November 1911

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

NOVEMBER 1911.

AN EXHIBITION of the Antiquities of Seagoe will be held in

Edenderry Parochial Hall on Friday, December 1st. Opening

Ceremony at 3 p.m. Admission from 3 to 6 One Shilling, and from

7 to 10 Sixpence. Afternoon Tea (6d each) from 3 to 6.

N.B.—This Exhibition will provide a unique opportunity for seeing the many interesting Antiquities belonging to Seagoe Parish and Its neighbourhood. By kind permission of Major S. Blacker the Carrickblacker relics of King William's Irish Campaign will be on view, viz., the Saddle-cloth, Gloves, and Stirrups used by King William at the Battle of the Boyne. Short descriptive Lectures will be given at intervals on the objects exhibited.

We are anxious to make this Exhibition as complete as possible, and with that object in view we invite all those who possess interesting relics of the past illustrating the history of the neighbourhood to kindly assist by lending them. The Rector will be glad to hear of any such objects, and every care will be taken that they will not be injured in any way. There will be a special exhibit of Old Seagoe Yeomanry relics, such as guns, roll-books, etc. Perhaps some of our readers possess portions of the Yeomanry uniform, and these Would be of special interest. Old implements connected with hand-loom weaving would also be of much interest.

The Bishop's Visit

UNVEILING OF THE DAWSON MEMORIAL.

On Tuesday, Oct. 10th, the Lord Bishop (Right

Rev. C. F. D'Arcy, D.D.), visited the Parish. Arriving

at Portadown at 3 0'clock, he drove in Major

Blacker's motor to the Church. The service began

at 3-30. It consisted of Ps. 138, followed by

versicles and collects. The Bishop then unveiled the

handsome Tablet erected by Dr. and the Misses

Dawson. In a short but eloquent address the Bishop

spoke of the worth of the late Dean, and the noble

work which he accomplished in the Parish and Diocese.

Hymn 245—" In trouble and in grief, O God,"

—-which was the favourite hymn of Dean Dawson—

was then sung and the service concluded with the

Benediction pronounced by the Bishop. Among

those present were Dr. and Mrs. Dawson, Mr. J. H.

and Miss Macoun, Mrs. Wade and Mrs. D'Arcy. A

considerable number of the Parishioners were also

present.

THE SOCIAL.

In the evening 7-30, a Parish Social was held

in Seagoe School. The School-rooms were crowded

with representatives from all the townlands. Twenty

four ladies had undertaken at their own expense to

provide for the guests, and they certainly treated them

well. Very pretty decorations added greatly to the

appearance of the rooms, and the graceful plants and

fragrant flowers lent a charm and freshness to the

scene. The Bishop reached the School at 8, and enjoyed

a social cup of tea with the rest. After tea,

the Rector took the chair, and in a short speech welcomed

the Bishop to Seagoe. An address was then

read on behalf of the Select Vestry and Parishioners

by Mr. Wolsey Atkinson, expressing their pleasure at

the Bishop's visit to the Parish. The Bishop in reply

said that he was glad to visit the Parish, and impressed

on all present the duty of work for God, illustrating

his remarks by a reference to the life and

work of General Gordon, the Christian hero. After

the Bishop had spoken, an excellent programme of

music and recitations was given. The following contributed

items—Rev. R. S. Morrison, Curate of St.

Mark's, Portadown ; Miss Graham, the Misses Walker,

Miss Espie, and Messrs. Vaughan, Murray, and

Chambers. At the close of the meeting, a hearty

vote of thanks to all who had kindly helped, was

proposed by the Rev. John Taylor (a former Curate of

Seagoe), and seconded by Dawson, son of the late

Dean Dawson. The proceedings were brought to to a

close by the singing of the Doxology, and the Benediction

given by the Bishop. The Rev. A. J. Murray,

Curate of St. Nicholas', Belfast, was present during

the evening.

The proceeds of the social will realise about £12

clear. Already a sum of £10 6s 6d has been lodged

in the bank to the credit of Seagoe School Improvement

Fund. desire here to express our sincere

gratitude to all who assisted at the Social. Everyone

seemed animated with the single desire to make it a

success, and we believe all who had the privilege of

being present, will acknowledge that it was one of the

pleasantest and most successful parish gatherings

ever held in Seagoe.

Letter from the Rev. W. T. Grey.

