October 1908

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE

OCTOBER, 1908.

OCTOBER is a very important month. All our special Winter Classes begin their work, and the various Societies existing in the Parish enter once again on their period of activity. It is a time

when we enrol new recruits in the faithful band of Church workers who so energetically assist

the Clergy in the work of the Parish. Just as we gather in the Harvest of the Fields this Season of

the year, so we expect also to gather in the Harvest of our Sunday Schools and Bible Classes in young lives carefully trained in Christian principles and and voluntarily dedicated to the Service of our Lord and Master. We believe that with the Divine Blessing this Winter will mark an advance in all our Parish agencies. Our Sunday Schools have recently increased in numbers, and the children have shown a greater desire to learn the truths set before them. Our Day Schools at Seagoe and Hacknahay are in a prosperous condition, and our new staff of Teachers is doing splendid work. The Sunday morning Bible Classes progress steadily, and we are glad to notice so many of the members attending the services in the Parish Church. The congregations in the Church have increased in the morning, but there is still room for improvement in the attendance at Evening Prayer. The Church should be quite full both morning and evening. The Wednesday Services are bringing together an increasing number of regular worshippers. Above all we are rejoiced to see a larger attendance at Holy Communion. We would like, however, to see more of our people coming to the Early Celebration (8 a.m.) on the 3rd Sunday of the month. The little effort required in attending this service is a useful discipline, and those that are present in the Church month by month at that early,

quiet hour can testify to the comfort and blessing which they receive.

If, in these respects, we notice a forward and upward movement in the Parish let us not forget some serious shortcomings still painfully evident in our midst. One of the most grievous blots in our midst is the non-attendance of Parents at the services in the Church. The children are present. but how seldom do we see the Parents with them. As for the older people they seem seldom to think of coming to the House of Prayer on God's Day. Another noticeable defect in our Parish life in some districts is the want of loyalty to the Church. The Church provides Sunday Schools, Day Schools, Bible Classes, and constant Services, but the people who call themselves members of the Church of Ireland prefer to attend Schools, Classes, and Services held by others, instead of those held by their own Church. We hope the day is not far distant when we shall no longer hear that

wretched argument “We go to the nearest place," but when Churchmen and Churchwomen will be prepared to walk any distance rather than miss their worship in the Parish Church.

OFFERTORIES FOR SEPTEMBER.

“Freely ye have received, freely give.”

Morning Evening

£ s d£ s d

Sep. 6th—12th S. after Trinity 1 17 6 0 11 4

“ 12th—13th S. after Trinity 1 5 11 0 12 0

“ 20th—14th S. after Trinity 0 15 3 0 9 1

“ 27th —15th S. after Trinity 1 6 3 0 9 1

Wednesdays ________ 0 10 4

Total £5 4 11 £2 11 10

CHURCH ATTENDANCE CARDS.

The following were omitted from the return for last quarter:

FIRST CLASS (over 50): Adelaide Murray (63); Eva Wilson (52).

BAPTISMS.

“Go ye into all the world, and baptize all nations.”

Sept. 5th—Norman, son of Thomas and Sarah Tate.

“ “ —Florence, daughter of Alexander and Annie Thornton.

“ “ —Mary, daughter of Thomas and Anne Elizabeth Freeburn.

“ “ —Mabel, daughter of William and Eliza Jane Hall.

“ “ —Norman, son of John and Letitia Walker.

“ “ —May, daughter of Alexander and Rachel Quinn.

“ “ —Georgina, daughter of William John and Mary Anderson.

“ “ —Maud, daughter of William John and Martha Jane McCrory.

“ “ —Ethel, daughter of George and Annie McClure.

“ “ —George, son of George and Annie M'Clure.

“ “ —Minnie, daughter of James and Sarah Jane Preston.

“ “ —William Alexander, son of William Alexander and Jane Eliza Clark.

“ “ —Mary, daughter of William Henry and Elizabeth Anne Curry.

MARRIAGE.

“Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.”

Sept. 18th—William Dickson, Ballygargan, to Maria Best, Ballyhannon.

BURIALS.

“Oh grave, where is thy Victory?”

Sept. 27th—John McMullan, aged 20.

