September 1922

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

SEPTEMBER, 1922.

The Sustentation Fund Report.

Our late Treasurer, Mr. Sands, has issued the Report

of the Sustentation Fund Collection for 1921. It is most

carefully made out and will well repay close study by the

Parishioners. It is printed in sheet form, and for that

reason is easier to understand at a glance than when in

Book form. If any subscriber has not yet received his

copy he should without delay ask his District Collector

for it.

The Report differs in one material respect, from any of

its predecessors. It contains the first printed returns under

the Weekly Envelope System. The mysterious letters

W.F.O. affixed to many names signify that, such a person

has adopted the Weekly Freewill Offering method of

giving. The results are easily seen. The amounts subscribed

are out of all proportion to those formerly given,

with the natural result that the Sustentation Fund for

1921 reached the highest total on record —£247 8s 3d.

This amount was contributed by 390 subscribers. The

sum subscribed by those who had joined the W.F.O.

Scheme was £122 16s 3d, given by 120 subscribers,

whereas the other annual subscribers numbering 270 only

subscribed between them £124 12s 0d. In a word, for

every £1 contributed by the W.F.O. subscriber the annual

subscriber contributed only 7s 6d. These facts are

sufficient to prove how greatly the Finance of the Parish

will benefit by the Weekly Freewill Offering Scheme.

The returns for the current year ought to show a great

advance on last year, as so many more of the Parishioners

have joined the scheme.

District Harvest Services.

Harvest Services will be held (D.V.) in Hacknahay

School on Sunday, September 24th, at 3.30, and on

Monday; September 25, at 8 p.m. Harvest Services will

also be held in Carne Church Hall on Sunday, October 1st,

at 3.30, and on Monday, October 2nd, at 8 p.m.

Seagoe Parochial School.

The outside of Seagoe School has been painted, and

looks much brighter. At the Day School the attendance

since the holidays has been very good. The Morning

Sunday School is also very largely attended, thanks to

the energy of Mr. James Twinem. Many new pupils

have joined. Chairs for the Teachers have been bought,

and the Prizes have been paid for.

The Mothers' Union.

The Mothers' Union met in Carne and in Drumgor

during the month. The Carne Branch had its meeting on

Tuesday, 22nd August. The Hon. Sec., Mrs. Draper, and

the members were present. An address on "Obedience"

was given by the Rector. The Drumgor Branch met on

Wednesday, August 30th. There was a good attendance

of members, and the Rector, who presided, gave an

address. The Edenderry Branch will hold their monthly

meeting on Tuesday, September 5th.

The W.F.O. in Edenderry.

Last month we promised to publish in this month's

issue a diagram illustrating how Edenderry supported the

W.F.O. Scheme. The numbered Barometers illustrate the

amount subscribed during the first Quarter of this year

by the various Districts into which Edenderry has been

divided: —

1. Joseph Street subscribers, 1 in 5 of members of

Church.

2. James Street, 1 in 6.

3. C. B. Road, Century St., Killycomaine Road, 1 in 12.

4. Florence Court and Watson's Lane, 1 in 14.

5. Railway Street and Foundry Street, 1 in 20.

6. Bridge Street and Coban Street, 1 in 21.

Jews' Society.

The Rev. I. E. Davidson, M. A., Deputation Secretary

for the Society for Promoting Christianity among the

Jews, will (D.V.) make an appeal on behalf of this great

work in Seagoe Parish Church on Sunday, September 17,

at Morning and Evening Prayer. Mr. Davidson is himself

a Hebrew, and for that reason his words will come with

greater force to his hearers.

The Harvest Services.

This year the Harvest Thanksgiving Services will be

held (D.V.) in Seagoe Parish Church on Thursday,

October 5th, and on the Sunday following. The Preacher

on Thursday will be the Rev. Edward A. Myles, M.A.,

Rector of Tullylish, and on Sunday at Morning and

Evening Prayer the Rev. F. B. Aldwell, LL.D., Rector

of Aghalee. The offerings on Thursday will be on behalf

of Foreign Missions, and on Sunday on behalf of our

Parochial Church Fund. In many ways the Harvest has

this year been a prolific one notwithstanding the rainy

weather, and once again it is our duty solemnly in the

House of Prayer to render thanks to the Lord of the

Harvest.

A Children's Service.

