October 1907

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

OCTOBER, 1907.

We present our readers this month with a portrait and facsimile signature of the Ven. JAMES SAURIN, A.M., Archdeacon of Dromore, who was associated with the Parish of Seagoe for the long space of 53 years, being collated Vicar of Seagoe on December 18th, 1826, and appointed Rector of Seagoe and Archdeacon of Dromore on May 10th, 1832. Archdeacon Saurin was born in the year 1796, being the son of the Rev. James Saurin, D. D., the last Bishop of Dromore. He was ordained in 1823 for the Parish of Aghaderg, of which he was Vicar from 1823—1826, when he was appointed to Seagoe. He is of course known only by name to the younger generation, but many of the older parishioners will recognise in this portrait the features of one with whom they were very long familiar. Archdeacon Saurin was of a very generous disposition, and gave lavishly of his means for the benefit of the parishioners. He was extremely popular with all classes and creeds, and his good humour and natural kindness of heart won for him a large place in the affections of his people. During his tenure as Vicar and Rector he had the happy faculty of choosing excellent fellow helpers—the Rev. John Beatty (who inducted the Archdeacon as Vicar of Seagoe on February 18th, 1827), Rev. Simon Foot, Rev. Capel Wolseley, Rev. James A. Beers, Rev. E. Mockler, Rev. S. A. Brennan (now Rector of Cushendun, Co Antrim), Rev. J. Smythe Franks, Rev. R. M' Walter,

Rev. J. A. Jones. and the Rev. A. J. Burnett. In the year 1875 the infirmities of age caused the Archdeacon to retire from the active duties of his office, and he contemplated resigning his position as Rector. When the Vestry heard of his intention to resign, they passed the following resolution, recorded in the Parish Register, Dec. 20th, 1876. It being reported that the Ven. Archdeacon Saurin was about to resign the Parish, it was proposed by Major Blacker, and seconded by Thomas Armstrong, Esq. that the following motion be passed and sent to the Archdeacon “We have heard with great regret and sorrow a report that our respected Rector, the venerable Archdeacon Saurin, is about to resign this Incumbency. It is the universal wish and desire of the whole Parish that he be called on to reconsider any determination he may have arrived at, and not to sever a tie that has been retained betwixt us so long, and which it would pain us to throw over, until in the course of Nature and the Will of God it cannot be helped. We pray, therefore, that our old friend and Rector will stand by us for some time longer; and he may rest satisfied that every exertion will be spared him, and every easement accorded him, by all connected with and interested in the Parish."

The Archdeacon replied as follows: Rostrevor, 26th Dec, 1876.—My dear friends and

Parishioners—I have been much gratified by receiving, through the hands of your Secretary, the copy of a Resolution passed at your late meeting, and in reply allow me to say that my intended resignation of a charge I have held for very near 50 years, arose not from any wish to separate myself personally or officially from those among whom I have so long Ministered and lived in harmony and good-will, but in accordance with the earnest advice of my friends, and also from a feeling that my advanced age and increasing bodily infirmities, will no longer allow me

to perform my pastoral duties among you. However, as I find it is your wish to retain me as your Rector, I shall for the present withdraw my resignation not considering the personal sacrifice I must make, as anything, in comparison with the heartfelt gratification of still being of use to and appreciated by those among whom I have lived so many years, to whom I feel bound by so many ties, and for whose welfare both spiritual and temporal, I shall ever feel the deepest interest. I am the better able to accede to your wishes, now that I have obtained the services of Mr Burnett, who

will I feel sure work in my much loved Parish with zeal and energy, and will perform those duties I am myself unable to discharge. I trust that in this matter, as in every other, the good hand of our God may be upon us," and that through the infinite mercy of our Blessed Redeemer, we may all meet in His Kingdom of Eternal Glory. Believe me, my dear Friends, to be still your Faithful

Pastor, James Saurin, Archdeacon of Dromore.