The following interesting letter has been received

from Mr. Grey :—

S.S. Runic," near Cape Town,

October 2nd, 1911,

Tomorrow morning we expect to reach Cape

Town, exactly three weeks after leaving Liverpool.

Though sailing under emigration laws this ship is

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

not really an emigrant ship at all. There are about

400 passengers on board, and the great majority of

them are quite nice people. The food is fairly good,

and pretty well served, so you see I am not at all as

uncomfortable as I thought I should have been.

Three weeks at sea without making a single stop is a

bit monotonous, and everyone is looking forward to

getting a run on shore tomorrow. Of course there

is a good deal going on in the way of amusement.

Every day sports and games, competitions, etc., are

held on deck, and in the evening there is usually a

concert or something of that sort. One evening we

had a fancy dress ball, another evening a theatrical

company we have on board gave us a splendid

entertainment. Nine days ago we crossed the line,

and in connection with that King Neptune and his

court came on board, and held the time honoured

ceremonies. I offered myself as a " victim," and in

company with several others was duly " ducked " in

the tank, but I was treated with much more consideration

than most of the others, who had their

faces lathered with some sort of white concoction,

medicine poured down the legs of their trousers, and

various other indignities. For eight days prior to

crossing the line the weather was distressingly hot,

but since then it has cooled down, and now is like

summer in England. During the last week or so

numbers of whales have come " spouting " round the

ship, and have caused much interest. I am much

interested in the now star fields, although the

southern sky is not so rich in constellations as the

sky of the Northern Hemisphere (noticeable

constellations that is to say), but the Southern Cross is

beautiful, and just above it are two glorious stars in

It is nice to think of line called the " Pointers."

those two stars bearing a perpetual witness in the

heavens by pointing towards the sign of our

Redemption flaming in the southern sky. Sunday is

pretty well observed on board. The ship's company

do not allow games, and give due facilities for

services. The Holy Communion is celebrated every

Sunday at 7-45, Matins and Sermon at 10-30, and

there is a service by the Nonconformists in the

evening.

By the way 1 had a pleasant surprise in receiving,

when the ship was two days out at sea, a wireless

message from the Rector wishing me bon voyage in

the name of the people of Seagoe.

1 don't think there is anything more to say, so I

must come to an end.

Yours very sincerely,

W. T. GREY.

The Ventilation of the Church.

Messrs. Musgrave have sent in an estimate for the

ventilation of the Church, which will shortly be

considered by the Select Vestry.

We acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following

subscriptions towards this important object—

Rev. Canon Blacker, £8; Major Stewart Blacker, J.P. £2

Parish Register.

Baptisms,

" Even a child is known by his doings."

Oct 7^th —William James, son of Valentine and Amelia Anna Carville

“ Sarah, daughter of William and Rebecca Gracey.

“ 30^th Edmond, son of James and Anne Freeburn (Private Baptism)

Marriages.

" Love is of God."

Oct 1st. —Thomas James Smyth, of Portadown, to Sarah Emma Rainey of Edenderry.

Nov 3^rd Thomas Haddock, of Kernan, to Mary Jane M'Coo, of Portadown.

Burials.

' Till the day break."

Oct 3^rd —Margaret M'Kee, Kernan, aged 7 years.

Oct 6^th —Anne Kerr, Edenderry, aged 13 months.

Oct 8^th —Mary Mahaffy, Edenderry, aged 7 months,

Oct 14^th— Robert Breagh, aged 73.

Oct 25th —Margaret J. Hamilton, Belfast, aged 25.

Offertories in Parish Church

for October- Sunday Mornings, £10 13s 4d; Evenings, £4 7s 9d

Weekdays £3 l3s Od

The Harvest Services,

At all the centres where Harvest Services were

held in the Parish large congregations gathered, and

in most cases quite exceeded the capacity of the local

halls and schools. The Services in Carne Church

Hall were held on Sunday, Oct. 8th, and on Monday,

Oct. 9th. The Hall was profusely and tastefully

decorated with fruit and flowers. The Rev. F. J.

Halahan, Rector of Drumcree, preached on Sunday

afternoon, and on Monday, Rev. W. R. Crichton give

an address. The singing was very hearty.

T. H. Wilson kindly presided at the harmonium.

On Sunday, Oct. 15th, the parishioners in Drumgor

and neighbourhood held their Festival Service.

The decorations had quite transformed the Hall.

The Rector preached to a crowded congregation. Mr.

Houston kindly presided at the harmonium. On the

following evening the services were continued, and an

address on " Harvest Mercies" was given by the Rev.