It is hoped from time to time to have a Service of

Morning Prayer in Seagoe Church, with special reference

to the spiritual needs of the Children of the Parish. In

this Service the Hymns, Collects, and Sermon will be

arranged to help especially the younger members of the

congregation. Parents are asked to bring their children

with them to this Service. The first of the Services will

be held on Sunday Morning (11.30), September 10th.

Presentation.

Seagoe Choir spent a very pleasant evening in Seagoe

School on Tuesday, August 22nd. There was a full

attendance of members and friends. Tea having been

partaken of, music and games followed, and at an interval

the Rector took the chair and announced the object of

the gathering, which was to make a Presentation to Mrs

Richard Hoy on the occasion of her marriage. The

Chairman spoke of the very helpful services rendered by

Mrs. Hoy in the Choir and Sunday Schools, and called

on Mrs. T. H. Wilson to make the Presentation. It took

the form of a Silver Tea Kettle and Stove. Mr. Hoy,

on behalf of Mrs. Hoy and himself, thanked the Choir

for their kind thought in giving such a handsome present.

Mr. Rennix, People's Churchwarden, also spoke and

wished Mr. and Mrs. Hoy every blessing in their future

life. Another very pleasant feature of the proceedings

was the inauguration of

A Parish Piano

which had been purchased by Mr. T. H. Wilson out of

the proceeds of his two great Concerts. It is a fine

instrument, in a handsome case, and will prove most

useful in Parish Entertainments. It was inaugurated by

Miss Mary Wilson, who played with great taste the

Hymn "Nearer my God to Thee," with variations. Miss

Montgomery then sang the same Hymn to another tune,

and was skilfully accompanied by Miss Forsythe. Songs

were also contributed by Miss Flannigan and Miss Kirby.

Further games were joined in, and all separated at 10.15,

the 11 o'clock Curfew being now in force. We desire to

express our sincere thanks to Mr. T. H. Wilson for his

efforts in securing a Piano for the Parish. It supplies a

great, and long-felt need.

Sunday School Teachers' Excursion.

The Excursion has been arranged to go to Bangor on

Saturday, September 23rd, the excursionists to meet at

the Parochial Hall at 8.30 a.m. The members of the

G. F. S. under Miss Calvert will accompany the Excursion.

As there are only 34 seats available on the Charabanc

arrangements have been made by which others, wishing to

go on the Excursion can do so by taking train to Bangor.

Particulars can be had from the Superintendents of the

Sunday Schools.

ITEM.

We regret to record the death of Miss Anne Jane Metcalfe,

which occurred last April in Hull, where she had resided

with her brother, Mr. Samuel Metcalfe, since she left Tarsan

some years ago.

Parish Register for August,

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish Church

on August, 5th, 1922: —

White—Thomas David, son of George and Emma Jane

White, of Kernan.

Sponsors—Mary Jane M'Cormick, Emma Jane White.

Robinson—Robert and Joseph, sons of Joseph and Mary

Robinson, of Tamnificarbet.

Rea—William Henry, son of James and Jane Rea, of

Balteagh.

Sponsors—James Rea, Jane Rea.

M'Murray—Joseph, son of Joseph and Rebecca M'Murray,

of Lylo.

Sponsors—Martha Thompson, Rebecca M'Murray.

PRIVATE BAPTISM.

Johnston—August 25th, 1922, Edith Louisa, daughter of

James and Elizabeth Johnston, of Kernan.

Marriages.

Milligan and Creadham—August 5th, 1922, William James

Milligan, of Edenderry, to Kathleen Mary Creadham,

of Folkestone.

Cassells and Forsythe—August 9th, 1922, Edward Cassells,

of Derrymacash, Parish of Ardmore, to Ethel Forsythe,

of Upper Seagoe.

Maxwell and Thompson—August 21st, 1922, Richard Maxwell,

of Edenderry, to Martha Thompson, of Drumgor.

Death.

Metcalfe—April 16th, 1922, at 4 John's Terrace, Arundel St.,

Holderness Road, Hull, Anne Jane Metcalfe formerly

of Tarsan, in this Parish.

Burial.

Whiteside—September 1st, 1922, Alexander Whiteside, of

Edenderry, aged 80 years.

Old Times.

Our readers always like to hear of Old Times. The

Bridge at Portadown is always of interest to Seagoe

people. It is the link that binds the Diocese of Armagh

to the Diocese of Dromore. It is now a great highway of

traffic; hundreds of motor vehicles and thousands of

foot passengers cross it daily, and now that, it has been

widened the traffic seems greater than ever. But it was

not always so. Sixty or seventy years ago few people and

still fewer vehicles passed between its granite walls.