We grieve to record the death of John McMullen, of Drumgor, one of our most useful and promising Church workers. He had been ailing for nine months but almost up to the last week we had hopes that he might rally and recover his health. God has ruled it otherwise and we can only bow our heads and submit to His Divine will. He does all things well. The bright Faith and cheerful resignation shown by John McMullen will, we know, bear fruit and many will learn from his words and example the nobility of a Christian's life and the peacefulness of a Christian's death. The Funeral, on Sunday, September 27th, was one of the largest ever seen in the district. The children of Drumgor Sunday School walked in procession in front of the hearse. Beautiful wreaths covered the coffin. The remains were interred in the Churchyard quite close to the west door of the Church where he so loved to worship. The deepest sympathy of all our people will go forth to his bereaved mother and sister and relatives in their great sorrow. The Rector gave a short address at the Funeral service. Rev. W. R. Crichton also took part in the service. Wreaths were sent among others by the Clergy of the Parish, the Seagoe Men's Class, and Drumgor Sunday School.

OLD AGE PENSIONS.

Very interesting events have occurred in the Parish during the past month in connection with the Old Age Pensions. Every day a continuous stream of old people from all parts of the country has flowed steadily to Seagoe Rectory. The Old Registers have never got such an airing as they got last month nor has the heavy door of the Fire-Proof Safe ever swung so often on its hinges. Old people have met and shaken hands on the Rectory steps within the last few weeks who had not seen each other for half a century. Large numbers have come from the old townlands of the Parish from Annaloist, Aughacommon, Ballygargan, Moyraverty, to claim their Baptism or “Marriagelines,” and the Rector has been able to learn a large number of interesting facts regarding the former history of the Parish. The wonder of it all is that there are so many very old people living. Several octogenarians have walked five miles to the Rectory and five miles back, and at least two within a year or two of ninety have stepped quite briskly up the avenue after walking several miles. It is

gratifying to record that almost without exception the applicants have been most respectable and have lived an honourable life. It is an immense benefit to the people of Seagoe Parish that the Registers have been so carefully kept in old days. We would especially recall the name of the Rev. John Beatty, Curate of Seagoefrom 1820 to 1832, who kept the records with scrupulous care inserting even the names of the Sponsors in each Baptismal entry. Archdeacon Saurin was also most careful and for over 50 years every page of each Register is signed at thebottom with his fine signature. The Archdeacon always added a capital “R” after his name after he became Rector of Seagoe, thus “James Saurin, R.”

NOTICE.

If any old people residing in the Parish or in the Townlands formerly belonging to the Parish are in doubt as to the place of their Baptism the Rector will be glad to let them know if their names occur in the Seagoe Registers.

CHOIR SOCIAL.

A very pleasant evening was spent by the members of the Choir in Seagoe School on Thursday evening, September 24th. At seven o'clock proceedings began with tea, places being laid for thirty, Grace was sung and all present then enjoyed the viands set before them. After tea some songs were sung and the ever popular round games commenced. A notable feature of the evening was the introduction of several new games for which we must thank our good friend Mr. Chambers. “What did you buy in Paris,” is a splendid and most amusing game, and “Neighbours” is just as good. Altogether the evening was most enjoyable. The Rector spoke a few words of congratulation to the members of the Choir on the efficiency of their services and attributed this success to the genial tact and courtesy of Mr. Wilson, Organist and Choirmaster in Seagoe. The meeting was closed by the singing of the Quartette, “Lead Kindly Light,” joined in by Messrs. Wilson, Murray, Chambers, and Mrs. Stephenson. The Choir of Seagoe Church is now very strong and efficient and we believe that the singing in our services would compare favourably with that in many city and country churches.

BAND OF HOPE.

Once more, with the approach of winter, the calls of Temperance work are sounding in our ears. Already arrangements are being made and plans devised for meetings at various centres in the Parish, and it is hoped that the work will be vigorously carried on during the ensuing months. When we glance at the roll-book and see the large number of names there, it suggests that there will be great diffculty in deciding who will take part in the many programmes. However, dismay has not yet seized us, and we hope to be besieged by young and old clamouring for permission to perform at our frequent gatherings. The first meeting of the season will be held (D. V.) on Friday, Oetober 30th, in Edenderry Parochial Hall, commencing at 7:30 o'clock.