F. Cole, Curate of Maralin.

Tamnificarbet Hall was densely crowded on the

occasion of the Harvest Services held there on Sun-

day, Oct. 22nd, and Monday, Oct. 23rd. The

preacher at the service on Sunday evening was the

Rev. W. F. Shire, Curate of Aghalee. Miss M. Dick-

son, the organist at the Hall services, had arranged

the music, which was well sung. On Monday evg.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

the Rector preached, and a collection was made on

behalf of Foreign Missions.

An innovation this year was the Festival Service in

Edenderry Parochial Hall on the afternoon of Sunday,

Oct. 22nd. Great taste was shown in the

decorations, and the Hall looked very pretty. The

Rector was the preacher, and in the course of his

remarks, referred to the importance of the work in

Edenderry district, and the need of its further

development. On Monday, Oct. 23rd, a Harvest

Service was also held, and the Roe. H. Gordon, Hon.

Curate of St. Mary's Parish, Belfast, preached the

sermon.

THE PARISH CHURCH.

The Services in the Parish Church were held on

Thursday, Oct. 26th, and on Sunday, Oct. 29th.

The Church had been very skilfully and prettily decorated.

The old font was especially noticeable with

its cloak of moss, brightened by hanging chains of

bright red berries. A fine display of pure white

blossoms adorned the Holy Table, while the broad

base of the east window was filled with a splendid

group of autumn flowers and fruit. The pulpit and

choir stalls looked very bright in their framework of

tinted leaves and blossoms,

Altogether the effect produced by the decoration

was extremely fine, and we thank very heartily all

who helped in the work, and also the many who sent

material for the decorations.

The Rev. Dr. Walker was the special preacher on

Thursday, and on Sunday our old friend and fellow-

townsman, Canon Kernan, Rector of Hillsborough,

preached at all services. In the afternoon a, Children's

Harvest Service was held and was well attended.

The musical part of the services was as usual excellently

rendered. The singing was marked by precision

and heartiness of expression. The Anthem

from Psalm civ. gave evidence of the careful training

of the choir by Mr. T. H. Wilson, the organist.

Miss M. Dickson sang the solo with much sweetness

and skill. It speaks well for Seagoe choir that

among its members can be found a soloist capable of

taking a difficult part with so much success.

The offerings at all the services were liberal, although

the numbers who attended the services in the

Parish Church were smaller than usual, owing to the

inclemency of the weather.

HARVEST OFFERTORIES

Hacknahay Total, £3 18 6d

Carne Sunday, £l 3 3 Monday £0 11 9

Drumgor “ £1 5 10 ½ “ £0 10 0

Tamnificarbet 0 18 0 0 10 0

Edenderry 2 5 2 0 16 10

Parish Church, Thursday, 3 3 5

Sunday, 5 1 6 2 1 10

---------------------- --------------------

£13 17 2 ½ £8 8 11

Full Total £22 6 1 ½

Items.

The little black chicken has made great friends with

the children in Seagoe School, and may be seen each

day during school hours gathering up crumbs of

bread, while the children are gathering up crumbs of

knowledge.

Commander Dawson, R.N., brother of our late

Rector, died at Genoa, in Italy, pn Monday, Oct. 16th,

at the age of 80. He was a great worker in the

cause of Missions to Seamen. Long and appreciative

notices of his life have appeared in the Englibh

Church papers.

The Primate visited Portadown, on Sundays Oct.

22nd, and preached in St. Mark's Church.

The sale of the fittings belonging to the old heating

apparatus in Seagoe Church realised over £8.

The Rev. W. T. Grey arrived in Capetown on Oct.

3rd, and in Albany, Australia, on Oct. 18th. The

" Runic" made an unusually fast voyage.

The Pump in Edenderry has become famous,

short note appeared recently in the " Daily Mail"

about it. It has been suggested that the Council

should restore the handle, and keep the pump in

repair, but the Analyst's report states that the water

is not good for drinking purposes.

The epidemic of scarlatina still continues in Edenderry,

but is fortunately of a mild type.

The Rev. Dr. Walker lost his umbrella when

motoring to the station from the Rectory on Thursday

night. If anyone has found it they would much

oblige by leaving it at the Rectory.

Miss Armstrong has returned from a holiday at

Newcastle, Co. Down.

A very important debate, lasting over an hour,

took place in the Synod regarding the action of the

Commissioners of Education towards Hacknahay

and Bluestone Schools.