We make no apology for quoting these two communications, so creditable to all concerned

and breathing so happy a spirit of affection between the aged Pastor and his people. The

Archdeacon lingered in weakness until his death on Sunday, May 11th, 1879, at the age of 83 years. His remains were interred in the Vault beneath the Chancel of Seagoe Parish Church, on Wednesday, May 14th, 1879. The memory of the “Deacon" as he was affectionately termed by his people, will be long cherished in the Parish. The facsimile signature on the Portrait was the signature made by the Archdeacon to the minutes of the General Vestry held in April, 1861. We are indebted to Miss Christine Stewart. granddaughter of Archdeacon Saurin, for the use of the photograph from which our Portrait is reproduced.

Copies of the Portrait printed on fine paper and suitable for framing, may be had at Mrs. Metcalfe's,

Bridge Street, price 6d each.

OUR NEW CURATE.

Mr Walter R. Crichton, B.A., T.C.D., will be ordained

for the Curacy of Seagoe on Sunday, October 6th,

in St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny, by the Right Rev. Dr. Crozier,

Bishop-Elect of Down. We ask the Parishioners to remember in

their prayers him, who is about to enter upon the solemn duties of the

Christian Ministry, that his work in the Church of God may be much

blessed, and that he may have many souls for his hire.

Baptisms.

" They brought young children to Christ."

Sept. 1st —Irene Kathleen, daughter of Robert and

Martha Wallace.

,, 7^th Edith, daughter of Richard and Sarah Mayes.

,, ,, Robert, son of Robert and Mary Anne Dobbin.

,, ,, Samuel, son of William and Mary Anne Shanks.

,, ,, Ethel, daughter of Edward and Sarah Jane Webb.

,, ,, Rachel Adelaide, daughter of John Geo. and Sarah Jane Gracey.

,, ,, Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary Gracey.

,, ,, Edna Maude, daughter of George Edward and Minnie Best.

MARRIAGE.

“The Lord bless thee and keep thee”

Sept. 11^th —Hugh Stoops, Seagoe, to Dorcas Holmes, Killicomaine.

BURIALS.

"In sure and certain hope."

Sept.12^th —Victor Milligan, Belfast, aged 7 months.

Oct.3^rd —Margaret Mathers, Tarson, aged 26 years

CONGRATULATIONS.

We heartily congratulate Miss Georgie Atkinson

on her success in the recent Art Examinations

held in connection with the Technical Institute, Belfast.

Miss Atkinson obtained First Dunville Scholarship, and

in competition in Art Designs (open to the United Kingdom)

she obtained the high distinction of Fifth place. Our

congratulations are mingled with regret, for this success

necessitates Miss Atkinson's residence at South Kensington

for some time, and we shall thus be deprived of her valuable help in

our Parish Organisations. Miss Atkinson has not merely taught

regularly in Edenderry Sunday School, but has carried on the

responsible work of Hon. Secretary to the Seagoe G.F.S. since the

Misses Dawson left the Parish. We feel sure that all who have benefited

so much by Miss Atkinson's efforts will sincerely regret her departure,

and will wish her much success in her work in London. Miss Atkinson

left for London on last Monday.

A NOTABLE SUCCESS.

Mr T. J. Montgomery has carried off the Gold Medal for

Tea Blending at the Grocers' Exhibition in London. This is

a very great, distinction. There were over 150 competitors,

and the Judges, who were all Englishmen, were the best that

could be got in their profession. The competition was open to the

United Kingdom, and extended over three days. Mr Montgomery

had already at previous Exhibitions obtained the Silver Medal,

but he has now secured the Blue Ribbon. This last success will enhance

Mr Montgomery's already high reputation in the Tea Trade, and we

congratulate him very heartily on his success.

MAJOR STEWART BLACKER, J.P.

We congratulate our Churchwarden Major Blacker,

on the fact that he has been appointed to the Commission

of the Peace for the County Armagh. Major Blacker will

make a most useful addition to our list of local Magistrates.