WE HAVE RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING LETTER:

DEAR MR. EDITOR:

We desire to thank you for affording us so much space in your former number for the purpose of putting before your readers some introductory details in reference to the Missionary Exhibition to be held in Lurgan (D, V.) October 13 to 17, both inclusive. We shall also be grateful for permission to state in the columns of your October issue that preparations for the occasion are being carried on with much heartiness.

It had been hoped that the Bishop of the Diocese could have been present for the first day's opening ceremony, but owing to pressing engagements throughout the week his Lordship finds it impossible to attend before the Saturday, when, in order to attest his sympathy with the work and to encourage the workers, he will be present, though at considerable inconvenience, to deliver the re-opening address. The Dean of Belfast has kindly promised to open on the first day, while the Archdeacon of Dromore, the Rev. A. J. Pike, Dublin, and the Rev. W. Dowse, Belfast, have obligingly undertaken the like duty on the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, respectively. It is expected that the following Missionaries may be present to speak of their work in the “Courts,” Rev. W. E. & Mrs Hipwell (Hong Kong), Mrs. Lawrence (W. China), Rev. J. A. Cullen, Mrs. Dixey, and Miss Finch White (India), Rev. W. Hewitt (W. Africa), Miss Lane (Palestine), Canon Hardy, who has been in N.W. Canada, the Rev A. J. Pike (formerly in Uganda), and the Rev. T. B." Brown, C.M.S. Organizing Secretaries in Ireland, who are evincing the liveliest interest in the arrangements, also hope to be present and to assist. In fixing the admission charges regard has been made to the very general depression in trade conditions and so, while the ordinary Single Admission Ticket costs 6d, a Season Ticket admitting any and every day of the Exhibition can be had for 1/6. Members of Bible Classes, Mothers Meetings, Gleaners' Unions, Choirs, and Sunday School Scholars over 14 can be supplied with tickets at 3d each from the Leaders of their classes. Very liberal arrangements have also been made for parties of day school children.

The Opening Ceremony is fixed for 2:30 p.m. on the first four days, and 12 noon on the Saturday (the doors being open half an hour earlier each day), when it is hoped a good attendance may be present.

May we ask afresh for a manifestation of very practical sympathy on the part of our people in this effort “to create and stimulate greater interest in the work of the Church of GOD in the foreign field.” It is an unique incident in the religious life of a country district and we trust that through the prayerful intercession of our many friends the “Lurgan and District C.M.S. Exhibition” may be attended by much blessing in the home as well as in the Foreign sphere.

Yours truly,

M. MALCOLM, )

A. L. GREER, ) Gen Secs.

R. H. LIVINGSTON )

ITEMS.

The attendance at Seagoe Day School has reached a higher average during the past 2 months than at any time since it was placed under the National Board.

Seagoe Parish is taking an active part in the forthcoming Missionary Exhibition at Lurgan, which opens on October 13th.

On Sunday week the Collect for Fair Weather was used in the Parish Church.

The Infant Department of Seagoe Morning Sunday School is being reorganised by our able superintendent, Mr. Leonard Twinem.

Miss Chambers has been appointed to the charge of Edenderry Afternoon Infant School. It is now in very efficient condition, with an average attendance of 70 infants.

At a shooting competition in the Men's Wooden Hall, on Friday week, the first Prize was won by Mr. Ernest Holland. A shooting competition is held in the Hall every Friday at 8, and valuable prizes are offered.

Mr. Wm. A. Clarke has been appointed Hon. Sec. of the Wooden Hall.

During the Winter the Wednesday Evening Service in the Parish Church will be held at 7:30,

beginning on Wednesday, October 7th.

The Rev. J. S. Morrison, B.D., Curate of St. Stephen's Church, Belfast, has been appointed

Senior Curate of Portadown. We offer a hearty welcome to Mr. Morrison.

The Seagoe Physical Culture Class, under Mr.Ardrie, meets in the Parochial Hall on Monday evenings at 8. Young men and old should join without delay.

Portadown has the highest Birth Rate and almost the lowest Death Rate of any town in Ireland. The figures for 1907 just issued are Birth Rate 33.2. Death Rate 15.4 per 1000 inhabitants. There are only 3 towns in Ireland with a lower Death Rate.

HARVEST SERVICES.

