September 1928

Seagoe Parish Magazine.

SEPTEMBER, 1928.

CLERGY:

Rev. Canon Archer, B.D., The Rectory, Seagoe,

Portadown.

Rev. W. A. Henry, 21 Edward St., Portadown.

LAY READER (Bishop's Licence):

Mr. Robt. Gracey, Edengarth, Bridge St., Edenderry.

CHURCHWARDENS:

Rector's—Robert M'Clements.

People's—William Dermott.

Harvest Services.

The season of Harvest is approaching and very

soon our bright Services of Harvest Thanksgiving

will be held throughout the Parish. The following

Services have been already arranged: -

Hacknahay—Sunday. September 30, at 3-30 p.m.

Monday, October 1st, at 8 p.m.

Carne—Sunday, October 7th, at 3-30 p.m.

Monday, October 8th, at 8 p.m.

Drumgor—Sunday, October 14th, at 3-30 p.m.

Monday, October 15th, at 8 p.m.

Edenderry—Thursday, October 25th, at 8 p.m.

Sunday, October 28th, at 3-30 p.m.

Levaghery—Sunday, November 4th, at 3-30 p.m.

Monday, November 5th, at 8 p.m.

The Harvest Thanksgiving Services in the Parish

Church will be held (D.V.) on Thursday, October

18th, at 8 p.m., and on the following Sunday, October

21st, at 8 a.m., 11-30 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Further particulars regarding the Services will be

given in our next issue.

Parochial Hall Services.

The Mission Services held in Edenderry Parochial

Hall every Wednesday evening have been attended

by large numbers of people. The Service begins at

8 o'clock, but prior to the Service an open-air meeting

is held in one of the neighbouring streets, a

different street each evening. Such gatherings have

already been held in James St., Joseph St., Foundry

St., Century St. and Florence Court. The residents

have shown much interest in the Services. The fine

Mission Choir of 50 voices has given good help. Mr.

Gracey has spoken at each of the Services.

District Open-Air Service.

In addition to the Services held in Edenderry on

Wednesday evenings, an open-air Service is held on

every Thursday evening at 8 o'clock in some outlying

district of the Parish. Such meetings have already

been held at Blocker's Mill, Drumgor, and Ballinacor

and other districts will be visited in the near future.

These gatherings are largely attended and form a

bright and happy feature in the spiritual life of the Parish.

Seagoe P.E. School.

We regret to announce the approaching departure

of Mr. and Mrs. Rennix from their posts in Seagoe

School. Mr. Rennix has been appointed Principal

of Dundrum P.E. School, Co. Down, and Mrs. Rennix

as first assistant. Mr. and Mrs. Rennix came to Seagoe

from Bleary National School in 1918 and for ten years

they have lived and worked in our midst. During those

important years Mr. and Mrs. Rennix have given

valuable help in the School and Parish. The musical

successes of the Seagoe children at the Portadown

Musical Festival each year have testified to the

excellent musical instruction given by Principal

Rennix. Mr. Rennix has done much useful work

in the Parish. The great Sunday School in Edenderry

Parochial Hall owes much to his diligent supervision.

The Bible Classes taught by him and Mrs. Rennix

in Seagoe have also been very helpful. The children

in the Day School will be very sorry to part with

their teachers. The work done by Mrs. Rennix as

President of the Seagoe Mother's Union has been

much appreciated. We are sure that all the

parishioners will unite with us in wishing Mr. and

Mrs. Rennix much blessing and prosperity in their

new home. Dundrum is not, after all, so very far

from Seagoe, and we will hope often to see them

again in Seagoe.

New Principal of Seagoe.

The Rector has appointed Mr. William Thomas

Griffith, Principal of Drumbanagher P.E. School as

the new Principal Teacher of Seagoe P.E. School

and Mrs. Griffith as First Assistant. Mr. and Mrs.

Griffith come to Seagoe with the highest possible

recommendations. They have taught at Drumbanagher

for the past 21 years, and they have uniformly all

through those years received the highest commendation

from the Government Inspectors for their work.

Mr. Griffith has throughout the last 21 years been

graded as "Highly Efficient" in the Inspector's reports.

Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have also taken a most active

part in the work of the Church at Drumbanagher and

for many years Mr. Griffith has filled the post of

Secretary and Treasurer in the Parish. We are sure

the people of Seagoe will give a very hearty welcome

to Mr. and Mrs. Griffith.

Diocesan Board of Education.

The annual appeal for the Board of Education will

be made in the Parish Church on Sunday, September

9th, at Morning and Evening Prayer. The Board of

Education for the Diocese performs a most responsible

work. It pays four Inspectors to examine the Public

Elementary Schools each in Religious Knowledge and

awards certificates to the successful pupils. It provides

the prizes given to supplement the Bishop's Medal given

each year in Religious Knowledge and keeps a general

oversight of the school buildings of the Diocese. The

work is immense and can best be understood when we

recall that half the Church population of Ireland lives

within the Diocese.

