new Sunday School Calendar this year on Advent Sunday, Nov. 29th. The Teachers and Children will receive their Calendars on Sunday, Nov. 22nd. During November the subjects to be taught in our Morning Sunday Schools are taken from the closing scenes in our Lord's Life. The Catechism portions deal with the Two Sacraments. In the Afternoon Schools the subjects are taken from parts of the Prayer Book, The Evening Canticles, The Creed, Responses, and Collects, The Five Prayers. We recommend our Teachers to read carefully the Article in the Sunday School Magazine on “An American Sunday School.” It is most interesting and useful.

SEAGOE PARISH ALMANAC FOR 1909.

Secure your new Almanac for 1909 without delay. They will be on sale at Mrs. Metcalfe's, Bridge St.(near Anchor Cafe), after Nov, 15th. Price ld. The Almanac is exceptionally pretty.

SEAGOE DAY SCHOOLS.

The following children have been awarded First Honour Cards for Proficiency in their School Work during the past month—

JUNIOR DIVISION— Thomas Johnston, Samuel Gracey, Margaret Wilson, Thomas H. Porter, Joseph Ruddell, Pearl Reid.

MIDDLE DIVISION—Robert Johnston, Sarah Irwin, James M'Keown.

SENIOR DIVISION—Mabel Reid, Louie Montgomery, Hannah Caddell, Norman Holmes, Fred Ruddell.

PUBLIC LECTURE.

The Rector will give a Lecture on “A Tour in Italy,” with Lantern Views, in Hacknahay School on Thursday, November 12th, at 7:30. Tickets, 1/- and 6d. Proceeds in aid of Hacknahay Day School.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE AND EFFICIENCY CARDS

THIRD QUARTER.

FIRST CLASS (over 50 points,)

Sarah Dawson, 65; Maude Dickson, 64; Thomas England, 64; Maggie Smith, 60; Victor Walker,

60; Minnie Atkinson, 58; Amelia McCormick, 54; Bessie Dawson, 53; Jennie Dawson, 52; Maggie

Roney, 52; Bella Magee, 52; Mima Allen, 52; Thomas Smith, 52; Susan Allen, 52; Sarah M'Cann,

51.

SECOND CLASS (over 45 points.)

Maggie Magee, 50; Maria Roney, 49; Ethel Preston, 46.

THIRD CLASS (over 40 points).

Minnie Allen, 45; Theresa Ramsay, 44; Jennie England, 44; Lily Magee, 43; Annie Smith, 41;

Maggie Hawthorne, 41.

Prizes have been awarded to Sarah Dawson for the best Church Attendance in the Third Quarter, and to Thomas England for the best attendance in the Second Quarter.

THE NEW LICENSE.

The ease with which a Publican can plant a Public House in any part of Portadown in spite of the opposition of the respectable ratepayers and inhabitants of that District, was exemplified at the Lurgan Quarter Sessions last month. We hope the Temperance party have learned the lesson which this case should teach them, and that is, that the Licensing Law of Ireland needs immediate amendment, and can only be amended by strong movement on the part of Temperance Reformers.

As the Judge said, the case was a foregone conclusion. Sixteen magistrates (some from the most distant corners of the County) voted for the Publican and six voted against. We believe it is not considered the correct thing for a magistrate to leave his own District of the County to give his vote in such a case, but the supporters of the Publicans have no such scruples. Let us take a leaf out of our opponents' note book in future, and when such a case occurs have a Bench like that which decided the “Goat Inn” case last week at Newtownards when 197 magistrates were present, and the application for the License was defeated by a majority of over 70 votes. We heartily congratulate Major Stewart Blacker, of Carrickblacker, on being one of the six who voted against the License. The awful Drink Tragedy in West Street on the morning of the Sessions Day was a lurid commentary on the present Liquor Laws.

BIBLE CLASSES.

All the classes are being well attended by increasing numbers. Mr. Chambers (in the absence of Mr. Alfred Murray) has taken charge of the Seagoe Morning Girls' Class. Last Sunday morning there were 70 men and 60 women in attendance at these classes.

The Tuesday Evening Men's Winter Classes have also got to work. The Rector takes the Carne Class at 8, the Rev. W. R. Crichton teaches the Class at Hacknahay at 7:30, and Mr. Chambers conducts the Class at Drumgor at 8. We hope the men in these Districts will join the Classes without delay.

A G.F.S. Bible Class for girls meets in Hacknahay School every alternate Thursday at 7:30. The next class will be on Thursday, November 12th. Miss Wilson. Principal of Hacknahay School is kindly acting as Teacher.

