Sept 1939

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

SEPTEMBER, 1939.

CLERGY:

J. W. APPELBE, M.A., B.D., Seagoe Rectory.

W. F. HAYES, B.A., L.Th., The Bungalow,

Lower Seagoe.

CHURCHWARDENS.

Rector's—S. McCORMICK.

People's—J. G. GRACEY, J.P.

THE CLERGY WILL ESTEEM IT A FAVOUR IF

OASES OF SICKNESS THEY ARE INFORMED

IMMEDIATELY.

CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER.

September 3rd—13th Sunday after Trinity.

September 9th—Church Lads' Brigade Service

Conference at Seagoe.

September 10th—14th Sunday after Trinity.

September 17th—15th Sunday after Trinity.

September 24th—16th Sunday after Trinity.

HARVEST FESTIVAL DATES.

The following provisional dates have been fixed

for the above: -

Sunday, Sept. 24th, at 3.30 p.m. Hacknahay

Monday, Sept. 25th, at 8 p.m.

Sunday, Oct 1st, at 3.30 p.m. Bocombra &

Monday, Oct. 2nd, at 8 p.m. Carne

Sunday Oct. 8th, at 3.30 p.m. Drumgor &

Monday, Oct. 9th, at 8 p.m. Levaghery

Sunday, Oct. 15th, 11.30 and 7 p.m. Parish Church

Monday, Oct. 16th, at 8 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 22nd, at 3.30 p.m. Edenderry Parochial

Monday, Oct. 23rd, at 8 p.m. Hall

In accordance with our usual custom at all the district

Harvest Festival Services, the Sunday Afternoon

Collections will be in aid of the South American

Missionary Society; the Monday night collections will go

to the Hall Expenses Fund.

SIDESMEN FOR SEPTEMBER.

Morning Prayer—The Churchwardens, Messrs. R.

Scott„ C. A. Twinem, J. Stephens, D. Sherman.

Evening Prayer—Messrs. A. Kirke, D. Allen, H.

Ellis, S. D. Walker, J. Rehill, R. M'Murray.

BEETLE DRIVE.

The Edenderry Parochial Committee hope to hold

a "Beetle Drive" on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th,

aid of the Renovation and Boiler Repair Funds in

connection with the Parochial Hall. This entertainment

will take place in Mrs. Vance's Cafe. Valuable prizes

will be awarded. Tickets are 2/6 each. These can be

obtained by parishioners who wish to attend from any

member of the Parochial Hall Committee or from

Mrs. Vance.

THE MOTHERS' UNION.

A meeting of the Mothers' Union will be held in

Seagoe School on Tuesday, September 12th, at 8 p.m.

The Rev. W. G. Kerr, M.A, Rector, of Mullabrack,

will give the address. This will be the opening meeting

for the winter session, and it is hoped a full turnout

of the members will be present

In connection with this organisation something may

be said for the benefit of those who are not, but who

might be members. All married women who are

parishioners, are eligible for membership. The

Mothers' Union aims, especially, at giving such guidance

and encouragement to young mothers as will enable

them to deal successfully with their own peculiar

responsibilities, which are so often perplexing.

RECRUITING APPEAL.

We are glad to report that our Company of the

Church Lads' Brigade is in a very sound position in

general. Several of our stalwart lads have joined the

Royal Air Force, where, we are glad to hear, they

are doing well. Their going in some measure depleted

our senior company. Their places will be taken by

twelve members of the Training Corps, who are now

the age for the senior rank and will pass into it this

month.

The Brigade founded on a Religious basis. Its aim

is to promote, among boys, Christian principles and

to encourage them to be worthy members of their

Church. In this respect the C.L.B. is meeting a definite

need in our midst. It is a strong link between our

growing lads and the Church. Here our fine band of

officers give a splendid lead. Under their supervision

the Brigade provides also, clean, healthy recreation

for our boys.

New members are always welcome. The best time

to join is now. The age for the Seniors is 14 to 21,

and for the Training Corps 9 to 13. The Training

Corps meets in the Parochial Hall on Tuesdays, at

7.30 p.m., and the Seniors on the same evenings, at

8 p.m.

C.L.B. CAMP AT BANGOR.

The annual camp for the Training Corps of the

Down and Connor and Dromore Battalion of the

Church Lads' Brigade was held this year at

Ballymaconnell, Bangor. It was well attended. There

were over two hundred boys under canvas. The camp

commandant was the Rev. R. C. R. Ellis, Dunmurry.

