October 1915

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

OCTOBER, 1915

Harvest Thanksgiving Services,

THE Annual Thanksgiving Services for

the Blessings of Harvest will (D.v.) be

held in the Parish Church on Thurs-

day, October 28th, and on Sunday,

October 31st.

The Preacher at the Thursday evening

Service will be the Rev. R. Walker, LL.D.,

Rector of St. Barnabas' Church, Belfast. The

Preacher at the Sunday Services will be the Rev. F.

Riddall, M.A., of Lisburn. The Offerings on Thurs

day will be in aid of Foreign Missions, and on

Sunday at both services for Parochial Funds.

Special music will be sung by the Choir, and the

Church will be decorated.

District Harvest Services,

Harvest Services will (D.v.) be held at the follow-

ing centres on the dates named—

Carne—Sunday, October, 10th, at 3-30 p.m.

Monday, 11th, at 8 p m.

Drumgor—Sunday, October 17th, at 3-30 p.m.

Monday, 18th, at 8 p.m

Tamnificarbet—Sunday, October 24th, at 7 p.m.

Monday, 25th, at 8 p.m.

Levaghery —Sunday, October 24th, at 3-30 p,m.

Monday 25th, at 8 p.m.

Edenderry—Sunday, November 7th, at 3-30 p.m.

Monday, 8th, at 8 p.m.

The Offerings at the Sunday Services in each

District will be on behalf of the Local School

Expenses, and at the Monday Services for Foreign

Missions.

Hacknahay Harvest Services.

The Annual Harvest Services were held in

Hacknahay School on Sunday, September 26th, and

the Monday following. The School had been most

tastefully decorated by willing bonds.

Some splendid fruit and flowers were placed upon a table

at the end of the room. The Rev. G. Bloomer gave

the address at the Sunday Service, and on Monday

the Rev, G. Millington, B.A., Curate of Donaghcloney, spoke on Nature and Grace,"

At both Services the School was filled. The music was

excellently rendered by a large Choir kindly trained

by Mr. S. R. Chambers. The Harvest Anthem was

very bright, and Miss Charlotte M 'Murray sang with

much taste the treble solo, The offerings were

liberal, amounting on Sunday to £2 2s 3d for the

School Fund, and on Monday to £l 3s for Foreign

Missions.

Rev John Taylor, M-A.

The Rev. J. Taylor, formerly Curate of Seagoe,

has recently been appointed Rector of Eglantine (All Saints', Hillsborough).

It is a country Parish with a small but beautiful Church, which was erected by

the Mulholland Family within the precincts of their

demesne. The people oi Seagoe will wish Mr.

Taylor much blessing and happiness in his new and

responsible sphere of labour.

S.P.C-K.

The above letters stand for a very useful Society

—the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

A Lecture was delivered on its behalf in Edenderry

Parochial Hall on Monday, September 13th, by

the Rev. D. H. Abbott, M.A , Deputation Secretary

for the North of England and Ireland. The Rector

presided, and there was a large audience, who

listened with interest to the details given by the

Lecturer of the Society's work in the Colonies and

Canada. The Lecture was fully illustrated by

Lantern Slides, which added greatly to its interest.

The proceeds of the Sale of Tickets amounted to

£l 0s 3d, expenses 4s Od, net proceeds of Lecture,

16s 3d.

Private David G. Dunlop,

Another of our brave soldiers has fallen in action,

Private David George Dunlop, of James Street.

He fell on August 16th, at Gallipoli. Two of his.

comrades from Portadown, Jeffers and Proctor, were

near him at the time and saw him fall, shot through

the heart. His death is very pathetic for by it two

little children are left without father or mother.

Mrs. Dunlop, his wife, died under very sad

circumstances on March 31st of this year, her younger

child being an infant of only a, few days old at the

time. A letter from Private Dunlop to Mrs. Camp-

bell, his wife's mother, was written by him on

August 15th, the day before he was killed. It was

as follows :

15/3/15.

Dear Mother,—Just line to let you know I am

getting on well. I got the cigarettes you sent me

alright, also your letter. I am glad to hear of you

and the children being well. Remember me to my

father and mother and all the rest. I have nearly all

my chums as yet. We have not lost very many of

them. Jeffers is alright and Archie Proctor. We

are all together as yet, and having a good time

sniping the Turks down. I only got your letter on

Saturday, 14th August, so I answer it as soon as I

can. I think this is all for this time only.—D.G.D.

