September 1909

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

SEPTEMBER, 1909.

Hacknahay Fete,

On Thursday, August 26th, the Summer Fete

and Variety Sale was held at Hacknahay School.

We were favoured with fine weather and the

surroundings of the school looked their very best,

Inside the building stalls had been erected, gaily

decorated with the colours of the rainbow and the

recess at the end of the school had been transformed

into a most inviting Tea Room. No trouble had

been spared by the indefatigable ladies who had

charge of the stalls to make the school as nice as

possible for the occasion and everyone who visited

the Sale was astonished at the completeness and

attractiveness of the preparations. At 3 o'clock the

chair was taken by the Rev. J. E. Archer, who in a

short speech explained to those present the object of

the Sale. He described the events which led up to the

re-opening of the School last year and congratulated

the residents of the District on the generous support

which they had given to the venture. The School

had succeeded well both in numbers and efficiency

and there were at present 74 children on the roll.

The Chairman then called on Miss Armstrong to

declare the Sale open. In an eloquent and graceful

speech Miss Armstrong expressed the great pleasure

it gave her to be present on that occasion and

referred to the importance of Education, and to the

need of the school in that district. Having formally

declared the Sale open, Miss Armstrong was presented

by Miss Helen Calvert, on behalf of the Sale

Committee, with a beautiful Bouquet. Major

Blacker, J.P., proposed a vote of thanks to Miss

Armstrong, and in the course of an interesting speech

remarked that though at the beginning he had not

been altogether in favour of opening the School, he

had come to see that it was necessary and would

prove a great advantage to the neighbourhood. He

apologised for Mrs. Blacker's absence and hoped the

Sale would be a great success. The vote of thanks

was seconded by Mr Wolsey Atkinson, who said it

gave him much pleasure to be present and to support

the vote of thanks to Miss Armstrong, who had in so

many ways helped Seagoe Parish. Mr. George

Calvert also said a few words, and thanked all who

had assisted in making the sale a success. The vote

was passed by acclamation.

After the opening the sales proceeded briskly.

Many were present from Portadown, and also from

outlying parts of the Parish, and everyone seemed

anxious to show their sympathy and interest by

making purchases. A capital Concert was given in

one of the rooms at 4-30. The programme had been

arranged by Mr. Chambers and proved very successful.

The room was crowded. One of the items was

done by the school children. The tea tables, which

were in charge of Miss Wilson and her helpers,

could scarcely accommodate the large number who

patronised the Refreshment Stall. Miss Calvert had

a splendid collection of things on the Farm Produce

Stall, and Miss Neill's Variety Stall was also stocked

with a great supply of useful articles. The Cake

Stall presided over by Miss Templeton proved a

great attraction, and towards the end of the evening

almost all the cakes had been sold. The Toy Stall

in charge of Miss Dickson was also a great success.

Mr. James Killow acted as Phrenologist and had

many interested visitors during the day. His

character reading was very cleverly done.

The outdoor amusements were largely patronised.

Mr. Thomas Atkinson had charge of the Shooting

range and was untiring in his efforts. Mr John

England had charge of Aunt Sally and during the

afternoon and evening gave great help. Mr Jas.

Best reaped a good harvest of coppers at the sand

bag competition. The members of the Ballyhannon

Band most kindly played selections during the

evening which were much appreciated. A second

Concert was given at 8-30 and was attended by an

overflowing audience.

The announcement of the winner of the Gold

Watch was made at 8 o'clock, The fortunate

winner was Miss Fowler, of Portadown, the winning

minute being 3.33. Mr Conn, of Portadown, won

the Clock presented by Messrs Rea & Ross.

The Sale was continued on Friday evening from

7 to 10 and whatever had been left unsold on the

previous day then found purchasers. The outdoor

amusements were also well patronised.

Amongst those who were present at the opening

ceremony we noticed Miss Carleton, Rev J. Taylor,

and the Misses Taylor, Mr Bryson, Mr Acheson,

Rev J. J. O'Malley, etc.

We acknowledge with many thanks the following

subscriptions. Rev Canon Blacker, £5. Miss Armstrong,

Mr. Thos. Armstrong, Mr. W. J, Allen, Mr. W. H.

Atkinson, Rev. W. R. Crichton, £l each, Mr. J. A.

