November 1918

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER, 1918.

Dedication of Memorial Gifts.

On Sunday, October the Memorial Tablet erected in the Parish Church to the memory of the

late Mr. George Calvert was unveiled and dedicated. The service of dedication began at 3:30. A large congregation was present. The children of Hacknahay Sunday School, in which Mr. Calvert always took a deep interest, were present with their teachers, and occupied the pews near the Church door close to where the Tablet has been erected. The service commenced with the singing of Psalm 84—"How amiable are Thy Dwellings, Thou Lord of Hosts." Then followed special collects said by the Rector — the Collects for All Saints' Day, for the Festival of St. Simon and St. Jude, and a prayer for a Blessing on the Parish. The Rector then asked the Churchwardens, with the members of the Select Vestry, to move towards the west end of the Church. The clergy (the Very Rev. the Dean of Dromore, the Rector, and the Rev. H. G de L. Singleton) followed, and the Rector asked Lieut-Col. Blacker, D.S.O., to unveil the Tablet on behalf of the Parishioners. Before unveiling the memorial, Lieut-Col. Blacker, in a few words, expressed the sense of loss which the Parish experienced at the death of Mr. Calvert, who had filled such a large space in their parochial life. It was the unanimous wish of the parishioners that his memory should be kept fresh to after generations in a permanent way, and so they had decided to erect this Tablet. George Calvert was preeminent for his absolute straightness, his devotion to duty, and his loving kindness, and it was right that one who was distinguished by so many noble traits of character should be commemorated. Lieut-Col. Blacker then unveiled the Tablet, and the Dean of Dromore dedicated it and consigned it to the charge of the Rector and Churchwardens.

The Dean then proceeded to dedicate a Font Cover presented to the Church by Mr. John Montgomery of Levaghery in memory of his wife and two children. The Rector uncovered the gift, and the prayer of dedication followed. The clergy, churchwardens, and vestry, having returned to their places, hymn 332 (“Let me be with Thee where Thou art”) was sung.

The Dean then proceeded to the pulpit, and in a short address, spoke of the value of such memorials in keeping alive the memory of those who had passed away by associating their names with the parish church. He referred to Mr. Calvert's long and diligent service in his church, and to the community at large. The longer he knew him the more he respected his life and work. His word was his bond, and he conscientiously carried out whatever he undertook to do. He also made a touching reference to Mr. Montgomery's gift, which added much to the beauty and dignity of the furnishing of the Church.

Description of the Memorials.

The Memorial Tablet is placed on the wall on the left hand as one enters the church. It is 4ft. 6in. in height, and is composed of Bath stone, Carrara marble and Connemara green marble. It is surmounted by a carved pediment representing fruit and cereals. The central slab is set in a frame of Bath stone inlaid on sides and top with shafts of green marble. The base rests on two corbels of stone. The Tablet bears the following inscription:---“To the Glory of God and in Memory of George Calvert of Breagh, in this Parish, who died on May 8, 1917, aged 61 years.” A devoted Churchman, a loyal patriot, a faithful citizen, a true friend. 'Bear ye one another's burden and so fulfil the law of Christ. This Tablet was erected by the Parishioners of Seagoe.

The tablet was designed and erected by the firm of Messrs. Purdy & Millard, Belfast.

The Font Cover, designed by the same firm, is of oak and rises to a height of 12 inches. It is finely carved, and the carving is of similar design to that on the oak pulpit. A small brass plate contains the following inscription—“To the Glory of God. The gift of John Montgomery of Levaghery, in memory of his wife, Eliza Jane, and of his two children, James and Eliza Jane. 1918.”

These memorials add much to the beauty and dignity of our parish church. Recently some further memorial gifts have been promised which will still further beautify the house of prayer. It may be that others of the parishioners are contemplating similar gifts. We venture to suggest some forms of memorial which would be very acceptable and add greatly to the fitness of the parish church as a place set apart for Divine worship. It might be possible after the war as a memorial to our beloved dead to rebuild the Porch known as the old Vestry so as to form an apse-shaped Baptistery open to the church and lighted by small stained-glass windows. Another much-needed

improvement would be the restoration of the entrance porch of the church so as to bring it into harmony with the rest of the building. The decorations of the chancel walls would greatly improve and brighten the church. The communion vessels—a flagon and two chalices—at present in use are electro plate, and might be replaced by silver vessels. The offertory plates, though of fine material and workmanship, are not quite suited for their purpose. A Frontal for the Holy Table to be used alternately with the present frontal would be an appropriate gift. The re-tiling of the floor of the nave-aisle has also been suggested. The extension of the church grounds is a suggestion of long standing. The late Sir Thomas Drew, when discussing possible improvements some years ago

thought that the rebuilding of the top of the tower and the placing in it of a peal of bells or of a Belgian carillon would be a splendid addition to the Church. He also suggested as possible improvements in the grounds of the church a Lych gate or new gates and walls.