He was assisted by a capable band of young officers.

There was a splendid turn-out on the Sunday

Parade Service to Bangor Parish Church.

There were thirteen sturdy representatives from

Seagoe. Capt. E. Mitchell was there for the opening

week-end. Many of the boys' parents and friends

visited the camp on sports day. Mrs. Lutton, Seafield,

who was staying in Bangor, most kindly, one evening

treated all the Seagoe lads to a very good performance

at Duffy's Circus.

A welcome addition to the camp were twelve C.L.B.

boys from St. Mary's, Limerick, accompanied by Capt.

Enright. They proved good companions and a credit

to their Company.

The camp was a great success. The weather,

though showery, on the whole was favourable. The

food was exceptionally well cooked. There were

abundant opportunities for exercise, recreation and

good comradeship.

C.L.B. CONFERENCE.

The annual Church Lads' Brigade Conference, for

the Down and Connor and Dromore Battalion, will

be held this year in Seagoe. It is usually held in

Belfast or in the neighbourhood of the City. This

year the staff have honoured us with the offer of

having it here. We appreciate this gesture and extend

a warm welcome to the delegates. The Conference

will open with a short service in Seagoe Church, at

3.30 p.m. on Saturday, September 9th. After the

Service refreshments will be served to those attending,

in the Parochial Hall, at 5 p.m. The Conference will

continue from 6.30.

BAPTISMS.

"Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid

them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God."

August 6th—David Alexander, son of Norman and

Rachel Walker, 2, Rosemount, Garvaghy Rd.,

Portadown.

August 6th—Sarah Anne Caroline Patricia, daughter

of David and Letitia Isabella Kane,

26, Carrickblacker Road, Portadown.

August 6th—Anna Margaretta, daughter of Samuel

Robert and Elizabeth Phillips, Drumnacanvey,

Portadown.

BURIALS.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from

henceforth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest

from their labours."

July 31st—Mary Ruddell, Fortwilliam, Breagh,

Portadown, aged 65 years.

OBITUARY.

The death of Miss M. Ruddell, who was staying at

Fortwilliam, Breagh, came after a short illness, borne

patiently and with hope to the end. Though not a

resident, Miss Ruddell paid frequent and sometimes

lengthy visits to the Parish. On these occasions she

was a regular worshipper in Seagoe Church, and was

interested in its activities. Her sudden and serious

illness came as a great shock. Active, cheerful and

kind, she will be much missed. We extend our

sympathy to her relatives.

A SAD ACCIDENT.

The sad news concerning Mr. James Orr, of Gilford

Rectory, who was drowned while sailing a light craft

at Killowen has been received with much regret in

Seagoe. Deep sympathy is felt throughout our Parish

for both Chancellor and Mrs. Orr at this time of

tragic sorrow.

BEYOND THE SEAS.

Mr. John R. Reid, of Killicomaine Road, has

returned from a visit to his brother, Mr. W. Reid, of

Pittsburgh, U.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. James Twinem are

also visiting relatives in the States.

Mr. George A. Wallace from Goban Street, who

early this summer emigrated to Australia, has joined

his brother at Melbourne. He has been fortunate in

finding suitable employment. We wish him much

prosperity in his new sphere.

VISITORS FROM THE U.S.A.

Her many friends in the Parish were glad to see

again Mrs. Susan Hardy. It is seven years since her

last visit. She has just returned to the States, with

her husband and son, after a holiday with her parents,

Mr. and Mrs. James Allen, of Edenderry. Mrs. Bella

Robb and Yvonne are also welcome visitors from

across the Atlantic.

NEW BUILDINGS.

Readers from afar are always interested in the

changes that are taking place in the Parish. Nothing

alters any locality more than new buildings. Several

recently have been, and many more are in the course

of erection. This is especially noticeable in Edenderry;

it is being quickly developed. Many fine dwellings are

to be seen where a short time ago there were open

fields.

Margretta Park, which has been steadily growing

for the past few years, is now almost built up. Another

new drive has been opened off the Killicomaine

Road. It has received the name of Windsor Avenue

and already it can boast of inhabitants. In Carrickblacker

Road two nice houses have been completed, others are

growing up. The fine terrace of twenty-one houses,

known as Eden Crescent, built on the frontage of the

Eden Hall grounds, are all occupied and have pretty

gardens in front.

New houses in other parts of the Parish are no less

in evidence. A handsome villa has been erected in

Balteagh, and a neat bungalow by the Lower Church

Lane, also one on the Peacefield grounds at Ballinacor.