Write soon.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

Death of Private David Gracey,

Official intimation has been received by his father

of the death in action, of Private David Gracey, of

the Highland Light Infantry. He was killed in

France, on Sunday, September 12th. Private Gracey

was a young fellow of high character and deep

religious feeling. When he was about to go to the Front

early in the year, and knew the possible risk of life

involved, he faced the issue with fine Christian courage.

He had not in infancy been admitted to the

Church by Baptism, and during a short furlough last

December feeling that he should not face death with-

out receiving that Sacrament, he made application to

the Rector and after brief preparation, and with the

ready consent of the Bishop, he was baptized in

Seagoe Church. His reverence and devout bearing

made a deep impression on those who witnessed the

solemn service He promised at the font to be a

faithful soldier and servant of Jesus Christ even to

his life's end. After a brief period of very faithful

service, he has sealed that promise with his life's

blood. We offer our sincere sympathy to Mr. and

Mrs. Gracey on their sad loss while at the same time

we express our thanksgiving to God for the nobility

of that life and death.

Death of Private F. Curry.

Private Francis Curry, of the 6th Batt. Royal

Irish Fusiliers, has died at Alexandria from wounds

received at Gallipoli He resided with his mother

n Ballymacrandle for many years, and in his boyhood

was a member of Seagoe C.L.B. His only brother

died some ten years ago. Much sympathy has been

expressed with his mother in the loss of her only

surviving son.

Notes from Bordon Camp.

The following letter from Bordon Camp contains

interesting facts regarding the Camp experiences of

our Seagoe men :

Before I say anything about our new Camp I

must thank you for the papers and the magazine;

the latter was lent all round the Company and

everyone enjoyed the bright reading it contained.

Regarding our New Camp, I must say it is just the

opposite of Seaford. In Seaford the sea was just

beside you, and you were convenient to Brighton and

Eastbourne. Here there is no sea anywhere near,

and the nearest place approaching a town is Aldershot

some ten miles away. If you wish to go to London,

of course it costs 3/9 for a week-end, and the weekly

wages of private soldier couldn't afford that.

" And yet though we are away so far from any big

towns or cities, most of the boys would rather be

stationed here than any place we have been yet. At

night when the day's work is finished one can walk

to nice little villages a few miles from the Camp,

such as Hedley, Deadwater, Liss Selbourne, etc.,

and the roads, oh! how different from those of

Seaford, One could walk miles here without being

tired. The roads you see are tar-macadam. Our

barracks are in up-to-date style ; one room contains

about 30 men with a nice little bunk for the

Sergeant, and each man has a good iron bed to lie

down and rest.

Since we came here our time has been occupied

with firing So in the morning we usually have

our breakfast at 6 a m. , and proceed to the range

some two miles away. The Field Kitchen comes

with us, and we are supplied with our dinner and tea

out at Range. So you will see how convenient the

Field Kitchens are. Well, we usually arrive back in

Barracks about 7 p.m., all feeling tired, and ready

for a good wash to clean the sand of Cranmere

Range off our person.

Leave was granted last week, and everyone was

glad. So at 12 0'clock B Coy left for the station,

where they entrained and ran right through to

Heysham. Got on the steamer, arriving in Belfast

next morning about 7 a.m., caught the 7-30 train

for Portadown, where the people were glad to see

the relatives.

In closing I might say we are to be inspected by

the King on Thursday next, when once more the

men from Ulster hope to please the King as they did

Lord Kitchener.

Seagoe Roll of Honour.

We record with pleasure the following names of

lads from Seagoe Parish who have enlisted since our

last issue—

David M 'Cabe, Seagoe.

George White, Tarson.

David Flannigan, Edenderry.

Dynes Gilpin, Edenderry.

Norman Holmes, Killycomain.

A Faithful Friend.

Many Seagoe people will miss from the roads the

familiar form of Joseph Brown, Ballinacor, who so

often drove his Donkey and Cart along the Carne

Road into Portadown. Death has claimed him at a

good old age, and before his call came he gave a sure

testimony of his faith in his Crucified and Risen

Lord. It is not out of place to say something here of his

faithful dumb friend " Diamond," the donkey which

drew him to town for well nigh 30 years, for

Diamond " will be 30 years of age if he lives till next

May. That is a great age for a Donkey, and we hope

that " Diamond " will yet enjoy some more years of

quiet retirement after his useful life.

Offertories for September.