Seagoe Church will be heated by the new Hot

Water system on Sunday for the first time.

During his visit to Seagoe the Bishop and Mrs.

D'Arcy were the guests of Major and Mrs. Blacker.

A substantial grant has been made by the National

Board for the heating and cleaning of National

Schools.

The recent rains have replenished the wells in

many places.

SEAGOE PARISH

At the Diocesan Synod held this week in Belfast

the Rector was elected a clerical member of the

Diocesan Council for Dromore, and Major S. W.

Blacker was re-elected as a lay member.

Hymns For November,

I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."

21st S. after 'Trinity.

5^th M 254 90 (2nd v.), 327, 360

E 273, 347, 276, 289 280

22nd S. after Trinity.

12^th M. 256 303 388 378

E. 381 631 300 277 332

23rd S. after Trinity.

19^th M 258 442 425 330

E 50 354 279 615 308

Sunday Next Before Advent

26th. M 275 553 465 514

E 479 439 543 385 400

Quarterly Church Attendance and Efficency Cards.

FULL MARKS (G5 points.).

Mary J. Best. Bella Magee.

FIRST CLASS (55 points and over).

Minnie Allen, 64 ; Emma Best, 64; Maggie Magee,

58; Dinah M'Na11y, 57.

SECOND CLASS (50 points and over).

Joseph Allen, 52; Jennie Dawson, 52; Minnie

Crawford, 51; Mollie cox, 51 ; W. R. Holland, 51 ;

Annie Best, 50; Thos. H. Boyce, 50.

THIRD CLASS (45 points and over).

Willie Cox, 48; Sam Magee, 48 ; George Watson,

48; William H. Best, 46; Thomas Dickson, 46;

Florrie Templeton, 45.

Old Seagoe Notes.

An Old Seagoe Sampler.—We have received

from Mrs. Lutton, of Edenderry, a very interesting

photograph of a Sampler made by her when a pupil

in Seagoe Day School in the year 1833. It is signed

" Sarah Porter's Sampler, Seagoe School, aged 12,

September, 1833." The stitching and lettering are

very carefully done in coloured silk thread. The

whole is surrounded by a neat border, and various

kinds of flowers are embroidered in spaces near the

verses. The Sampler is headed " Heavenly Wisdom,"

and .runs as 'follows c. —-

How happy is the man who hears

Instruction's warning voice,

And who celestial wisdom makes

His early only choice.

For she has treasures greater far

Than East and West unfold,

And her reward is more secure

Than is the gain of gold.

In her right hand she holds to view

A length of happy years,

And in her left the prize of fame

And honour bright appears.

She guides the young with innocence

In pleasure's path to tread ;

A crown of glory she bestows

Upon the hoary head.

According as her labours. rise,

So her rewards increase ;

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all her paths are peace.

The Sampler is interesting, not only because of its

association with Mrs. Lutton, who is still hale and

hearty at the age of 90 years, but also as an example

of the work done in the Parish Day School 78

years ago. The School at that time was

held in a thatched building in the School Park (as it,

was called) a triangular piece of ground below the old

graveyard. The Porter family to which Mrs Lutton

belongs has had a long and honourable connection

with Seagoe Parish, and we are sure our readers will

join us in wishing Mrs. Lutton every blessing and

happiness in her old age.

Churchwardens of Seagoe (Continued).

1750 Valentine Joyce.

Thomas Robinson.

1751 Wi11iam Blacker, Esq.

Mr. John Waite

1752—Mr. Darcy Windford (Wentworth).

Mr. John Bradshaw.

1753—Mr. William Dickson, of Lower Sego.

Mr. Robert Harrison, of Knockmena.

1754—Mr. William Robinson, of Lilo.

Mr. Oliver Dynes.

An Interesting Entry.-—October 14th, 1760,

Thomas Erwin and Ann Holland, sworn, and a,

Licence granted, and marryed the same day.

Curious Burial Entries.—About the year 1740

some of the entries in Seagoe Burial Registers are

quaintly recorded :—

A gentleman at Robert Blacker's in Edenderry

buried December the 10th 1739.

John Medcafe in Lower Sego had his servant

man buried March 21st 1739.

Pat; M'Lindon had 2 burials about the latter end

June 1740.

Ed: Down and his sone (enquire of William Johnston

for his house) were buried about the middle Of June

1740.

The child of Andrew Campbell had a child buried

November 18th, 1711.