The Harvest Services.

The Annual Harvest Thanksgiving Services were held on Thursday, October 10th, and Sunday, Oct. 13th, this year. The preacher, on Thursday, was the Very Rev. the Dean of Dromore, and on Sunday the Rev. H. G. de L. Singleton preached in the morning, and the Rector at evening prayer. The church was very full at all the services. Two anthems were sung, the soloists being Miss Amy Walker and Mr. David Murray. The music was splendidly sung by the large choir. Mr. T. H. Wilson is to be congratulated on the success attending his efforts. The offerings were liberal and exceeded former years. The church was prettily decorated with flowers and fruits. District Harvest Services have also been held throughout the parish, and have as usual been attended by overflowing congregations. Levaghery and Tamnificarbet services were held on October 20th and 21st. The Rev. H. Rennison, the Rector, and the Rev. H. G. Singleton took part. Mr. T. H. Wilson and Mr. David Murray acted as organists. Beautiful roses adorned Levaghery School, while splendid chrysan-themums provided decoration for Carbet.

Drumgor held its festival on October 27th and 28th. The Hall was crowded to the doors on Sunday. Miss Mary Wilson skilfully presided at the harmonium. The decorations were the finest we have seen in the parish. We hear the young people of the district devoted a whole week to the decoration of the room. Beatty Gracey's chestnut festoons and Joe Best's wheat fringes were marvels of careful work and untiring perseverance. A true and fervent spirit of thanksgiving to Almighty God pervaded all the services.

Harvest services will (D.V.) be held in Carne Church Hall on Sunday, Nov. 3rd, at 3:30, and on Monday, November 4th, at 8 p.m. Also at Edenderry Parochial Hall on Sunday, November 10th, at 8:30, and on Monday, November 11th, at 8 p.m.

Death of Miss Margaret Quinn.

We record with great regret the death of Miss Margaret Quinn, who acted as monitress in Seagoe School until she left some years ago to take up school work in the Co. Sligo. While at Seagoe School Miss Quinn was very diligent and successful in her work, gaining the respect and affection of teachers and children. We sympathise very sincerely with her parents in the loss of their only child upon whom their hopes and affections were centred. At the funeral, which took place to Seagoe graveyard, the Rector assisted at the service in the Church and at the graveside.

The Air Service,

The air service is claiming many recruits in this neighbourhood and rightly so. It is a splendid force, and is doing heroic work. Young fellows should join up at once if they want to have a share in the great conflict.

Honours for Seagoe.

Lance-Corporal James Gracey, 9th Battalion Irish Fusiliers, who resides at Drumgor Lane, has been awarded the D.C.M, for conspicuous bravery in France, When his officers became casualties he took command, and by his ready resource saved the situation.

Rifleman Tom Liggett of Drumnagoon has been awarded the D.C.M. for his courage and determination in critical action at the front. He held on to his post with the true Seagoe “grip” until the Hun had to yield. We tender our heartiest congratulations to these two brave lads who have won such honour in such a noble cause.

Appointment of New Sexton.

It is 44 years since the Select Vestry had been called upon to appoint a new sexton for Seagoe Parish. For that extended period Mr. Dynes Atkinson has filled the post, but the weight of increasing years has caused the Vestry to realise that the time had come when a young man should be appointed to discharge the many duties which fall to the lot of Sexton in such a populous parish as Seagoe. At a meeting of the Vestry held on Tuesday. October 8th, Mr. David Livingstone was appointed sexton of the parish, and a retiring allowance was given to Mr. Dynes Atkinson. We will all miss “Dynes” from his post as Sexton. Always ready and willing to help, he earned the respect and goodwill of all the parishioners. We hope, however, often to see him in the parish church in the days to come, where in the past he has been for so many years a familiar figure.

Mr. David Livingstone was unanimously appointed to the vacancy. He is well known and highly esteemed in the parish. His upright Christian character and kindly manner mark him out as

specially suited for so responsible a post. Our readers may like to have an opportunity of seeing

the original entry from the Records of the last appointment to the post of sexton. Here it is—

"Easter Vestry. —At a meeting held in Seagoe Parochial School on the 6th of April, 1874, the Ven.

Archdeacon Saurin in the chair, the following gentlemen were elected churchwardens and sidesmen—Churchwardens—Wolsey Atkinson, Esq.; Mr James Atkinson. Sidesmen—Mr. Walker Montgomery, Mr. Joseph M'Cann, Mr. Robert Reid, Mr. John Porter. It was resolved that the old select vestrymen should continue in office for the ensuing year. It was also resolved that the balance, £4 12s 6d, due to Mr. Armstrong for the flooring of the schoolroom should be reimbursed him.

