November 1915

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

NOVEMBER, 1915.

Harvest Thanksgiving Services.

On Sunday, October 31st, the Harvest Thanksgiving

Services will be continued in the Parish

Church. The Rev. E. P. Riddell, M.A., of Lisburn,

will preach at Morning and Evening Prayer. The

Collections will be on behalf of Parochial Church

Expenses.

A Famous Regiment.

So many of our Seagoe Men are now serving their

King and Country in the ranks of the Royal Irish

Fusiliers, it may be of interest to our readers to learn

something of the history of this famous Regiment.

The 1st Battalion was originally known as the 87th

Regiment of Foot, and the 2nd Battalion as the 89th

Regiment of Foot.

The 87th Regiment was raised in Ireland, under

an order dated 18th September, 1793, by Colonel

(afterwards General) Sir John Doyle. A second

Battalion of that Regiment was raised in 1804, under

the Additional Forces Act, by the late Sir Charles

Doyle, son of the Founder of the Regiment.

The 89th Regiment was raised in 1793-4 by Colonel

(afterwards Lieut. Gen.) Crosbie, On 16th July, 1827,

the 87th Regiment was made a Fusilier Corps.

The Regiment got its title " Princess Victoria's

Regiment " from an interesting event which occurred

on the 3rd August, 1833. On that day Princess

Victoria (afterwards Queen Victoria) performed the

first public function of her long life, by presenting

Colours to the 89th Regiment, and in memory of

that notable event the title " Princess Victoria's" was

conferred on the Regiment. The colours then presented

are still to be seen hanging up in All Saints'

Church at Aldershot.

The Collar Badge of the Regiment which is so

highly prized by all ranks and worn with so much

pride by many relatives of the men, consists of a Hand

Grenade or Globe from one end of which issue flames.

A second Collar Badge represents the Egyptian

Sphinx over the initials of Princess Victoria. The

R.I.P. is one of two Regiments permitted to wear two

Collar Badges in the British Army, the Seaforth

Highlanders being the other.

The Waist Badge is very interesting. It represents

an Eagle with outspread wings, surrounded by laurel

wreaths, and on tablet beneath the Eagle is

mysterious little numeral " 8." The Eagle and the

figure 8 " commemorate an incident which occurred

at the Battle of Barrosa on March 5th, 1811, when

the Eagle or Standard of the 8th French Light

Infantry was captured by a famous Fusilier

Sergeant Patrick Masterson, during a charge of the

Regiment. This was perhaps the most famous fight

in which the Regiment ever engaged, and on the day

following the battle, General Sir Thomas Graham

wrote as follows to Sir John Doyle :—" Your Regiment

has covered itself with glory.”

Recommend it and its commander Gough to their illustrious patron

the Prince Regent. Too much cannot be done for it. "

The Battle Honours of the R.I.F. worn on the

Regimental Colours are Egypt," " Monte Video,"

Talavgra," " Barrosa," Java," Vittoria," " Nivelles,

Niagara," Orthes," " Toulouse," " Peninsula „"

" Sebastopol," "Egypt, 1882-1884," Tel-el-Kebir."

Many other interesting particulars regarding this

famous Regiment are to be found in a work entitled,

" Historical Records of the 89th Regiment " by

Captain R. Brinckman.

In France.

Since our last issue our Seagoe Volunteers have

moved from the Camp at Bordon, and crossed the

Channel into the War Zone in France. From many

sources we have gathered the following particulars

about them, but of course it is not possible to give

names of places or dates :—They had a calm and

safe journey by night across the Channel, and

although the boat was very full most of the boys got

good sleep. After landing in France they had a

couple of hours' march to camp, and were there

welcomed by an advance party of the Regiment. The

next stage in their journey was not quite so pleasant.

It was by train in trucks—40 in a truck—but the

boys were in high spirits, and amused the French

railway porters by pretending they were cows or

sheep as they boarded the waggons. The next stage

was a long and hungry march, with a good feed at

the end of it. The Regiment now occupies several

villages, and have found fairly comfortable quarters

in the farm-houses and outbuildings, They sleep on

straw, and as opportunity offers they help during the

day-time in work on the farms. The people are very

kind to them. Coffee has taken the place of tea.

Apples and pears are abundant, but not so good as in

this country. The officers are quartered in private

houses and public buildings, The chaplains hove

held services for the men in any available building.

Killed in Action,

We deeply regret the death in action of one of

of our Seagoe lads. Samuel Clayton who

was severely wounded in the chest on September 3rd,

at the Dardanelles. A letter was received from him

after he was wounded, from which it seemed as if he

were recovering, but unfortunately news came in

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

October that he had passed away in Hospital at

Malta on October 2nd.