CHURCH ARMY VAN.

The Van has done good service in Seagoe Parish.

It needs some repairs. We ask those who know what

good work has been done to send us a subscription no

matter how small towards this object. A friend

offers 5s on condition that 10 others give an equal

amount.

MENS' RECREATION ROOMS.

This Room opened on October 1st. An important

meeting was held on that evening and arrangements

for the improvement and comfort of the Room were

discussed. We look forward to a most successful

Winter Session. The Room will provide interesting

amusement and recreation during the long winter

evenings. Subscription 1d weekly.

AN INTERESTING RELIC.

The Rector has succeeded in getting into his

possession an original painting of the Rev John

Campbell, who was Rector of Seagoe from 1680 to

1730. Mr. Campbell was one of the defenders of

the Walls of Derry, being present during the famous

Siege, and he brought with him to Derry a party of

Seagoe men who underwent the terrible privations of

that stirring time. Mr. Campbell's name is in the

list of those who presented an Address of Welcome

to King William and his Queen. After Mr Campbell’s

death in 1730 the picture passed into the hands of his relatives,

and on the death of Miss Campbell, the last surviving descendant,

some twenty years ago, it found its way into the hands of a faithful

servant of hers, from whom it has now been purchased. The picture

is in excellent condition, notwithstanding its great age and many

vicissitudes. It represents the Rev. J. Campbell in the prime of life,

and just as he must have appeared about the period of the eventful

Siege. In our next issue we hope to give our readers some particulars

drawn from the ancient Parish Registers regarding the life and work

of the Rev. J. Campbell. The Picture will be on view in Seagoe

School on a date which will be announced in our next issue.

CHURCH RENOVATION.

The Select Vestry at their last meeting decided to

renovate the interior of the Church. The wood work

is to be thoroughly cleaned and the walls recoloured

in a, lighter tint. This will be a much needed improvement,

and will materially brighten the Church.

THE DAY SCHOOL.

We thank the Parents of the Children attending

our Day Schools for the marked improvement in the

neatness of the children. We wish that the Parents

would more often visit the School during school

hours, and see how bright and happy the children

are. The Swing and See-Saw recently erected are a

great source of amusement to our young people. In

every respect the Schools are very efficient and everything

possible is being done to keep them thoroughly

up-to-date in their equipment.

OFFERTORIES FOR SEPTEMBER.

" Of Thine own have we given Thee”

Morning. Evening.

Sept. 4—14th S. after Trinity £1.18.1 0.9.6.

,, 8—15th ,, £1.3.6 0.11.5

,, 15- 16^th ,, £1.6.0 0.11.10

,, 22- 17^th ,, £1.5.9 0.12.2

,, 29—18^th ,, £1.7.0 0.9.6

Week-days 1.4.5

Church Army Offerings 2.9.10

£7.0.4 6.8.8

IN THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.

For our Morning Subjects in the Calendar this

month we have such interesting subjects as the tragic

death of Samson, and the story of Micah's Images.

In the afternoon we will be studying some more of

the Parables, the Two Debtors, the Rich Fool and the

Mustard Seed. In the Repetition we begin to learn

a beautiful chapter of the New Testament, Romans

xii., giving us some splendid Rules of Life. In the

Catechism we come to our Duty Towards our

Neighbour. The Teacher should explain to the Class

bow this Duty is based on Commandments vi.to x.

This will make it easy for the Children to remember

the order of the sentences. The Hymn we are

learning, 621, is a beautiful Harvest Hymn.

QUESTIONS.

October 13th.

MORNING—Delilah —Judges xvi., 1-14.—(Central

Thought – God’s gifts abuse) —1. What did Samson do

at Gaza? 2. What offer did the Philistines make to Delilah?