Portadown was quite a small place, and visitors to the

town were few and far between. One of the chief townsmen

of these bygone days was old Dr. Bredon ¹. His house

commanded a view of the bridge. He used, we are told,

in his declining days, to sit, in his window and watch

what, was going on in the quiet street of the little

straggling town. Looking towards the distant Bridge and

shading his eyes, he would sometimes say slowly to Mrs.

Bredon, "Charlotte, I see a man with a carpet bag crossing

the Bridge. I wonder who in the world he could be."

In those days a single wayfarer with a carpet bag could

cause a flutter in the town. How far we have progressed

since those days of long ago!

WITH THE "NINTH" IN FRANCE.

By Lieut.-Col. S. W. BLACKER, D.S.O.

(Continued from August Magazine.)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14th, 4.15 p.m.—You will

get no letters, I shall receive none; but don't

be uneasy. I'm sure the Battalion will do well. I pray it

may not suffer. With a little luck we ought to be all

right We stay here till Monday; others leave tomorrow

and the day after, so we score. Rain again last night and

showers early, but it has now cleared up and is drying

fast, but such a mess as everything is in. I managed to

get a rum ration last night; the men were chilled to the

bone, and their clothes were soaked. Owing to this

advance of everything C.M.J. isn't going to take his leave.

They have reduced our leave ration to 1 now. The Elephant

is now occupied, you'll be glad to know. New B.M.

appeared this a.m. on parade. He seems very youthful.

Thursday, June 15th. — After a threatening morn

early it has turned out fine and drying. Am doing

a useful day's work in Camp; musketry, gas helmets,

bayonet work, etc. Floods of orders and instructions

keep coming in; hard to take them all in. Only 20 Officers

are to be taken, and much grief and heartburning on

those left behind. 'At.' will have his work cut out, to get

to us, but he'll succeed, I expect. I had a talk with new

B.M., very short talk, but I was favourably impressed.

—quiet and capable. We began our new daylight saving

day today, 6 a.m. Was not like 7 a.m. Capital letters

in “Times" on training of officers. Holt came over today

with a petition that he might give his men a bath.

He could find no one to do it. Fergie, of course, complied.

He's a Wonderful Man.

for he not only gathers all sorts of stores and things, but

is quite willing to share them, which is quite unusual in

Qr. -Mrs. The French are being pressed, I fear, at Verdun.

The Russkys still doing good work. The men are really

keen for a go at the Bosche. I know they will do

well, and I have always delegated and left so much to

Coy Commanders (perhaps too much) that I'm confident

they'll handle their men well. Wonder did you see 'At'.

5 p.m.—Our kit, reduced to Regtl weights, has to be

packed on to baggage wagons before we move, and left

with Fergie and Stronge. Surplus stuff will have to be

stored somewhere; one can take very little into the line,

and that will very probably be lost, except what one can

carry; not much. Friday, June 16th. 2 p.m. —Have to

be at Bde office at 2.30 for a conference. Morland very

sound. 110th Bde is in 37th Div. Fine drying day: sun

and N.E. wind. More instructions keep pouring in.

We've done a useful day's work in the dry. 'Joseph'

(Johnstone), who is a linguist, goes to the Corps to

interrogate prisoners. Padre is coming with us, I'm glad

to say, he will be splendid. A very cold night. 5 p.m.

• Have been sitting in conference for hours, and really

nothing of importance settled. Hours wasted over

unimportant details, and serious matters either laughed at

or met by 'will find out.' Am muddled to a degree. Hope

everything will be cleared up in time. Fergie has got the

accessories of the camp so comfortable, and the whole

place has dried up grandly. Rather a dear old woman

owns this house. She is mending Tiger's woolly for me.

Am wearing it again it is so cold. Saturday, June 17th

—1p.m.—We had a satisfactory morning practising attack

by ourselves; no one to waste our time. We had an

aeroplane to practise signalling to, and everything was

successful. Too late to send food stocks now. I may get

in meat lozenges. The Bishop will be with you the day of

the Push. 1 haven't gathered the opinion re exclusion,

but in the Battalion, it is, from what I hear, strongly

against, as we have Cavan and Monaghan men. Yes, I

think G.S.O.I is good. Fine, sunny and drying day.