We express our deep sympathy with the sorrowing

relatives of this brave young soldier, who has

made the great sacrifice of his own life for the

sake of King and Country.

Our Wounded

As far as we can learn all our wounded Seagoe

men are making a good recovery. Unfortunately

some are so severely wounded as to be unfit for

further service. William James Whiteside, of

Carrickblacker Road, who has lost his sight owing to

a wound received in France, has returned from St.

Dunstan's Hospital for Blinded Soldiers. He speaks

in warm terms of the kindness shown him there.

Thomas Porter, of Kernan, has returned home for

brief holiday from the Dardanelles. He had a

severe attack of fever, and was in Hospital at Malta

for a long time. He took part in the famous landing at Gallipoli.

Lost and Found,

A few days ago Mrs. James Liggett, of Florence

Court, Edenderry, received letter from her husband,

Private James Liggett, 9th Batt. Scottish Rifles, who

had been severely wounded in France on September

25th. He is at present in hospital at Norwich. In

his letter he says—" When I was wounded the right

hand side of my coat was blown away, and I have

lost my little Testament which was in that pocket."

By the same post Mrs. Liggett received letter from

a Private Hogg to the following effect I apologise

for writing to you, but I feel I must do so, I found

the enclosed little Testament here in the Trenches,

and as your name and address were written inside it,

I send it on to you. I am afraid the owner of it has

been killed." The little book is none, the worse for

its rough experience.

Harvest Service in the Parish Church.

On Thursday, October 28th, the Annual Service of

Harvest Thanksgiving was held in Seagoe Parish

Church, The decorations were very pretty, and

there was a great profusion of blossoms, even though

so late in the season. The Anthem, " Praise the

Lord," was sung with great taste and expression,

The soprano solo was taken by Miss Amy Walker,

who also joined in the quartette with Miss Chambers

and Messrs, D. Murray and D, Livingstone, Both

the solo and the quartette were splendidly sung. Mr.

T. U. Wilson is to be congratulated on the present

efficiency of Seagoe Choir, which will bear favourable

comparison with the best of our mixed Church choirs

in town or country. The Lessons were read by the

Rev, G. H. Daunt and the Rev. D. Patterson, The

Rev. R. Walker, Rector of St. Barnabas

Church, Belfast, preached sermon on the Parable

Of The Thresher and the Plowman."

The collection was on behalf of Foreign Missions.

An Interesting Letter.

Private Samuel Gracey, Canadian Regiment,

of Road, was here recently on a visit

from the Front, where he has been engaged in severe

fighting for some time past. He brought with him

several interesting relics of the battlefield, including

two letters which he picked up in a trench captured

from the Germans. Miss Amy Walker, of Seagoe

Farm, has kindly translated them, and we here give

the contents of the more interesting one.

BUCHHAUSEN, 5/5/15.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

I am just sitting down to write a

few lines to you. Many thanks for your loving

letter. We also received your Post Card as well as

the Bullet. We shall keep it as Souvenir for you

to wear on your watch chain if you are spared to

return. Karl also wrote to us. He was obliged to go

to Berlin for some new horses. Erwin is in Elberfeld.

They have again captured 30,000 Russians.

Praise the Lord for this. We had a celebration of

victory in the Church yesterday evening. The

Trumpets sounded and a male choir sang. May

God will it that the war may soon he ended. Pastor

Linz says we must still hope and have confidence.

Peace will surely come, only we must have confidence

and be of good cheer. Dear Brother, did you get the

Parcel we sent you? We are making up two more

with Butter and Bacon. I hope you will like them.

Now, I must conclude with love, hoping to see you

soon in the Homeland.

your Sister,

JOHANNA.

Condolence.

Our Obituary List this month contains the names

of three parishioners, young in years, who have been

called away from earth to, we believe, higher service

in Heaven. A pathetic interest attached to the passing

away of Willie Major. whose father obtained

leave from Bordon Camp to see him. The little

fellow died just four hours after his father had left

on his return to the Camp. Mary Cooke had a long

and trying illness, which she bore with great

fortitude and patience. She had been a regular attender

for many years at Hacknahay Sunday School,

was much loved by her teachers and fellow-pupils for

her gentle disposition. William Maxwell has also

been called away after many weeks of suffering.

Just before his illness he had enlisted, and was

very keen to get to the front, where his father

and. brother are now serving; but it has been

ruled otherwise, His funeral was largely attended,

lb remarkable that two of these young people

whose deaths we so deeply mourn were the children

of men, now serving in the war, and the third, Mary

Cooke, was the daughter of one who had served in

India for 12 years,

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

District Harvest Festivals.

The District Harvest Festivals this year were very

largely attended by the residents in the various parts

of the Parish. In our last issue we referred to

the Services at Hacknahay.