The Harvest Thanksgiving Services in the Parish Church this year will be held on Thursday, October 22nd, at 8 o'clock, and on the following Sunday, October 25th, at Morning and Evening Prayer. A Children's Harvest Service will be held on the Sunday at 3:30. The Preacher on Thursday evening will be the Rev. G. G. Mervyn, M.A., Rector of St. Patrick's, Ballymacarrett, Belfast.

Contributions of Fruit and Flowers and Corn for the Decoration of the Church will be welcomed, and may be sent to the Church on Wednesday, October 21st, from 10 to 11.

The Offertories at the Services will be devoted to the Parish Funds.

Harvest Services will be held in the outlying Districts of the Parish as follows:

Carne Church Hall, on Sunday, October 18th, at 4 p m. Preacher, Rev. W. B. Allman, M.A ,

Rector of Milltown; and on Monday, October 19th, at 8 p.m. Preacher, Rev. J. W. Johnston, B.A.,

Curate of Drumcree.

Hacknahay School, on Sunday, October 25th at 3:30 p.m.; and on Monday, October 26th, at 7:30

p.m. Preacher, Rev. John Taylor, B.A., Curate of St. Thomes' Church, Belfast. Offertories in aid of

Day School Fund.

Drumgor Church Hall, on Sunday, November 8th, at 4 p.m. Preacher, Rev. D. L C. Dunlop, B.A., Curate of Maralin; and on Monday, November 9th, at 8 p.m.

MEN'S BIBLE CLASSES.

The Rector will hold a Bible Clsss during the Winter Months, in Carne Church Hall, on each

Tuesday evening, beginning on Tuesday, October 6th, at 8 o'clock.

The Rev. R. Crichton, B.A. will commence the Men's Bible Class in Hacknahay School on Tuesday, October 6th, at 7:30 p.m., and will continue the class on same day and at same hour each week.

The subject for both of these Classes will be “St. Luke's Gospel.”

Men of Carne and Hacknahay are heartily invited to attend these classes.

G.F.S.

The Opening Service for the Members of Seagoe Parish G.F.S. will be held in the Parish Church on Wednesday, October 7th, at 7:30. The Rev. F. J. Halahan, M.A., Rector of Drumcree, will preach. A full attendance of all the Members is requested. The ordinary meetings of the Edenderry Section will begin on Tuesday evening, October 13th, at 7:30, in the Parochial Hall.

OLD SEAGOE NOTES.

The Big Wind.—Since last month we have gathered many more facts regarding the destruction wrought in this neighbourhood by the Big Wind of January 6th, 1839. The spire of Lurgan Church was blown down. It was made of wood covered with copper and surmounted by a big bright ball. In Hillsborough Demesne almost all the trees were blown down. A great many of the old people remember their parents snatching them up in the night time and carrying them away to a place of safety. One old woman remembers her father going outside and lying on the roof all through that fearful night to keep a piece of new thatch he had put on from being blown off! The gables of two houses in Drumnagoon were blown down. An old man remembers waking up and finding his eyes full of dust from the falling roof. Another had to be rescued through the window of a house in Balteagh, a large tree having fallen down and blocked the door. A son of Rector Brooke, of Moira, who was born on the night of the Storm was baptized by the name Ernest Aeolus —Aeolus being the King to whom the God Zeus gave the power to control or excite the winds. One of our parishioners hopes to get his pension on January 6th, 1909. He always remembers his birthday because he wars born on the night of the great storm just 70 years ago.

One of the oldest and most interesting buildings in Seagoe Parish is the Rectory in which successive Vicars and Rectors of Seagoe have lived from time immemorial. It occupies a commanding position and is most conveniently situated close to Church and School and is surrounded by well laid out gardens and extensive meadows. No better site could have been chosen for the Rectory and as far as can be gathered from ancient documents no other site was used since Seagoe appears upon the page of modern history in the year 1241.

Three separate buildings can easily be traced. Apparently the oldest Rectory house was the white-washed portion with small rooms and low ceilings at the rere of the present building. A government “Terrier” or statement of glebe land and houses records that in the year 1700 Seagoe Rectory was roofed with wattles and thatch and the walls were composed partly of mud and partly of stone. This clearly refers to this older portion of the House. At some time apparently towards the end of the 18th century the house was enlarged in front, the present spacious rooms and staircase being then built, and at a still later date a further addition, the present front was made and the Hall arranged as at present.