SUNDAY EVENING SERVICES.

An important step is being taken in providing Sunday Evening Services for the members of the Church in outlying Districts of the Parish. The time has come when some provision must be made to supply the spiritual needs of those who live in remoter parts of the Parish and so cannot be expected to come to the Parish Church a second time on Sundays. The Rector has received kind offers of help in this matter from the members of the Church of Ireland Young Men's Society in Belfast, and arrangements have been made by which some young men who are preparing for the Ministry will hold services in these Districts of the Parish on Sunday evenings at 7 o'clock.

A beginning will be made on Sunday evening, November 1st, when a Service will be held in Hacknahay School at 7 o'clock, and an address will be given by Mr. Cecil H. Winter, of Belfast. A Service will also be held at the same hour (7 p.m.) in Drumgor Church Hall, and Mr. Samuel M'Kegney will speak. These services will be continued on each Sunday evening at 7 o'clock.

OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

THE BIG WIND—The Belfast NewsLetter for January, 1839, gives a very full description of this great storm. Almost every factory chimney in Belfast was blown down. Lurgan suffered very

severely, and the Parish Church there was almost destroyed. In Carrickblacker demesne all the great

old trees were laid low, and in Mr. Hickland's grounds (apparently in this neighbourhood) great

havoc was wrought by the hurricane. The storm rose suddenly at ten o'clock on Sunday night.

January 6th, 1839 (Old Christmas night), and raged fiercely until 4 o'clock in the morning, when it

began to subside. It blew from S.S.W. to S.S.E , and did much damage in England and Scotland as

well as here. A new chapel (probably R.C.) which had been erected in Seagoe Parish and was awaiting consecration, was unroofed and destroyed by the storm.

OLD PARISH SURNAMES—Here are some of surnames which occur in the Registers of Seagoe

between the years 1735 and 1821 and which have become extinct — Longcake, Magannon, Lankey,

Keleb (rare), Kentling, Kepney, Henry, Hoseck, Glass, Gosling, Musgrove, M'Sevenah, Obre (rare), Obtava, Perdue (Perdica or Perdeau), Prussia (3 members in this family), Randle (16 of this name), Sharpley (5), Surrogan, Toulerton, Vanner (9), Wisdom. The names that are now common in the Parish were common 150 years ago, e.g.—Best, Gilpin, Robinson, and Metcalf were the most

numerous; then Atkinson, Bullock, Calvert, Collins, Coulter, Dilworth, Dixon, Dynes, Joyce, Mathers, M'Cann (very frequent), Patton, Porter, Russell, Sergeant, Sheran (frequent), Smurphet (now Moffett), Twinem, Walker, Webb, White, Wilson. It is remarkable that the name Best still heads the list after 150 years. There are more people of the name of Best in Seagoe Parish today than of any other name.

SEAGOE IN 1804---This year was a troublous time, because there was great danger that the victorious Napoleon would invade England. A quota was levied on every Parish in the land to support the local militia, and Seagoe helped liberally towards the upkeep of the Armagh Militia. A sum of 2d per acre was levied off Seagoe Parish, and it brought in £104 8s 1d. After paying all expenses a sum of £40 5s 3d remained in the Rev. George Blacker's hands, and on Monday, April 30th,1804, at the Easter Vestry, it was decided to give this £40 towards the building of a new Church. This is the first mention of the new Church, and it is a curious thing that Seagoe Church should have owed its origin indirectly to Napoleon's threatened invasion of England. The Vestry Record is as follows: “Monday, April 30th, 1804. After settling the account of the money laid on,

on Tuesday, July 19th last for the purpose of raising the Quota of this Parish for the Armagh Militia, it appears on the statement of the Rev. George Blacker, by us examined and approved, that there is

in his hands a balance of £40 5s 3d sterling, which we agree shall be laid out along with other moneys for the repairs of or building of a new Church, as hereafter be approved and appear necessary to the Parishioners.”

GEORGE BLACKER, Vicar,

ROBERT FIVEY )

ARTHUR BUCKBY ) Churchwardens

REV. CAPEL WOLESLEY.—We are glad to be able to announce that Miss A. Wolseley, now residing in London, a daughter of the late Rev. Capel Wolseley, curate in Seagoe about 60 years ago, is kindly sending a photograph of Mr. Wolseley for reproduction in Seagoe Magazine, and also has kindly promised to give extracts from his letters describing his experiences in Seagoe at that time. The Rev. Capel Wolseley died in the year 1885.