Services were held at Carne Church Hall on Sun-

day, October 10th, and Monday, October 11th. The

Hall had been most tastefully decorated, and, as

usual, the Chrysanthemums from Mrs. Reid's were

conspicuous in their Autumn glory. The Rector

conducted the Services on Sunday, and on the

following evening the Rev. G. H. Daunt, Rector of

Knocknamuckley, preached. Mr. T. H. Wilson

ably officiated at the Organ.

Drumgor held its Festival Services on Sunday,

October 17th, and on Monday, October 18th. The

Hall was well filled, and the Services were most

hearty. The Rector preached on the subject of

Creation." On Monday the Rev. G. Bloomer gave

a Harvest Address, and appealed on behalf of the

great cause of " Missions." Mr. Chambers kindly

officiated at the Organ. Great care and taste were

displayed in the decorations. We thank very heartily

the young men of Drumgor for recolouring the

walls and repairing the School before the Service.

The Services in Tamnificarbet Hall on October

24th and 25th were very largely attended. The

Rev. G. Bloomer preached at the Sunday Service

and on Monday the Rev. J. Haddock, of the

Trinity College Mission, Belfast, preached on behalf

of Foreign Missions. The Hall was very prettily

decorated, and the music, under the direction of Miss

M. Dickson, was very heartily rendered.

Levaghery had its Harvest Festival on the same

date as Carbet. The Schoolroom was decorated with

great skill and care, and there was a large attendance.

The words " Harvest Home " were conspicuous in

red berries among the decorations, The Rey. H.

Rennison, Curate-in-Charge of Drumcree, spoke at

the Service on Monday.

Seagoe Suhday School.

Mr. William Turner, who, has acted as Superintendent

of Seagoe Morning Sunday School for several

years past, has resigned his post owing to his family

having removed from the Parish. Mr. Turner

discharged his duties with much success, and his

kindly manner made him very popular with both

Teachers and Pupils.

Mr. Thomas England has been appointed

Superintendent in Mr. Turner's place, and will, we are

confident, fulfil his responsible duties in a most

efficient manner.

Sunday School work is a most

important branch of our Parochial Organisation,

Roll of Honour.

The following have joined the Colours since our

last issue. We record the names with great pleasure—

James Chambers, Reserve 9th Batt. R.I.F.

Leslie Clench, Wireless Royal Flying Corps, Farnborough, Hants.

The Rev G, Bloomer, B-A,

Mr Bloomer's tenure of the Curacy of Seagoe

comes to an end on October 31st. He enters upon

his work as Curate St. Mark's Parish on November 1st.

We regret very much his departure from

Seagoe Parish where bis work has been marked

throughout by diligence and efficiency, the direct

result we know of bis loyal allegiance to his Divine

Master and Lord. He has made many lasting

friends in the Parish, who will wish him God speed

in the strenuous work which lies before him. Our

prayers and best wishes will accompany him, and we

are glad that he will not be very far removed from

Seagoe, and that we shall still frequently see him in

our midst.

Comforts for our Soldiers and Sailors

The winter's work has been resumed. A meeting

will be held in Seagoe School the first Wednesday in

each month at 3-30 p.m., to give out wool and

instructions, and to receive finished work, also wool

can always be obtained from Miss Atkinson at Eden

Villa.

Unless otherwise desired, all comforts will be for

the men of the 9th Battalion.

A very generous response has on the whole, been

made to the box appeal. We hope to publish the

total amount next month.

The Hacknahay G.F.S., under Miss Calvert,

contributed Socks, Muffers, and Mitts last winter. We

hope we may count on their valuable help again,

Items.

Mr. Halliday Russell, a native of Drumgor, has

given the name of " Drumgor to his house in

Salisbury Avenue, Belfast.

We heartily congratulate Captain T J Atkinson,

9th Batt. R.I.F., on his recent promotion to the

rank of Major.

We hear the Rev. F J. Halahan has had his turn

in the Trenches with the men of the 9th Batt. R.I-F.

Mr. W, R. Atkinson and Mr. George Calvert were

elected Supplemental Members of the Dioceson

Council at the recent Synod: held in Belfast. Mr.

W. H. Atkinson was also elected a Member of the

General Synod,

Offertories for October,

Sunday Mornings £7 14 5

Evenings, 1 8 9

Week Days 3 0 5

£12 3 7

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Church Attendance Cards,

THIRD QUARTER.

SEAGOE SUNDAY SCHOOL.

1st Rank—Mary J. Atkinson, 39 ; Isabella Best, 39

May Best, 39 ; Mary Wilson, 36,

2nd Rank—Lizzie Patton. 90,

3rd Rank—Joseph Kelly—26,

EDENDERRY SUNDAY SCHOOL.