In the remote townland of Drumgor four new cottages

are being built on the Old Lurgan Road. Similar buildings

are being erected in Drumnagoon, Kilvergan and

Ballymacrandle.

WITH THE FORCES.

Many of our young men now serving in various

branches of the Forces have been home on leave.

David Donaldson is now stationed at St Athan,

Glamorganshire. Wireless-operator Noel Johnson is

at Cranwell, Lincolnshire. Samuel M'Cabe and Charles

M'Dowell have returned to the camp at Halton. James

Kane, Hugh Robinson and Alex. Steenson, of the

RA.F., have also been home on furlough. James

Whiteside is serving at Stannmore.

Harry Kane, well known in Edenderry, has been

called up for training in the Royal Naval Reserve. He

is aboard "the Eclipse." He took part when their

Majesties inspected the Reserve Fleet at Weymouth

a few weeks ago.

Walter Currie and William M'Loughlin, Lower

Seagoe, were in camp near Weymouth last month with

the Ulster Auxiliary Battalion of the Royal Air Force.

A PORTADOWN POET.

A recent visitor to the neighbourhood was a grandson

of the late Mr. Robert Donnolly, who lived in Portadown

and was a poet of some ability. His first volume appeared

in 1852. A later volume was published in 1882. An

autographed copy of this work is possessed by a parishioner.

It contains lines written on matter of considerable local

interest. There are also poems to prominent personages in

Portadown, Lurgan and Seagoe. Perhaps some of our

readers may remember this poet, who was well known

in the district.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO.

August, 1914. — In this copy of the Magazine there

is a snapshot of the U.V.F. Camp. It shows Major

Blacker going his rounds, accompanied by Mr. T. J.

Atkinson. Two hundred men from the Parish are

stated to be encamped along the river bank at

Carrick-Blacker. A note is written on the Ulster crisis.

Mr. H. Gracey, of Drumgor, is complimented on being

given an important educational appointment in London.

A list is given of children from the various Sunday

Schools with the highest Church Attendance Cards.

A roll of former Churchwardens is included.

September, 1914. —This issue opens with a prayer

for that time of tumult and distress. A special Intercessory

Service for our Soldiers and Sailors is announced to be

held in the Parish Church on each Wednesday evening.

Reference is made to the grave crisis and the horrors of

the European war. Young men from the Parish are already

announced to be in the fighting line. A report is written

of the stirring send-off accorded to Major Blacker as he

left for active service. The Portadown Battalion of the

Ulster Volunteers lined Railway St., and the factories

were closed for the afternoon.

THE SEAGOE YEOMANRY IN 1798.

Mr. T. G. F. Paterson, Curator of the County

Museum, Armagh, has kindly given permission to copy

from an article published by him in the Ulster Journal

of Archaeology, July, 1938. It sheds light upon the

formation of the Seagoe Yeomanry and some of its

activities, with special reference to its summons to

an engagement near Lisburn in 1798.

"William Blacker, of Carrickblacker, Co. Armagh,

the author of the following information, entered

Trinity College in 1795. On his way down he travelled

by the famous 'Armagh Fly,' which had ' just commenced

the astounding undertaking of making Dublin in one day,

and achieved it, that is to say, started at four o'clock in

the morning and was rarely later than ten o'clock at

night in reaching its destination.'

"In the following year, whilst in Dublin, he was

granted a commission to raise a corps of yeomanry

among his father's tenants and the parishioners of

Seagoe in general. When the rebellion broke out, he

was still at Trinity, but he hastened home to take

charge of his corps.

"The Seagoe Corps of Yeomanry was one of the

best organised units in the North. It was again requisitioned

in the Emmet insurrection of 1803, and in 1815 it

relieved troops at Drogheda for service abroad.

"The uniform of the Seagoe's was 'tight pantaloons

of blue cloth with a strip of scarlet down each leg;

jackets, scarlet faced with blue and laced with orange;

caps, leather, shaped like a bishop's mitre.' Shortly after

its formation, the head-dress of the corps was exchanged

for a 'helmet of lacquered tin surmounted by a bearskin,

and turbaned with orange linen.' "

This description and the following abstract are from

the Blacker Manuscripts.