Sundays—Mornings, £4 9 7

Evenings, 1 12 2

Week Days 0 10 8

£6 12 5

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

G.F.S, Excursion.

The Hacknahay Branch of the G.F.S. had their

Annual Excursion on Thursday, September 23rd.

Belfast was the place chosen, and the members

numbering over 30, accompanied by their Associate,

Miss Calvert. left Portadown by the 1-53 p.m, train.

Arrived at Belfast the members visited the chief

streets of the city. and at 4 met at the City Hall and

went by tram to the Botanic Gardens where they

visited the splendid Conservatories and Fernery.

A Letter from the Front,

A grandson of Dynes Atkinson, Sexton of Seagoe,

writes as follows :—

You will think it strange getting a letter from me,

but I still think of you all, and thought it nothing

but right that you should have a word from me. I

expect that you have heard that I enlisted at the

outbreak of the war, and have been in it one year.

We have been in action at Hill 60, Kemmel,

Lachiet, Dicky bush, Elverdinge, and we are now at

the Dead City, where Lord Kitchener visited lately in

the first little country that was ruined. This war

is too horrible to imagine. Just fancy seeing large

Cities with not a building that has one stone on top

of one another. It is awful to see. I would like to

tell you all, but dare not. We had a big bombardment

a week ago, and I believe we took 5 lines of

trenches and about 1,500 prisoners, but mind, I

think we lost a few good men, for the Germans were

using gas and liquid fire.

It is awful stuff to stand.

Our battery lost 1 killed and I wounded.

It is very hard to see your comrades killed by shells, and never

know but what It is your turn next.

It is a hard life, but it is better than living under the German

flag. By the way things look I think the war will

last a good while yet, but I pray to God to use His

power to bring it to an early end, so that we may all

live in happiness once again. I could just do with a

fortnight's holiday with you all again ; never mind,

the day will come, for God is good, and He will make

the culprits of this war suffer.

Now I hope you are all enjoying the best of health,

for my people and I are all in the best of health at

present. I am sending you a little card for Aunt

Mary Jane (God bless her !), and I hope she will

think of curly head. I know I have not done right

for not sending you letter before now, but I hope

you will excuse me, for you know what young people

are for writing. Forgive me this time, and I will

write you long letter next time. Give my best

regards to all my dear friends in Bridge Street. Tell

Grandfather I intend to come and ring the Church

bell some day, Well, I will close now with love to

all. God bless and keep you all. Write soon.

CHARLIE ATKINSON.

Wm. Jas. Allen, of Joseph Street,

is now in khaki, having joined the R AOI.C. He returned

recently from the States after a sojourn there of

some years.

PARISH REGISTER FOR SEPT.

Baptisms,

The following were Baptized on Saturday, September 4th, 1915.

Best—Thomas Henry, son of Richard and Margaret Best, of Lurgan.

Sponsors—Emily Best, Margaret Best,

Hickland—David, son of John and Lucinda Hickland, of Breagh.

Sponsors—Agnes Hickland, Lucinda Hickland.

Reay—Joseph, son of James and Jane Reay, of Balteagh.

Sponsors—Rebecca Gregston, Jane Reay.

Mayes—Mary Elizabeth, daughter of James Wm. and Margaret Mayes, of Levaghery.

Sponsors—Sarah Abraham. Margaret Mayes.

Robinson—Grace, daughter of Joseph and Mary Robinson, of Tamnificarbet.

Sponsors—Joseph Robinson, Mary Robinson.

PRIVATE BAPTISM.

Smith—September 26th, 1915, Margaret daughter of Aaron

and Sarah Anne Smith, of Edenderry.

Burials.

They that sleep in the dust of the earth shall arise."

Elliott—September 14th, Francis Elliott, of Belfast, aged 47 years.

Wilson—September 25th, Sarah Wilson, of Ballymacrandle, aged 67 years.

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

Death of Mr. Wm. McC- Jones.

We announce with very sincere regret the death of

Mr. W m, McC. Jones, head of the compositing

department of the " Portadown News," and a faithful

employee of that firm for nearly 40 years. Mr. Jones

supervised for over ten years the setting-up of the

type for each successive number of this Magazine,

and was always interested in its success. He was

very skilful worker, and was always quick

at interpreting the wishes of his clients.

ITEMS.

We congratulate Mr. W. B. Walker of Seagoe

Farm, on the successful completion of his Medical

and Arts course in Dublin University. He received

the degree of M.B. last week and has also we believe

obtained a Commission in the Army Medical Department.