1st Rank—None, 2nd Rank—None,

3rd Rank—Minnie Crawford, 26 ; Edith Haire, 26

Eva Magee, 26; Hannah Johnston,

29 ; Wm. J. Rainey, 26,

4th Rank—Emily Cox, 21.

CARNE SUNDAY SCHOOL,

3rd Rank—Wm, J, Costello, 25 ; Theresa Ramsay,

25 ; Hannah Caddell, 25 ; Margaret

Costello, 26.

PARISH REGISTER FOR OCTOBER

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized on October 2nd, 1915:

Pentland—George, son of Robert and Jane Pentland, of Killicomaine.

Sponsors—Hannah Bryars, Jane Pentland,

Fletcher—John, son of Joseph and Jane Eliza Fletcher, of Killicomaine.

Sponsors—Frances Edith Livingstone, Jane Eliza Fletcher.

Webb—Caroline, daughter of David Alexander and Margaret Webb, of Lylo.

Sponsors—Margaret Jane Wilson, Margaret Webb.

M 'Murray—Samuel Rufus, son of William James and Adeline M 'Murray, of Kernan.

Watson—Anna Maria, daughter of William Joseph and Anne Watson, of Killicomaine.

Sponsors—Eveline Holland and Anne Watson.

Marriage,

Dickson and Robinson—October 6th, 1915 William John Dickson, of Tamnifiglasson,

to Elizabeth Robinson, of Tamnifiglasson.

Burials,

Major—September 27, William J. Major, of Edenderry, aged 8 years.

Cooke—October 24th, Mary Anne Cooke, of Breagh, aged 19 years.

Maxwell—October 27th, William Maxwell, of Edenderry, aged 19 years.

Old Seagoe Notes,

A Famous Seagoe Athlete.—Since we published

our note on Samuel Jordan, the famous Seagoe

Athlete, in last month's issue, we have received

further facts regarding his wonderful jumping feats.

Mr, Thomas M'Crory heard from a resident in the

Parish named M'Donald, who died some years ago,

that Jordan on one occasion jumped over three fullgrown

horses set side by side. Mr. M'Crory himself

records that Jordan leaped across one of the widest

drains in Derryvore.

Mr. Samuel Graham, of The Wood, Kernan, gives

the following interesting account of Jordan's achievements

:—On one occasion horse races were held at

Ballinteggart, and a, County Monaghan visitor, who

was famous as an athlete, leaped over the bank and

ditch jump made for the horses. He then challenged

the bystanders that he could beat any man in the

County Armagh at jumping. The challenge was

accepted by the late Mr. John Watson, ot Edenderry,

who had in view Samuel Jordan as the champion of

Armagh. On a day fixed the competition was ar-

ranged to take place in the yard of what is now known

as the Imperial Hotel, Portadown. A large crowd

met the Co. Monaghan man at the then Passenger

Station (now the Goods Station). The visitor made

a great impression as he left the station by leaping

over the high paling instead of going through the

gate.

The test in the Hotel Yard was a stiff one. Six

chairs were placed at short intervals, then six empty

barrels, and after that a, cross-bar 6 ft. above ground.

Each competitor was required to jump over each

chair in succession, then in and out of each barrell,

and then to clear the six-foot bar. Both accomplished

their difficult feat successfully. The bar was then

raised six inches higher, and Jordan cleared it with

ease, while the Co. Monaghan man failed. So the

County Armagh man won Samuel Jordan went

shortly afterwards to the R.I.C. Depot at the Phoenix

Park, Dublin, and while there carried off all Jumping

prizes at the Constabulary Sports. When he went

to New South Wales he won every Jumping event

in which he competed.

Seagoe Sunday School, 1852.—Mrs. Atkinson,

of Eden Villa, has kindly sent us the announcement

(printed on a thin slip of blue paper) of a Sermon

preached in Seagoe Church no less than 63 years

ago, It is as follows :—" Seagoe Sunday School.—

The Annual Sermon in support of this School will

(D. V.) be preached in Seagoe Church on Sunday, 4th

January, 1852, by the Rev. Capel Wolsely."

A Seagoe Naval Hero —Mr. George M'Caughley,

who died on 6th April, 1831, at Derryvore, aged

56, had a varied career. He entered the Navy at an

early age, and was on board the " Leviathan " under

Earl Howe during a fierce engagement on June 1st,

1794, and in the " Sceptre " under Captain Essington

at the taking of the Cape of Good Hope. He

was present at the capture of the Dutch Fleet at

Saldanah Bay, 1796, and served under Nelson at

Teneriffe, and on his assault on the Boulogne Flotilla.

He was severely wounded on several occasions,

and ultimately died from the effects of a serious

wound in the leg, After his return home he taught

in Seagoe Parochial School, and was Vestry Clerk of

Seagoe for some years,