" 'I lost no time in sending my requisition to General

Lake and a party to Charlemont for the arms, which

I had in the hands of one hundred good men on the

morning of the 7th inst. My uncle George, the Vicar

of Seagoe, I allowed to choose thirty in his vicinity;

the rest I chose near Carrick (Blacker). On that

day the Battle of Antrim took place. The firing of

the cannon was distinctly heard at Lurgan, and in

fact at Seagoe, but we were not fully aware until the

next morning what the nature of the noise had been.

" 'On Sunday morning, the 10th, just as I was

rising, a dragoon galloped up to the hall-door with

an order for the Seagoe Corps to march to Lisburn.

As the men were at that moment in the way of

assembling for church, there was little time lost in

getting under way, and I never saw fellows in greater

glee. A number of country people, variously armed,

were anxious to accompany the Yeomanry, and it

was with great difficulty my uncle George prevailed

on them to remain at home, promising them he would

head them himself to join us if necessary.

" 'We reached Moira while the congregations were

in their respective places of worship. There are two

Meeting Houses, besides the Church, and at each of

the three there were a number of horses, the greater

part of them furnished with pillions, on which the

farmers in those days carried their dames to prayers

market-cars and jaunting-cars being then unknown

To possess ourselves of the animals was the work

but a few minutes, and ere the owners were well aware

of what was passing, each nag was mounted by one

or two Yeomen, according to the length of its back

and its extent of saddlery, and many a farmer and

farmer's wife trudged home in sourness and sadness,

despatching their servant-men towards Lisburn to pick

up their horses, when it suited us to dispense with

their further service.

"We reached Lisburn fresh and in good order by

five in the afternoon, where we found six or seven

other Corps of Yeomanry (Infantry) and two or three

of Cavalry and the greater part of the 24th Dragoons

commanded by Lord William Bentick, the entire Brigade

being under the command of Major-General Goldie, a

worthy old Scotch body.'

" 'The occupation of Lisburn at this time was extremely

judicious. Situated on the Lagan River, it commanded the

communication between Antrim and Down, both then in

rebellion, though the outbreak in the former had been

promptly checked, while that in Down was just coming to

a head.'"

SERVICES—THE PARISH CHURCH.

HOLY COMMUNION—1st Sunday after Morning

Prayer; 3rd Sunday at 8 a.m., and on the Chief Festivals

HOLY BAPTISM—1st Sunday of each Month at 4 p.m.,

and during any Service in the Parish Church, notice to be

given; Two Sponsors at least are required. The father and

mother must be present. Churchings are held at each Baptism.

Mothers are expected to bring a thank offering. (See Book of

Common Prayer.)

MORNING PRAYER—Sundays and Chief Festivals,

11.30 a.m.

EVENING PRAYER—Sundays, 7 p.m.

DISTRICT SERVICES.

Hacknahay—Last Sunday of Month at 3.30 p.m.

Drumgor—Second Sunday of Month at 3 p.m.

Edenderry—Wednesdays at 8 p.m., Oct—Easter.

CLASSES &c.

BIBLE CLASSES FOR MEN in Edenderry on Sundays at 10.15 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS—10.15 a.m. Edenderry Parochial

Hall and Seagoe School. 3 p.m. Seagoe, Edenderry

Parochial Hall, Levaghery, Hacknahay, Carne, Drumgor, Bocombra

MOTHERS' UNION—2nd Tuesday of each month at 7.30 p.m.

CHURCH LADS' BRIGADE in the Parochial Hall on Tuesdays.

GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY in Seagoe School on Mondays at 8 p.m. as announced

G.F.S. Candidates - Oct. – Easter, Edenderry Parochial Hall, Saturdays at 3 p.m.

SEAGO CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR SOCIETY – Mondays, Orange Hall, at 8 p.m.

SEAGOE P.E. SCHOOL—9.15 a.m. Principal—Mr. R. Scott.

MARRIAGES must be performed between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Licences are issued by Ven. Archdeacon Hannon, the Rectory, Lurgan. Due notice (48 hours) must be given to the Rector of intended weddings. FEES—BY License—Labourers 5/-, Tradesmen 10/-, Merchants and Farmers £1, Professional £l. By Banns 5/-.

FUNERALS will be attended by the Clergy if proper notice be given. SICK CASES should be notified to the Clergy without delay. FEES FOR CERTIFICATES—BAPTISM 3/7, Children (Factory) 1/- and 2/- (non-residents); MARRIAGE 3/7. An extra Search Fee is chargeable in certain cases. It will be a help to the Clergy if they are notified of the arrival of new Church families in the Parish.

A copy of the Magazine will be sent by post to any subscriber for 3/- per annum.