Thompson. Miss Bell (Hillsborough), and

Mr. W. M. Clow, 10/- each. Miss Henderson, 5/-.

Mr. Anderson, per Mrs Frazer, 2/6. Mr. William

Finlay, of Breagh, very generously presented a

valuable Clock, also a large Cake and Chocolates

to the Sale. Miss Georgie Atkinson gave her kind

assistance at the Bran Dip, and Master Norman Robb

brought his pony and allowed it to be used for rides

round the grounds.

We return our heartiest thanks to all who helped.

PROCEEDS OF THE SALE.

We are glad to be able to announce the full result

of the Sale.

Refreshment Stall (Miss Wilson) 10 10 11

Variety Stall (Miss Neill) 9 5 2 ½

Cake Stall (Miss Templeton) 9 0 1 ½

Farm Produce Stall (Miss Calvert) 27 5 0

Amusements 3 19 4

Subscriptions, etc. 20 11 6

Gross Receipts 80 12 1

Expenses 6 1 1

Net Receipts 74 11 0

Baptisms.

"Jesus called a little child unto Him."

Aug. 7—Rebecca Jane, daughter of William

and Rebecca Gracey.

„ „ —David Henry, son of Robert James and

Jessie Beckett.

„ „ —Sarah Lavinia, daughter of Thomas and

Fanny Hoy.

„ „ —George, son of George and Letitia Gillespie.

„ „ —Eva, daughter of Robert and Sarah M'Kerr.

„ „ —John, son of William John and Elizabeth

and Magee.

„ „ —Joseph Conrad, son of Joseph and Meta

Twinem.

„ „ —Moses, son of James and Sarah Simpson.

„ „ —Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Mary

Ann Dobbin.

„ —Margaret Jane, daughter of William John

and Margaret Hara

Marriages.

“God is Love."

6th—Henry Forsythe, Seagoe, to Elizabeth

Webb, Lisniskey.

15th—Joseph Robinson, Edenderry, to Mary

Loney, Edenderry.

Burials.

“In the midst of Life we are in Death."

Aug. 7th— Robert Charles Browne 35.

Aug. 13th—Thomas Killow, Levaghery, 81,

Aug. 26th—John McClure, Tamnificarbet. 79.

Obituary.

Mr. Thomas Killow, whose death at an advanced

age we regretfully announce this month, was very

well known in the Parish, and especially in

Levaghery, where he had lived all his days. He was

never tired of telling of the old times," and his

memory was so clear that he could relate incidents

that happened sixty or seventy years ago. Although

in feeble health for some years, he still continued to

attend to the work of his farm, and actually died in

the hay-field, where he had been working. We

express our sincere sympathy with his wife and

family in their affliction.

Offertories.

“We give Thee but Thine own."

Morning. Evening

Aug. 1^st - 8^th S. after Trinity 1 19 11 0 11 6

,, 8^th- 9^th S. after Trinity 1 1 3 0 12 2

„ 15^th -10^th S after Trinity 1 4 3 0 7 1

„ 22^nd -11^th S. after Trinity 1 5 4 0 11 2

,, 29^th -12^th S. after Trinity 0 7 8 0 10 0

Wednesdays 0 8 0

£5 18 5 £2 19 11

Recognition.

Last month we had occasion to record an act of

bravery on the part of two residents in the Parish

and again this month it is our pleasing duty to

record two further acts of courage and presence of

mind by two parishioners. Mr. Maxwell Stoops, a

member of the Edenderry Men's Class, performed a

very smart action last month in rescuing a carter in

Bridge Street who had slipped off his load right in

front of the wheels and seemed unable to move out

of his perilous position. Mr. Stoops happened to be

riding past at the moment and seeing the man's

danger instantly dismounted and pulled the unfortunate

man out of harm's way. Had Mr. Stoops hesitated for

a moment probably the man would have been crushed

to death. The second act of bravery was performed

by Mr. Samuel Currie, of Bridge Street. While

bathing in the Bann at the dinner hour, opposite the

Foundry, a companion of his swam across the river

and on trying to swim back got into difficulties.

Mr. Currie at once swam to his assistance, and in

presence of a great number of spectators brought

the unfortunate lad safely to shore. We hope that

both these brave actions will be suitably recognised

and communications with that object in view are

being made to the proper authorities in London.