Trinity College has supplied no less than 650

Medical men to the Army since the war began.

Mr. James Twinem has recently given valuable

help in the Parish by taking in succession during

July and August, the Men's Bible Classes in

Edenderry and Seagoe. His work was much appreciated

by the Members.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

The swallows took their departure later than usual

this year, on September 13th, but on Sunday, Sept.

26th a large number were still to be seen on the

shores of Lough Neagh at Ardmore.

The Rev. G. Bloomer takes up his work as Curate

of St. Mark's, Portadown, on November 1st.

Bertram Holland (1st Canadian Contingent), of

Levaghery, was slightly wounded in the severe

fighting in Flanders, but has, we are glad to say,

quite recovered.

Corporal Herbert Murray, a member of the

Canadian University Contingent, attached to

Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, spent a

few days here last week after an absence in Canada

of over two years. He is stationed at Shorncliffe

with his Regiment. Princess Patricia's Regiment

has covered itself with glory on the battlefields of

Flanders, and we anticipate that when Corporal

Murray and his comrades get to the front they will

sustain the great reputation of their corps.

The Rev. F. J. Halahan, Rector of Drumcree, has

been appointed a Chaplain to the Forces and is now

attached to the Ulster Division at Bordon Camp.

The Rev. R. E. Rennison, Curate of Drumcree, takes

charge of the Parish during the Rector's absence.

Our readers who have friends in the Division will be

rejoiced to know that Mr. Halahan will be with the

Portadown boys in the stirring days ahead.

The unexpected visit of the men from Borden

Camp was a very pleasant surprise. Some wives on

their way to work in Edenderry found their

husbands, whom they thought were in England,

waiting for them in Bridge Street and Railway

Street.

An anonymous writer complains that some of the

youths of Seagoe occasionally rob his orchards and

thinks that their parents fail to chastise them. He

concludes by saying that he supposes " Kitchener's

men must stand to their guns, and Seagoe mothers

must stand to their sons."

A useful Pamphlet has been left at every house in

Seagoe Parish entitled " Why We Should Save and

How .?" Everyone should read it carefully and act

upon the advice given.

Old Seagoe Notes.

A Notable Day in Seagoe.—On April 3rd

1893, no less than four marriages took place in

Seagoe Parish Church. We believe this record has

not been exceeded or even reached in the Parish

before or since. The Annual Rate of Marriages in

the Parish is about twenty-four.

A Famous Seagoe Athlete.—Some 50 years

ago there lived in Ballinacor a famous jumper by

name Samuel Jordan. Stories of his wonderful

feats still circulate through the parish. On one

occasion when standing on the platform at Lurgan

Railway Station he wished to get to the other platform

and he jumped from one platform to the other.

At that time there was only a

single line of rail, but it was nevertheless a great

jump. At another time he challenged another local

athlete to jump in and out of twelve barrels placed

side by side in line. He performed this feat

without difficulty beating his rival who only

succeeded in jumping in and out of eight of the

Samuel Jordan emigrated to New South Wales forty

years ago, and on the day before he left he was standing

with his father and mother at the Big Stone at

Ballinacor. There was an iron gate near the stone,

leading into a field of Mr Ruddell's, and Samuel at a

standing jump cleared the gate. Samael Jordan

lived for many years abroad and died at

a good old age a few years ago. His photograph in

the possession of his niece Mrs Joseph McCabe

represents him as a handsome well-built man.

Perhaps some parishioners can recall other jumping

feats performed by him, and if they send them to the

Editor he will be glad to publish them in these notes.

An Interesting Clock.—A resident in the Parish

of Knocknamuckley possesses a Grandfather's Clock

the case of which was made from the wood of the

Pulpit of Old Seagoe Church. This pulpit was a

conspicuous feature in the Old Church now a ruin,

and it is said to have had inscribed upon it the date

1666, being the year in which the old Church was

re-built by Valentine Blacker after its destruction in

the Rebellion of 1641. The Clock was made by Geo.

J. Black, of Lurgan, to the order of William Dynes

of Shane Hill, on the occasion of his marriage to a

namesake of his own, named Nancy Dynes. The

clock keeps excellent time, and is much prized by its

possessor. The case is highly polished. The wood

is very sound and is oak of a dark colour. The

timber from which it was made is at least 250 years

old. William Dynes, for whom the Clock was

originally made, died about 40 years ago at an

advanced age.