November 1913

Seagoe Parish magazine.

NOVEMBER, 1913.

The Beehive Bazaar on behalf of Seagoe

Rectory Purchase Scheme, will (D. V,) be

held in the Town Hall, Portadown, on

Thursday, December 1 1th, 1913.

Dedication of the Canon Blacker Memorial

THE Dedication of the Memorial to the late

Rev. Canon Blacker took place in Seagoe

Church, on Sundays October 26th, at

Morning Prayer. The occasion was, we

believe, unique in the history of the Parish by reason

of the presence at the same service of the Archbishop of

Armagh, and of the Bishop of Down. As successive

Bishops of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin, both the

Primate and the Lord Bishop experienced the

valued friendship of the late Canon Blacker whose

estate of Woodbrook, Co. Wexford, is in the Diocese of

Ferns. To know the late Canon Blacker was to love

him, and the presence of the Chief Pastor of the

Church of Ireland, with the Chief Pastor of this

Diocese, was a testimony to the high regard entertained

by the whole Church for his memory.

After Morning Prayer, which was said by the

Rector and the Rev. G. Bloomer, the Lord Bishop

(Rt. Rev. C. F. D'Arcy, D D.) solemnly Dedicated

the Memorial " To the glory of God, and in memory

of Robert Shapland Carew Blacker." Special

Dedicatory Collects were then said, after which the

Bishop consigned the Memorial to the reverent care

of the Clergy and Churchwardens of the Parish of

Seagoe

The Sermon was preached by the Primate (Most

Rev. J. B. Crozier, D.D.) frorn the text Heb. xii. 1,2.

At the close of his Sermon he made special reference

to the saintly life of Canon Blacker, summing it up

in the words of the inscription on the Gordon

Monument in St. Paul's Cathedral, " he gave his

strength to the weak, his substance to the poor, his

help to the suffering, and his heart to God."

The Lessons were read by Major S. W. Blacker

the second lesson, Ephes. iv.. 1-17, being specially

chosen for the Service. The Hymns sung had also

special reference to the Dedication, beipg 335, 42(),

346, and 343 (pt. 1.)

At the beginning of the Service the Churchwardens

(Mr. J. Twinem, and Mr. W. Best) met the

Archbishop, Bishop, and Clergy at the West door,

and headed the procession up the main aisle of the

Church.

The Offertory was on behalf of the Renovation

Fund of the Church.

At Evening Prayer the Service was conducted by

the Clergy of the Parish, the Lessons being read by

Major Blacker. The Lord Bishop preached from the

text St. Matt. xxviii., 20, Lo I am with you alway,"

and made a touching reference to Canon Blacker.

At the close of the Service the Hymn " Abide with

Me" (one of Canon Blacker's favourites) was sung

by the congregation, kneeling.

The Memorial forms a very handsome addition to

the decoration of the Parish Church. The Panelling

is constructed of the finest Austrian Oak. The

design, which is very richly carved, came originally,

we believe, from the studio of Mr. Henry Seaver,

Architect, of Belfast. The carving and erection of

the panelling was entrusted to the capable hands of

Messrs. Purdy and Millard, Belfast. The panelling

at the highest point reaches height of 10 feet, but

has been so arranged as not in any way to interfere

with the view of the East Window. The upper

walls of the Chancel have been recoloured in

pleasing shade of blue.

A small brass plate on the right hand upper side of

the panelling bears the following inscription

To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Robert

Shapland Carew Blacker, of Carrick Blacker and

Woodbrook, Canon of Peterborough, born January

1826, died January, 1913."

Rev. W. Bryan-Brown,

The Rev. W. Bryan-Brown, who conducted

successful Parochial Mission in Seagoe seven years

ago, will (D.v.) preach in Seagoe Church, on Wednesday

evening, November 26th, at 8 p.m. Mr, Bryan.

Brown intends holding a Mission in St. Matthews

Parish, Belfast, during the ten days preceding that

date.

A circular has been issued by the Lord Bishop of

Down asking the prayers of the people of the Diocese

on behalf of the great Belfast Mission which commences

(D.v.) on Saturday, November 15th. We

hope our people will remember the Mission in their

prayers.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Goban Street.

This is the name of the new street in Edenderry,

It is of interest to the people of Seagoe Parish to

know that it is called after Goban the first Founder

of Seagoe Church. The name Seagoe is derived

from two Irish words Suidhe (pronounced Swee ')

and Gobbar (pronounced Gowon) meaning the abode

of Goban." We notice a misprint in the local

newspapers where the name is spelled ' Gobann ' as if

it had something to do with the River Bann. The

custom of naming streets and avenues after local

historical personages is to be commended.