Mr. Sam Currie is also a member of Edenderry

Men's Bible Class and we think the members are

to be congratulated on having in their midst two

such plucky individuals.

Seagoe Day School.

GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR'S REPORT.

The National Board Inspector (Mr. H. Worsley)

held his annual examination in Seagoe School, on

Thursday, September 2nd. The examination was

most searching, and at the close he reported the

School as "very good," We hope parents will note

this, and we congratulate Mr. Chambers and the

teaching staff very heartily on their success.

Across the Seas.

Every month that passes deprives us of some one

or other of our people through emigration to America.

We begin to think that there are almost more Seagoe

folk in U.S.A. than in Seagoe itself. One of our

most recent losses in this way is Miss Susan Allen,

daughter of our respected parishioner Mr. James

Allen, of Joseph Street, who left for America a few

weeks ago. Susan Allen will be greatly missed from

the choir, and from Edenderry Sunday School, and

from Miss Armstrong's Bible Class. She was a great

favourite ready to assist in Christian work in every

way. She was a most regular member of the Girls'

Friendly Society and took a great interest in the

meetings. Before leaving the Parish she was

presented with a Bible, and Hymn book, and Prayer

Book, by the members of Miss Armstrong's Bible

Class. The presentation was made in Edenderry

Parochial Hall. We wish Miss Allen much blessing

and prosperity in her new home, and can assure her

that the recollection of her Christian example and

influence in Seagoe Parish will not soon be forgotten.

We have also to record the departure of Mr and

Mrs Thomas Webb, who have left our shores for

America. Mr Webb was a member of Edenderry

Men's Class, and also a regular worshipper in the

Parish Church. We wish them a prosperous

experience in the new country.

We hope that those who emigrate to America will

become regular worshippers in the Churches of the

Protestant Episcopal Church of America. In every

city and in most country places they will find the

Church and Clergy just as in our home parishes,

Items.

The Rev. W. R. Crichton is spending his holiday

in North Wales.

***

The Children attending Hacknahay Day School

furnished the toy stall at the recent Sale of Work.

Seagoe Choir will take part in the Choral Festival

at Gilford Church on Saturday, September 11th.

***

On several Sunday mornings recently the

congregation in the Parish Church has exceeded 500.

***

The Harvest Thanksgiving Services in Seagoe

will be held on October 29th and 31st.

***

The new swing at Hacknahay School is a source

of great delight to the children.

***

The Rev. W. Galway, Curate of Port Glasgow,

Scotland, has been spending a holiday in the Parish.

***

We are glad to see the Lamp and Fountain in

Edenderry back again in their place.

***

Portadown did so well last Saturday with closed

Public-houses, it would, we think, be a good thing

to keep them closed all the time.

***

The Rev J. Taylor is enjoying a holiday at his

home near the Grange. He looks well,

notwithstanding his hard work in Belfast.

***

Mr. A. McKegnie, of the C.I.Y.M.S., Belfast, has

conducted services in several Districts of the Parish

on Sunday evenings during the past month.

***

Mr. Green's garden in Edenderry is a great

improvement in the District. The grass and flower

beds are beautifully kept.

***

The Edenderry Sunday Morning Bible Classes

will meet in the Men's Recreation Rooms on Sunday

morning instead of in the Anchor Cafe.

***

The Report is issued this week. We recommend

our Parishioners to read it carefully. We are glad

to say that there is a substantial improvement in the

Sustentation Fund.

Nature Notes.

WASPS AND THEIR HABITS. — At this season

of the year when the fruit ripens wasps come about

us in unpleasant numbers. Were it not for their stings,

which are sometimes very freely used, their visits

would be more welcome. In many respects they are

very interesting little creatures. They are extremely

industrious. Lord Avebury (Sir John Lubbock)

has studied their habits very carefully. On one

occasion he began watching a wasp which he had

marked at 6.10 a.m. in the morning. At that hour

the wasp alighted on some honey placed in the

window, and the same wasp visited the honey at

intervals of about 10 minutes until 6 o'clock in the

evening, paying no less than 51 visits in 11 ½

hours. On another occasion another wasp paid no

less than 94 visits in the day. Wasps do not seem to

be able to hear, but they can distinguish colours,

but are less guided by them than bees are. Lord Avebury

says “I have been much struck by the industry of

wasps. They commence work early in the morning,

and do not leave off till dusk, I have several times

watched a wasp the whole day, and from morning to

evening, if not disturbed, they worked without any

interval for rest or refreshment."