"It was moved by the Rev. Thomas Jones and seconded by Wolsey Atkinson, Esq., and carried, that Dynes Atkinson be appointed sexton.

Moved by the Rev. T. Jones and seconded by the Archdeacon that the old sexton, Wm. Simpson, be paid a sum of money on leaving.

James Atkinson, Secretary."

Seagoe School Weather Chart.

The readings on the weather chart in Seagoe Day School for October, taken at noon, with the names of the children who took them, are as follows— Barometer—Lowest, October 7th, 28.5 inches—John M'Cready, Sidney Walker. Barometer—Highest, October 21st, 29.5 inches—Florrie Hamilton, Sarah Hamill. Thermometer—Lowest, Oct. 24th, 50° F—Maisie M'Cready, Florrie Forsythe, Highest—October 11th, 62.4° F—John M'Cready and Sydney Walker.

PARISH REGISTER for OCT, 1918.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish Church on October 5th, 1918.

Fletcher—Mary Edna, daughter of Joseph and Jane Eliza Fletcher, of Killicomaine.

Sponsors - Edith Livingston, Jane Eliza Fletcher.

Loney—May Magowan, daughter of Samuel and May Loney of Edenderry. Sponsors—Ellen Macaulay, May Loney,

M'Nally—Doris, daughter of Joshua and Anne M'Nally of Edenderry. Sponsors—Elizabeth M'Nally, Doris M'Nally.

Marriages.

Scanlon and Wilson—October 2nd, 1918, at Ardoyne Parish Church, Co. Carlow. by the Rev. R. A. Oulton, M.A., rector, the Rev. T. H. Scanlon, curate of Enniskillen, to Ada Mary, eldest daughter of William Wilson, Esq, of Ureland, Clonegal, Co. Carlow.

Bloomer and Bassett—October 16th, 1918, at Maghera Parish Church, Co. Down, by the

Rev. Canon Moeran, M.A., assisted by the Rev. J. Bloomer (brother of the bridegroom), Rev. R. Forde, rector, and the Rev. W, H. Good, the Rev. Geo. Bloomer, B.A„ rector of Woods, to Mabel Millar, third daughter of John Waring Bassett, Church Hill, Newcastle, Co. Down.

Burials.

M 'Loughlin—October 20th, 1918, Jane M'Loughlin of Edenderry, aged 72 years.

Quinn—October 26th, 1918, Margaret Jane Frackleton Quinn, of Portadown, formerly monitress in Seagoe School, aged 22 years.

Death.

"for King and Country."

Weir—At Basra, Persian Gulf, on Oct. 3rd, 1918, of sand-fly fever. M 344,819, Private

George Weir, Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, of Century Street, Edenderry, aged 20 years.

Seagoe Day School.

As a measure of precaution against influenza, and in consultation with Dr. Rowlett, the medical officer of health, the Rector, as manager of the school, has decided to close the school from Thursday, Oct, 31st, to Monday, Nov. 18 ^th. We are glad to state that the health of the children attending the school was never better, but in view of the prevalence of influenza in neighbouring towns, it is necessary to take every precaution.

Sunday School Tea.

A tea for the children attending Edenderry and Seagoe Sunday Schools will (D.V.) be given in Seagoe Schools on Thursday, Nov, 21st, at 7 o'clock.

Offertories for October.

Sunday Mornings £15 9 9

“ Evenings 6 0 1

Week-days 0 8 5

£21 18 5

Included in above total, £3 16s 2d for Missions. Monthly collection for prisoners of war, £10 10s 1½ d.

Items.

Fresh air and cleanliness are the best protection against influenza.

A correspondent writes—At a wedding which took place in Seagoe Church in 1848, there

were twelve couples present and taking part in the wedding. There were no cars or carriages, all walking to the Church, and back to the bride's house, and the bride was so nice that the Curate of Seagoe (Rev. Capel Wolseley) who married them, gathered a bouquet of flowers himself for the

bride.

During a severe westerly gale on Sunday, October 6th, a large ash tree in the school play-ground was blown down and fell across the roof of the,school. The children had just left after morning Sunday School. The branches of the tree penetrated the roof in several places, but, fortunately, no serious damage was done.

Mr. W. E. Dickson, assistant teacher in Seagoe school, and now of the Royal Air Force, is hard at work in the wireless department learning the necessary details to qualify him for a flying man.

OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

Captain Atkinson, Mullaghglass Yeomanry, 1821

— Captain Atkinson, of the Mullaghglass Yeomanry, mentioned in our last issue, was grand-

father of Mr. W. Atkinson, of Gleneyre, and great grandfather of Mr. Bunbury Atkinson, of Hackna-hay.