Cold N.E. wind. Sunday, June 18th, 10 a.m . —Such

a day, a bitter N.E wind, and so cold. I was to have

Gone Up in a 'Plane

to have a look at the line, and got, up early for the

purpose. However, the day is so cloudy the flying people

would not take me up, as one could see nothing. The

Battalion were all very nice about the 'mention,' but it's

really due to them as I told them. We have to find a

working party of 600, to work all night, which is

harrying and fatiguing for the men, but of course it's

unavoidable and a necessity. 4 p.m. —quite a large

Church Parade, and heard many stayed for 2nd service.

Padre was simply splendid. Day turned out warm and

sunny after lunch. Pratt goes in charge of working party,

leaves here at 6 p.m. and won't return till 7 a.m. at

earliest. We don't go into line till Tuesday. Peake was

much fatter; delighted to get away from W.O.; was

interesting and optimistic. I believe the Govt. are

working the American scare very hard, but I hear it's quite

bogus. June 18th—Farnham is back. Been on the rush

all days though I did get up an hour too soon. Operation

orders and confabs with Coy Commanders, and now

a demonstration of wire cutting, about 2 miles away.

This delay will enable 'At.' to join us here tomorrow

night. Young Shill. has been commanding 'B' with great

success. Rather fear have got a cold from this bitter

wind, but there is no time to be ill. 9.30 p.m. —A calm

peaceful evening, but cold. 3 new Officers joined tonight

from 3rd Battalion, I think. I like our new medico—

Burrows—very much. Berry came to see us last Sunday

he is hard at office work, with X Corps. I am delighted

he will be out of the Push. I take 4 Officers a Company;

Lutton, Signalling Officer; Ensor, M. G. Officer; Flood,

bombing Officer; Pratt and Cather. After a wait of 1 ½

hours the demonstration in wire cutting never came off,

owing to old S. muddling. Our 'planes very busy in p.m.

At one time a fleet of 12 were over this place. The 1st

Bn. are now at Mailly-Mailly, about 4 miles away.

15th were in the line when the Bosche raided, and behaved

very well. About 100 yards of front line was obliterated

literally by Bosche fire.

Cather is Extraordinarily Good

as Adjt. The work is constant, night and day; he is

methodical and never forgets anything. I leave all

details to him with the greatest confidence. I am certainly

served with the best of subordinates, Stronge, Fergie,

Cather and young Ensor, and indeed Lutton and Flood

could not be bettered. Saw Hugh O'Neill for a minute

to-day. Monday, June 19th. —Dull day, not so cold.

We don't go up till Wednesday, possibly Thursday. Saw

Morland this a.m., and had short chat. Tuesday, June

20th, 12.30.—Another dry day and not too cold. 'At.'

brought me your letter. He was very beaming and full

of chat. I saw Sgt. Johnston, and thanked him for going

to see you. I hear 5 more Officers are coming. We

don't move tomorrow, I hear. Can't think what the

delay means. Anyway, I don't complain. Yes, it was

advanced somewhat suddenly. No one is allowed to take

letters home, under penalty of losing their leave. So

one couldn't ask anyone to do so. All leave is stopped.

Tuesday, June 20111, 3 p.m. —3 Officers have turned up

from 10th Battalion, I think. Seem ordinary. Of course,

they are not much use, and we don't take them with us,

as we are limited to 20. Preserved ration began today.

A new C.S.M. has come from 10th Battalion, one Livingstone,

who was a Sergeant in 2nd Battalion; has 12 years' service,

and looks a smart fellow. Am much relieved. The other

2 Officers I saw this a.m. They arrived about 1 p.m.

Nothing startling either way. One was appointed in T. F.

Black Watch, Lynas by name. Locke and Craig are the other 2.

The men had a very long night of it— left at 6 p.m.,

got back 6 a.m.— a 10 mile march and some

heavy carrying to do, but they worked splendidly. It's

now trying to rain. Morland tells me we brought down

2 Hun 'planes yesterday evening, and there was much

activity in the air. Rather a quiet night as the men are

mostly sleeping and resting. They wanted to send some

of them again to-night, but I fought it and got off. The

fine weather still continues, and the whole camp dried up,

and the roads deep in dust, but it turns very cold in the

evenings. Charlie came round to our Camp about 6 p.m.

Didn't get much news from him. Young Cramsie returned

from leave today. It's not fair that these young

Bottle Washers on Bde. Staffs,

should absorb so much of the leave ration to the exclusion

of older men who are having the hardships of Trench life.