Mr. Wilson Irwin,

Many in the parish regret very much the departure

of Mr. Wilson Irwin from Carne. Mr. Irwin was

most loyal member of the Church, and has on several

occasions been elected by his fellow Churchmen to

the Select Vestry, and also to represent the Parish at

the Diocesan Synod. Mr. Irwin is at present

residing at Bangor, Co. We shall always be

glad to sse him in the old Church and Parish.

Week-night Bible Classes.

The Week-night Bible Classes for men begin work

this month as follows:—

November 3rd at 8.

Drumgor Lane —Wednesday, November 5th at 8.

Hacknahay—Thursday, November 6th at 8.

The men residing in these Districts are invited to

join these Classes for Bible Study.

Girls Friendly Society.

The opening meeting of the Hacknahay branch of

the G.F.S., will be held in Miss Calvert's house at

Breagh on Tuesday November 11th at 7-30, a punctual

attendance of all the members is requested. Arrangements

are being made for the holding of G.F.S.

classes for Members and Candidates in Edenderry

Parochial Hall on Thursday at 8.

The Harvest Services.

This year as in past years, the Harvest Services

have been attended by overflowing congregations.

The Parish Church was a splendid sight in its

of fruit and flowers, which surpassed in

richness that of any previous year: The Service for

Foreign Missions on Thursday, October 9th, was

marked by a spirit of reverent thanksgiving. Canon

Garstin preached a stirring sermon on the text, " I

was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the

House of the Lord."

On Sunday, October 12th, the Services were

continued. The Rev. R. D Patterson preached on

The seed growing secretly. In the evening the

Rev R. U. Greer took as his text, Where hast thou

gleaned to-day." The Harvest Anthem was well

sung by large Choir, the soloists being Miss M.

Dickson and Mr. W. Turner, both of whom acquitted

themselves well. The District Harvest Services have

been unusually well attended. The local schools

and halls have been decorated with great taste. In

Tamnificarbet feature of the Decorations were

long looped lines of the Crimson Berries of the Wild

Rose. Drumgor School was most tastefully

decorated with elaborate fringes of corn. Carne

Church Hall was noteworthy for its floral decorations,

chiefly magnificent Chrysanthemums, and also for

very neat little Corn Stack. In each place the

offerings both for Local Church Expenses and for

Foreign Missions were liberal, and the musical parts

of the services were rendered with much taste. The

time is coming "hen well trained Choirs should be

established in each of the district centres. The

special preachers were :

—In Carbet, the Rev. J. Rennison ; in Drumgor,

the Rev. J. Haddock, and in

Carne, the Rev. H. Ewart. We thank very heartily

all who so willingly assisted at the various Services

in the Parish Church, and in the outlying Districts.

PARISH REGISTER FOR October

Baptisms.

Even a Child is known by his doings."

Baptized on October 4th, 191b

Gracey—Margaret, daughter of William and Rebecca Gracey, of Balteagh

Sponsors—Margaret Letitia HoppS, Rebecca Gracey.

Freeburn—Bella, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Freeburn, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Elizabeth Freeburn,Margaret Letitia Hopps

Matchett—William James, son of Albert and Jemima Matchett, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Martha Moreton, Jemima Matchett.

Guy—Thomas Ernest, son of David and Hannah Maria Guy, of Upper Seagoe.

Sponsors—Margaret Gordon, Hannah Maria Guy.

M 'Kerr—Emily, daughter of John and Sarah M'Kerr of Drumgor.

Sponsors—Saroh McKerr and Margaret Letitia Hoppse

M 'Kerr—Martha, daughter of John and Sarah McKerr, of Drumgor.

Sponsors — Sarah McKerr and Margaret Letitia Hopps.

Marriage,

' 'As Christ also loved His spouse the Church."

Carson and Lyness—October 8th. 1913, Robert Carson, of Ballygroobany,

Parish of Mullabrack, to Martha Lynes of Carne.

Burials.

October 7th—Mary Gracey, of Balteagh5 aged -74 years. Interred at Shankill graveyard.

October 9th—Eliza M'Cann, of Drumgor, aged 72 years.

Hymns for November.

Lift up your hearts.".

2^Nd – M 33, 347, 363. E.--32, 354„ 461, 327, 492.

9^th – M 310, 166, 136, 237 E 137 273, 158, 90 (pt. ii).

16^th M 257 121, 238, 148. E.—234. 496, 236, 453r 541.

23^rd M 467, 67, 257, 131 E.—127, 31, 11, 332, 415.

30^th M 520 327, 68. 112. E.—73, 615, 65, 113, 562.

New Chant —Venite—200.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

ITEMS.

On Sunday afternoon, September 21st, during a

severe thunderstorm a house in Century Street was

struck by lightning and some bricks were dislodged

from the chimney.

We gratefully acknowledge the receipt of a handsome

Tea Cloth, embroidered with the letter S

for Seagoe," from Miss Minnie Graham, 372 Park

Avenue, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.A., to be sold at

the forthcoming Beehive Bazaar.