THE LAST SWALLOW — Those of our readers who

are fond of observing Nature should endeavour this

month to note the last appearance of the Swallow.

They usually take flight southwards when a strong

northerly wind blows. The Seagoe Swallows

probably winter somewhere in Morocco or Algeria,

that being the land most directly south of this

country.

Old Seagoe Notes.

Drumclogher Hill. —This hill, situated in the

townland of Ballyhannon, has always been a kind of

landmark in Seagoe Parish. It slightly exceeds in

height the highest point of Bocombra townland, being

215 feet above sea level while Bocombra hill is 213

feet, so that when you stand on Drumclogher Hill

you are at the highest point in Seagoe Parish. A

magnificent stretch of country can be seen from its

summit. The hill has an interesting history. It

usually went by the name of Standard Hill in olden

times. In the year 1816 a flagstaff was erected on

it. These were troublesome times and England had

many enemies to face at home and abroad. The

Seagoe Yeomanry were a famous force and ever

ready to obey the call of duty. An alarm post was

stationed on Drumclogher Hill and when the

standard was hoisted it was to be the signal for

the calling together of the Yeomanry to meet a sudden

emergency.

In these more peaceful days the Hill provides a useful

place for the Reservoir which supplies Portadown with

water. Owing to its elevated position the water flowing

from the reservoir has sufficient force and pressure to

supply the loftiest buildings in Portadown to the top

storey. Drumclogher means Stoney-back."

Seagoe Sundials.

In old days even before grandfather's Clocks had

been made the people of Seagoe had to know what

o'clock it was. But the familiar tick of the clock

was unknown to them, and the handy pocket watch

had not been invented. No factory syren screamed

out at 6 or 8 or 9 0'clock to summon them to work.

How then did they measure time? It was by Sundials.

On the Ordnance Survey Map of 1834, Sundials

are noted. There was a Sundial at Derryvore. On

the old Church there was a Sundial over the

entrance or South Door. There was also a Sundial

in the Rectory garden. The Rector has in his

possession a Sundial with an interesting inscription.

It is possibly the Sundial that was in the Rectory

garden in old days. The inscription is as follows

“Hora Ruit" (Time Flies) Made by Malachi

Donaldson 1767. After successive changes presented

to Jas. Saurin, A'Deacon of Dromore, 1849. The

Dial is made of slate, octagonal in shape and about

6 inches in diameter.

Edenderry — lncrease of Population.

The increase of population in Edenderry has been

one of the most remarkable features in the history

of Seagoe Parish during the past 70 years. At the

first census of 1841 the population of Edenderry

Townland was 497; in 1851, 629; in 1861, 1140;

in 1871, 1473; in 1881, 1709.

The number of houses in Edenderry in 1841 was

83, and in 1881, 364.

Seagoe Farmers in 1708.

A complete list is extant of those who held 30

acres and over in Seagoe Parish in the year 1708.

Last month we gave a detailed list of holders of land

in Lower Seagoe in 1749, and the month before, of

those who held in Kilvergan. But we now go back

40 years behind that. Here are some of the names:

EDENDERRY—Mr Francis Mathers, John Woolsey,

elder, John Woolsey, ye younger. KILLYCOMAINE—

Mrs. Elizabeth Workman, John Blake, Kellom

Kinningham. BALLINACOR—Timothy Kirk, George

Bell. TANEPHEGLASSON —Thomas Gilphen (Gilpin),

Jas. Chambers, Pat. Best. DRUMINACANVE—George

Whelly, Matthew M'Conne1,

One of the Townlands mentioned in the Return is

Killinirged. The more correct spelling would be

Killinargit, which means Silverwood. Silverwood,

the residence of Miss Cuppaige, near Lurgan, and

which up to 1878 formed part of the Parish of

Seagoe, is apparently a site of considerable antiquity,

the name being an English translation of the old

Irish title.