To make matters worse Menaul had to do C's work whilst

he was away, in addition to his (M's) own work, and I

found Chas. sending him all over the country on his

work. However, I told M not to do anything of that sort

without reference to me. Wednesday, June 21st, 2.30 p.m.

lovely day. Conference with C. O's of next Div. this

a.m. to settle various tocks. Fairly satisfactory. More

rescripts threatening pains and penalties, and even the

privilege of writing home stopped, if more letters disclosing

information were sent home. I hope the weather has

taken up now. We shall probably get it very hot, but

the nights are cold. 9.30 p.m. —It was a lovely warm day

but the evening has turned chilly. Bob Maxwell came over

to tea and was very chirpy. To-morrow we practise the attack

again. Farnham is leaving and returning to N.I.H., to

command a Squadron. The 3 Squadrons have been brought

together and made into a Regt., and they have brought out

some cavalry dug out to command them, at which they are

furious. I hear Somerset Saunderson succeeds Farnham.

Tuesday, June 22nd, 3 p.m. —This is the last letter you

can rely on getting for some time. I will try and get others

off, but it's very chancy. So hot today. 1 suppose we are in

for the other extreme now; it’s certainly better, but the

cold nights make it difficult to legislate in the way of

clothing. 4.30 p.m. —Was called away to see to various

tocks. Will write again, probably tonight, on chance of

posting it somewhere, but at present, don't see much

chance. 9.45 p.m. —Hope to be able to post this at Mesnil

to-morrow passing through. This is the first warm evening

we have had, and there is a haze, which I am sure is

'all for heat.' We have now 42 Officers! 1 hardly know

even the names of the last 6 that have come. Stronge has

clipped his hair, and presents a strange appearance!

Friday, June 23^rd. – Only a line; everything packed.

I believe no letters out today. I think Ll. George will be

good as War Minister. Saw Farnham to-day. He is depressed

at the muddle and misunderstanding. Says Carson has

been tricked. It's simply a roasting close day. June 24th

(Saturday) - Fergie has sent in the letters. Rather a

bad relief. Heavy thunderstorm 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; turned

the tracks into a quagmire, and trenches into rivers. Kit

and men got very wet. Not finished till midnight.

Bombardment Now Going on.

but at present not very severe, and the Bosche has not

warmed up yet. The Elephant is very safe, but of course,

pitch dark, but really excellent. Have hardly brought

anything in except coat. B.W., one blanket, and washing

kit. The march over the track by which we were ordered

to come was intensely hard on the men, and they were

quite cooked, but are perking up to-day. Heavy showers

with sun in between. Sunday, June 25th, 3 p.m. —A line

on chance of someone going out. Bombardment still

continuing, Bosche not replying; much. Last night he

put in a lot on our front line and we had 2 killed, and

11 wounded. Cloudy, warm and no rain to-day. Fergie

came in later yesterday himself and brought us some

fresh meat. We bought 550 fresh loaves of bread and

brought them into the line with us. They took a lot of

carrying, but it was well worth it. Heating water is a

difficulty for the men only a little coke, no cookers.

As long as it's fine it doesn't matter, but it's hard for

them to get dry, once wet. 5 p.m. —Meat lozenges

came all right. Cold never materialised. Fergie up

again, very good of him. Monday, June 26th, 4 p.m .

—Just a line. Noise fearful and never ceasing.

3 more casualties (all wounded), 1 Officer, Stewart slight;

Sergeant M'Cappin, Lurgan, severe. Orders and instructions

pour in. 2 enormous packets and 2 cipher messages at 1 a.m.

this morning! The different Units I have to fit in and to

place grows apace. We are getting very bored with the din.

The Bosche is not retaliating on us much. Reports of all

sorts have to go in nearly hourly. Pratt's doing good

work recording, and being most helpful. Awful week.

No mail in today. Tuesday, June 27 ^th —A chance of

sending out a letter. We had about 20 casualties yesterday—

3 killed—Sgt. M'Cappin, Lurgan; Cordy, Portadown; Ogle,

Lurgan, I think; Sergeant Girvan and Vennard also wounded,

but not dangerous. Heavy rain all night and today so far;

makes things unpleasant. Shill turned up yesterday.

(To be continued.)

1 Someone has written in a comment that this story refers not to Dr. Bredon, but to Mr. Joyce who lived on the site of the Belfast Bank.