The recent issues of this Magazine (350 copies

monthly) have all been sold off within the week of

publication.

A series of Cottage Services is being arranged in

Edenderry. The first of the series was held on

Thursday, October 23rd, in Foundry Street, at 8

o'clock, in a room kindly lent by Mr. and Mrs.

Freeburn. Mr. J. J. Dobson conducted the service

and an address was given by the Rector. There was

a good attendance.

Cottage Services will (D.v.) be held during the

month on Thursday evenings in the following

streets—November 6th in Florence Court ; November

13th in James Street; November 20th in Joseph

Street ; November 27th in Carrickblacker Road.

A Potato weighing 3 lbs 4 ozs was dug recently on

the farm of Mr. Robert Lyness, of Carne.

The good harvest has produced quite a plague of

rats and mice They swarm everywhere at the

present moment.

Those interested in the Stars should note Cassiopeia

overhead this month Its shape is like a wide

W Mars is visible all this month slow down in

the South Eastern heavens. The splendid

constellation Orion with the famous belt of 3 stars is

now visible in the Eastern sky. Meteors may be

plentiful in the "Sickle" of Leo on the 15th and 16th

of this month. On November 1st Daylight begins at 4-58 and

ends at 6-28 p.m.

Sunday School Examinations will be held throughout

the Parish during November and December,

Deep regret has been felt in the Parish at the

death of Mrs. Gracey of Balteagh, and much

is expressed With her relatives in their sad loss.

Harvest Services—Edenderry, November 2nd, 3-30 ;

November 3rd, 8. Levaghery, November 9th, 3-30

November 10th, at 8.

Seagoe Literary and Debating Society.

This new Society began its work on Tuesday,

October 14bh, with a, Debate on " Women's Suffrage."

The set speakers were Affirmative Mr J J

Dobson; Negative—Mr. R. E. Doherty. Great

interest was taken in the discussion, and the following

also spoke :—Messrs. J. Twinem, T Dawson, G

Locke, and the Rev. G. Bloomer. A vote was taken

at the close when 12 voted for and 12 against, the

Chairman giving a casting vote in favour of the

negative.

On Tuesday October 21st, Mr. J. Branagh„

T.C.D., of Ballinderry, read paper on " John

Wesley and the Wesleyan Movement."

The paper was most interesting, and gave rise to a. prolonged

and animated discussion. On Tuesday, October

28th, the subject was a Debate on " Conscription."

Mr. R. E. Doherty opened on the Affrmative„ and

the Rev. G. Bloomer on the Negative. The following

also spoke—J. J. Dobson, G. Locke, J. Twinem,

T. Dawson, R. T. Montgomery, and Mrs. Doherty.

It was an excellent debate, and the Affirmative won

by two votes.

Programme for November—

Nov. 4th—' A Visit to the Field of Waterloo," by the President (Rev. J, E. Archer).

Nov. 11th—Debate on Tariff Reform."

18th—Essay by Mr. S. Reid, M.A., Belfast, on " Moral Ideals."

25th—Municipal Election Addresses by Members, on " The Improvement of Portadown."

A Seagoe Man in Toronto.

We print here an extract from an interesting

letter received from Mr. Herbert Murray, who recently left Seagoe for Toronto, Canada

Toronto is a very nice city, and I like it very well.

There are some very fine buildings, including the

City Hall, which is twenty five storeys high, and the

Canadian Pacific Railway Building which is seventeen

storeys high. We are having nice weather now,

but in a few weeks we shall have the cold weather,

when the and frost comes. Sleighing and

skating are the favourite recreations, I have met

quite a lot of Portadown and Seagoe folk out here, so

no matter where you go your are always sure to meet

someone from Seagoe

The church I go to is very nice one, and is only

about five minutes walk from where I am staying.

It is one of the largest in the city, and has seating

accommodation for 1,600, and it is full to overflowing

every Sunday. Last Sunday many had to be

content with standing room, as it was the Anniversary

of the Building of the Church, and there were

Special Services. In the morning the Rector

preached, and in the evening Canon Abbott, Dean of

Christ Church Cathedral, Hamilton, was the special

preacher. We hove splendid surpliced choir, and

the music is very attractive.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

There are a great, many organizations in connection

with St Anne's. I have joined the Young Men's

Bible Class. The Anglican Young People's Association,

and the Men's Association. I was at the

Opening Banquet of the A. Y. P.A. last Thursday and

it was very good, and on next Thursday we are going

to have a chalk Talk." I don't know yet what it

will be like, but I guess I shall know more about it

when I hear it. During the winter there is a very

interesting programme (a copy of which I enclose).

About Christmas there is to be a “ Hard Times

Party." Everyone goes there with the worst clothes

they can put on, and I am told it is one of the most

interesting entertainments of the whole year.