Parish Register for August.

Baptisms.

The following were Baptized in Seagoe Parish

Church on August 4th, 1928: —

Mullen—Winifred, daughter of Horace Henry and

Christina Mullen, of Portadown.

Sponsors—Emily Reid, Christina Mullen.

Liggett—Roy Adair, son of Isaac and Josephine

Liggett, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Alice Webb, Josephine Liggett.

Allen—Charlotte, daughter of Arthur and Anne Allen,

of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Jane Eliza Hynes, Sarah Anne Allen.

Roney—Henry Lewis, son of James William and Mary

Isabella Roney, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Christina Roney, Mary Isabella Roney.

Weir—Thomas George, son of George and Maria

Weir, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Elizabeth Allen, Maria Weir.

Marriages

Milne and Yeates—Aug. 7th, John Foster Milne, of

Ballynagarrick, Parish of Knocknamuckley, to

Sarah Jane Yeates, of Edenderry.

Forster and M'Kinstry—Aug. 22nd, Cecil Reginald

Bertram Forster, of Holywood, Co. Down, to

Jane M'Kinstry, of Edenderry.

Burials.

Kinnear—Aug. 6th, Margaret Kinnear, of Lower

Seagoe; aged 85 years.

Fletcher—Aug. 6th, Mary Fletcher, of Killicomaine;

aged 86 years.

Cooke—Aug. 25, Hester Cooke, of Belfast, daughter of

the late Rev. Ralph Bullick Cooke, M.A.; aged 41 years.

Cooke—Aug. 28th, Elizabeth Cooke, of Glasgow; aged

45 years.

The Late Miss Kinnear.

We record with deep regret the death of Miss

Margaret Kinnear, of Lower Seagoe. She died on

August 4th after a few weeks' illness, at the

advanced age of 85 years. Miss Kinnear was

associated in a very special way with this Parish

from her earliest years. She took up work as a teacher

in Seagoe Schools some sixty years ago. At that time

Archdeacon Saurin was Rector of Seagoe and Miss

Kinnear received her appointment from him. Miss

Kinnear was a most diligent and capable worker

and all her conduct was marked by a high Christian

principle. She was deeply interested in the past

history of Seagoe and her great delight up to the

end was to read the Old Seagoe notes in the Parish

Magazine. Miss Kinnear was a link binding the

present with the past, and many among us will feel

that in her death we have lost one of the few remaining

links which still survive of those who took an active

part in the life of the Parish in the old days of

Archdeacon Saurin. Miss Kinnear, notwithstanding

her age, preserved a wonderful degree of health and

strength almost up to the last, and she attended

regularly the Services in the Parish Church. In July

she got a paralytic stroke and although she seemed

for a time to rally her strength failed and she passed

away on August 4th.

Excursion.

On Thursday, August 9th, the Edenderry Mission

Choir had a most enjoyable excursion to Rostrevor.

The party numbered about 120 and their departure

in charabancs and buses from the Parochial Hall

occasioned quite a stir in Edenderry. The Rev. W.

A. Henry and Mr. Robert Gracey accompanied the

excursion. The drive through the country was a

delightful experience and on arrival in Rostrevor the

party found a splendid field at their disposal in the

late Mr. Canning's demesne. After a hearty meal,

games were engaged in until a late hour. We were

very glad to have with us Mr. Casey, of Edenderry,

who added much to the gaiety and pleasure of the

occasion.

The Sewage Tanks.

The result of the Government Inquiry recently held

in connection with the Portadown Main Drainage

scheme and the proposed sewage tanks at Seagoe

has been published. We regret to say that in spite

of the strenuous opposition offered to the placing

of the sewage tanks at Seagoe the Inspector has said

that they must be put there. We regard this decision

as a serious injury to the welfare of Seagoe and

as contrary to all the principles of hygiene which

the authorities so much insist on in their efforts

for the health of the people. There are many

uninhabited areas in the neighbourhood of

Portadown where such tanks could be placed. The

extra expense would only consist in laying some

further lengths of piping. The reason given in the

Inspector's decision is that if another site were

chosen further expenditure would be rendered

necessary. We sympathise greatly with Mr. Richard

Forsythe, of Seagoe Villa, whose pretty residence

will be destroyed by its proximity to the Tanks.

The Rectory, although situated at a greater distance

from the tanks, will also be rendered unpleasant.

Can nothing yet be done to prevent this placing of

the tanks at Seagoe? We believe that there is no

engineering difficulty in placing them at the other

side of the river, where there are no inhabitants in

the immediate neighbourhood.

Miss Norah Montgomery.

Miss Norah Montgomery has left Seagoe on a visit

to Canada. She sailed on Saturday, August 25th.