3. What do you know about the “Seven Green Withs"?

4. With what else was Samson bound?

AFTERNOON—Rich Fool—Luke xii. 6-21

(Central Thought—Thinking only of this world.)—1. Why

was the Parable spoken? 2. What did the Fool

say? 3. What did God say? 4. What should we learn from

the Parable?

October 20th.

MORNING—Samson's Death—Judges xvi. 15-31.—

(Central Thought—The Danger of Ridicule).

1. Where did Samson's strength really lie? 2. What

cruel thing did the Philistines do? 3. What did

Samson say to the lad? 4. How did Samson die?

AFTERNOON—TWO Debtors—St. Luke xvi. 36-53.—

(Central Thought—What are we giving to God.) —

1. What did the woman bring? 2. How did she show

her love? 3. What had Simon not done?

4. What reward did the woman receive?

October 27th.

MORNING —Micah's Images. - Judges xvii.— (Central

Thought—The Sin of not worshipping God)

1. Who took the Shekels? 2. What did his Mother

do with them? 3. What was the condition of Israel?

4. What laws of Moses did Micah break?

Israel?

AFTERNOON—Growth - St. Mark iv 21-29

(Central Thought—We cannot hide from God.)—

l. What did our Lord say about the Candlestick?

2. To what is the Kingdom compared? 3 What are the

three stages of the corn? 4. What is done when

the harvest comes?

November 3rd.

Morning Danites – Judges xviii, 1-13. (Central

Thought.—The Danger of Discontent) —1. Why did

the Danites send out the five men? 2. Where did

the men come to? 3. What request did they make

of the Levite? 4. What was the manner of the

Zidonians?

AFTERNOON. —Hereafter—St. Luke xvi 19-31.

(Central Thought—The Duty of Kindness)

1. Describe the Rich Man? 2. Where did the Angels

carry Lazarus to! 3. What was the request of the

Rich Man? 4. What is the meaning of "Moses and

the Prophets?"

BIBLE CLASS SUBJECTS.

During October the following subjects will be

considered at the Bible Classes: —

October 6th— The oldest Prayer in the Prayer Book.

,, 13th —Why Baptism is so important.

,, 20th— The Teaching of the Catechism.

,, 27th — Confirmation—A Bible rite.

These classes are held in various centres (see cover

of Magazine) every Sunday morning. Young men

and women are cordially invited to join them. The

members are carefully instructed in the Truths of

the Christian Faith.

ITEMS.

The Choir is practising the special music for the

Belfast Choral Festival.

***

The collection for the Choir Fund is now being

made through the Parish.

***

The new Church Attendance Cards will be given

out to the children on Sunday, October 6th.

***

Mrs Flannigan and Miss M. Irwin have taken

classes in Edenderry Sunday School.

***

The Harvest Festival in Seagoe Church will take

place on Thursday, November 7, and Sunday

November 10th.

***

The Essay sent in by Mr Alfred Murray on” Why

I am a Member of the Church of Ireland," has been

awarded the Prize this month.

***

A party of ten journeyed from Seagoe to the

Church Army meetings in Belfast, and enjoyed a

pleasant and profitable day.

***

Captain Gaskell and Lieutenant Chamberlain have

conducted special services in Carne and in Edenderry.

This week they are in Drumgor Church Hall.

***

Mr Willie Reid has written a long and interesting letter

to the Rector from Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.A., where

he has been residing since he left Ireland.

***

The Rev. F.J. Halahan, Rector of Drumcree, gave a most

useful address to the Sunday School Superintendents

and Teachers at their monthly meeting on the last

Thursday of September. His subject was “The efficiency

of the Teacher."

***

We offer our heartiest congratulations to Mr and

Mrs Hugh Stoops on the occasion of their marriage.

Mr Stoops has received a valuable present from the

workers in Messrs. Clow's firm, and we join with

them in wishing him long and happy life. Mr

Stoops is a most regular attender at our Edenderry

Men's Bible Class, and has helped in the Parish in

many ways.