Although I like St. Anne's very well, I still like to

read the “ Seagoe News " or the Magazine which I

get every month. I must now conclude, wishing you

and the Parish of Seagoe much blessing and

prosperity.

15th October, 1913,

Offertories for October.

" Every man hath received the gift."

Sunday—Mornings £10 15 9

Evenings 7 3 3

Week-days 3 11 3

Total, £21 10 3

The above total includes the Harvest Offerings—October

9th, £3 4s 7d ; October 12th, Morning, £4 15s 6d, Evening,

£4 0s 7d, also the Collections on October 26th, Morning,

£3 6s 10d. Evening, £2 10s 1d.

The Dutch Fair.

The following sums have been handed in since the last

issue

For Tickets sold —W. Turner, 2/6 ; T. Hopps, 4/- ; D.

Boyee, 1/- ; Mrs M •Mullan, 10/6, Mrs Twinem, 6/-, J. J.

Dobson, 2/- ; Mrs Dickson, 2/- ; Mrs Johnston (Beechcote),

2/-; Miss S. Martin, 6d ; Miss L. Dickson, 1/6; Miss R.

England, 3/-; Miss T. Quaile, 2/6; J. Fleming, 6d. Total,

-El 18s Ode This sum, added to last month's total (£15 13s

5d). brings the Receipts up to £17 11S 5d. Expenses connected

with Aunt Sally," 2/3, and for the Wood for Stalls,

2/4, have to be deducted from above total.

Old Seagoe Notes.

The First “ Select Vestry " of Seagoe Parish.

Select Vestries were appointed for the first time

in the Church of Ireland after the Church was

Disestablished in 1870. Before that time they were

known simply as Vestries. Here is the first entry

from the Seagoe Records after Disestablishment

At a Vestry held by adjournment on Whitsun

Monday, 1870, at 12 0'clock noon, at the Schoolhouse,

Seagoe, Archdeacon Saurin (the Rector) in the chair,

the following gentlemen were chosen as a Select

Vestry —1, Stewart Blacker, Esq.; 2, Thomas

Armstrong, Esq., Junr., Eden Hall ; 3, Mr. Abraham

MaCoun, Drumgor ; 4, Mr. Robert White; 5, Mre

William Vaughan ; 6, Mr. Leonard Jennett ; 7, Mr.

Joseph Lawson ; 8, Mr. Robert Reid ; 9, Mr. Leonard

Calvert ; 10, Mr. R. A. Atkinson, Bank of Ireland ;

11, Mr. Alexander Russell, Drumgor ; 12, Mr. James

Atkinson.

The following were appointed as Synodsmen"

Wolsey Atkinson, Esq., Eden Villa ; T. Armstrong,

Esq., Jun., Eden Hall ; Mr. Johu Montgomery ; Mr.

Abraham MaCoun.

The following were appointed Nominators

Stewart Blacker, Esq. ; Wolsey Atkinson, Esq.

Thomas Armstrong, Esq., Jun., Eden Hall.

JAMES SAURIN, Archd.

WOLSEY ATKINSON, Churchwardens

JOHN MONTGOMERY,

The Earliest Historic Reference to Seagoe

Parish.—The earliest reference to Seagoe Church is in

a historical document is found in the “Calendar of

Cashel " referred to by the late Bishop Reeves in his

Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Down and Connor

(p. 10). The actual reference is in Latin as follows—

Gobanus de Teg-de- Goba, ad ripam Bannii fluminis

in Ibh-echach regione Ultonia, which being translated

is Goban of the House of Goban, near the

bank of the River Bann in Iveagh, a district of

Ulster." There are several points of great interest

in this sentence. It proves first of all that the

Church of Seagoe was originally the house " of

Goban. Teg " is the Irish word for a house.

This house of Goban evidently became a resort for

the people of the District, who became converted to

Christianity by the preaching of Goban, and when

Goban died the “ house " became by a natural

process the place where Christian worship was.

celebrated and in time fulfilled the functions of

Church. The Church and Parish were for many

centuries known as Tydba a corruption of Teg-da-

gobo. The proximity of the Church to the River

Bann was the way in which its locality was made

clear in the most ancient records for two reasons, no

doubt first because of the ancient custom of river

Baptism, and second because before good roads

existed access to the District was most readily

accomplished by means of boats on the rivers,

Iveagh " was apparently a more ancient name for

the District than its present name O'Neilland, and

seems to prove that Seagoe as a Christian Centre

existed a considerable time before the Sept of

the O'Neill's conquered the District. The O'Neill's

were defeated by the Danes at Drumlisnagrilley in

Seagoe Parish in A.D. 941, so that Seagoe must

have been well known as a Christian settlement as

early as the eighth century and possibly earlier,