A Bishop on the Bann Drainage, 1738

—The Drainage of the Bann is an urgent question today and it was an urgent question 200 years ago, when the then Bishop of Down and Connor and Dromore, Dr. Francis Hutchinson, published a Pamphlet on the subject. We have had the pleasure of reading the Pamphlet in the Library, T.C.D. and very interesting it is. It is headed by a very appropriate text, Deut. viii: 7—"The Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of the valleys and hills." The Bishop begins by justifying his interest in the subject because it concerned the temporal welfare of his people. His residence bordered closely on the Lower Bann, and so he had frequent opportunities of noting the Varying states of the river. He saw how disastrous were the floods, and says that owing to the height of the waters in Lough Neagh, Ballyscullion Parish Church “was incompassed by the Lough.” He attributes the flooding of the river to the prevalence of northerly winds which "blow for full three-quarters of a year." He says that Henry IInd, when on a visit to Ireland, received no news from England for 6 weeks owing to

the northerly wind preventing intercourse with Ireland. His suggested remedy seems to have been the removal of obstructions in the course of the Lower Bann.

THE PORTADOWN YEOMANRY, 1821-22—(Continued)

5th December, 1821 — Mr. Wentworth Paul, having been recommended by C. Woodhouse, Esq., Capt. Commandant to the Lord Lieut., to be appointed 2nd Lieut. in room of Mr. B. Mallagh, resigned, and having been approved, was accordingly placed on permanent duty from this day.

Armagh, December 6th, 1821. Sir,—l am directed by Sir David Baird to inform you that you are to obey such orders as you may from time to time receive from Major Gen. Egerton.

Yr. obedt. Servt., SKEFFN. HAMILTON.

Equipment Order.—Greatcoat, Haversack and Strap to be supplied to each man. “A system of payments based on Punctuality and Promptitude to be arranged.”

WM. GREGORY.

Payments for month ending 24th December,1821, for Officers and Privates' Pay, Beer Money, Guard Allowances, etc., £184 16s ld.

24th Jany, 1822—£221 18s ld, Month's Pay.

Letter from C. Woodhouse, O.C.—

Portadown, Jany 28th, 1822.

Sir,—In taking the liberty of requesting a small augmentation to my Corps of Yeomanry, I am induced partly by the present aspect of matters in the South as well as by unpleasant rumours nearer home, and further by the number of proper and efficient men who are pressing forward into the service, all ready and anxious to be employed wherever Government, may think it necessary. The Corps at present consists of 8 Sergeants and 140 Rank and File, to which number I would solicit an augmentation of 2 Sergeants and 60 Rank and File.

For the state of the Corps at present as to Appearance, Conduct, and General Effciency, I beg leave to refer to the Brigade Major of the District, or to Lieut. Col. Blacker, Deputy Vice-Treasurer. to whose Brigade it belongs.

I have the honour to be,

C. WOODHOUSE.

To the Rt. Hon. Henry Goulburn.

Reply.—The Lord Lieutenant is fully sensible of your laudable motives, but at present he is dis-posed to defer sanctioning the augmentation.

1st February, 1822—Order.—Baggage not to be beyond the protection of the Troops when on march.

AYLMER, Adjt.Gen.

Order.—No man to sleep out of his quarters.

2nd February, 1822.

Order for Inspection.—Skeffn. Hamilton, B. Major, 13th February, 1822. An Offcer will be

appointed to Inspect the Portadown Yeomanry at Portadown on Saturday, 23rd inst., at 10 o'clock.

Order.—27th February, 1822. It is ordered by the Officer Commanding that no man belonging to

the guard be absent from Drum-beating in the morning until Tat-Too in the evening, when the

guard will be dismissed. It is also ordered that the Sergeant of the Guard have the Morning Drum-beat at half-past five o'clock, and do plant his Walking Sentry at seven o'clock.

C. WOODHOUSE.

8 Musquets received in exchange for the 8 unserviceable arms which formerly belonged to the music.

18th March, 1822—The Detachment of this Corps on Permanent Duty, together with those of the

Seagoe, Lurgan, and Tandragee Corps, were reviewed together at Carrick by Lt. Col. Blacker, their Senior Captain.

23rd March, 1822, Saturday—Ordered that the Detachment on Duty Parade with Side-arms for

Church tomorrow at ½ past 10 o'clock in the morning in full dress.

Organ Recital.

Mr. S. Smith, A.R.C.O., organist of Lurgan Church, will (D.V.) give a recital in Seagoe Parish Church, on Thursday, December 5th, at 7:30 p.m. Offerings for War Funds. Further particulars in our next issue.