Before leaving the members of Seagoe Choir presented

her with a handsome Reticule mounted in amber as a

mark of their esteem and affection. It was presented

to Miss Montgomery at a social held in Seagoe

School on Tuesday, August 21st. The Rector made the

presentation and Miss Montgomery suitably replied,

saying how much she had always enjoyed her work

in the choir and her association with the Parish of

Seagoe. On the next evening, Wednesday, August 22nd,

the Edenderry Mission choir presented Miss Montgomery

with a Bible. Miss Montgomery will be much missed

from Seagoe choir and from our many social gatherings.

She will be residing with friends at Humber Quay, near

Toronto, Canada.

Memories of Seagoe.

Mrs. Mary Jane Ferris (formerly Gillespie) writes

from 13 Underwood Road, Paisley, Scotland. She

requires her certificate of Baptism, as she is about

to pay a visit to her daughter in the United States.

writing to the Rector she says—" There was a

large family of us, and I am the fifth, and am two

years older than my brother William. I have been

intending to take a trip over to Ireland to see dear

old Seagoe. Many happy times I had in that Church

choir, but I am not well able to get about. My feet

are not so swift as they were but I am thankful for

the measure of good health I enjoy. I used to enjoy

singing in the Choir, and when I am writing to you

it just brings back to me a pleasant memory. Rector

Dawson was then in charge, and Mr. Quirk was the

Curate. Miss Quirk used to teach me in the Choir.

but I need not dwell on that, as I want my lines for

the American Consul, and they are very hard to

satisfy. I want to visit my family, who are all there.

[We are glad to have this interesting letter from

Mrs. Ferris, and hope she will have a pleasant voyage

to the States and when she returns we hope she

will revisit the old Parish of Seagoe and her native

townland of Drumnacanvey.]

Seagoe Mothers' Union.

A meeting of the Mothers' Union will be held (D.V.)

in Edenderry Parochial Hall on Tuesday, September

11th, at 7-30 p.m. Tea will be provided for the members,

and a full attendance is requested. The Mothers' Union

has done good work in the Parish, and we look forward

with hope to its future activities. We regret that we are

parting with our President, Mrs. Rennix, who has filled

that responsible post for some years and whose advice and

counsel has always helped forward the work of the Union.

The Annual Report.

The Annual Report is in print and will be issued

without delay. It is a most interesting record of

Parochial Life and work. If readers should notice

any errors will they please communicate with the

Hon. Treasurer.

ITEMS.

Further building is proceeding along the Lurgan

Road in Lisniskey. It seems as if the Lurgan Road

will soon be lined with houses along its whole length.

***

Hedges still remain to be cut at many dangerous

corners. Why should not fences instead of hedges

be put at such corners. Motor accidents are occurring

at such corners every day, but it is not until someone

gets killed that the authorities take action.

***

We are glad to hear that Lurgan "Toc H" have

undertaken to keep the wireless sets in Lurgan

Infirmary in working order.

***

Hilda Magill, of Tarson, was seriously hurt in a

motor accident on the Lurgan Road a week ago.

***

Seagoe P.E. School is well protected against motors.

Being situated on a bye-road, the motor traffic is

small, and prominent notices on the roadside near

the school warn drivers to be very careful. The

extensive playgrounds provide splendid and healthy

accommodation for the children during play hour.

***

In looking over the original plans for the building

of Seagoe School we were struck with the important

fact that all the building is on the ground level. It

is an ideal arrangement where children are present

in large numbers. There are no stairs in Seagoe

School. The original architect had a sensible idea

of school needs.

***

Mrs. Griffith, who has been appointed First

Assistant in Seagoe School, is a daughter of Rev.

Dr. Taylor, LL.D., for many years Rector of Errigle

Trough, in the Diocese of Clogher, and now retired

from the active duties of the Ministry. Her brother

is the Rev. W. M. Taylor, B.A., Curate of St. Mary's

Parish, Newry. Mrs. Griffith is a capable musician

and will have charge of the musical instruction of

the children attending Seagoe P.E. School.

***

A very pretty wedding took place in Seagoe on the

occasion of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Forster on

August 22nd. Mrs. Forster (Miss Jeannie M'Kinstry)

was a daughter of the late much-lamented Mr. Robert

M'Kinstry, Lieutenant in the old Seagoe C.L.B. We

wish Mr. and Mrs. Forster much happiness and blessing.

Miss Yeates, whose marriage to Mr. Milne we also

record, has been a most useful helper in Edenderry

Sunday School, where she has acted as teacher for

some years. Our best wishes go out to Mr. and Mrs.

Milne in their new sphere of life.

***

The death of our aged parishioner, Mrs. Mary

Fletcher, brings sorrow to many homes in the

Parish. She was one of those old parishioners whose

memory went back to the middle of the last century.

Wasps

Wasps are very numerous this year, and their

stings are very sharp and penetrating. They inject

a most unpleasant poison into the wound. We would

recommend our readers to purchase without delay

a bottle of Scrubb's Fluid Ammonia, and whenever,

unfortunately, anybody gets stung to dab it well into

the wound. The easiest way to destroy a wasp's nest

is to dissolve Cyanide of Potassium (but it is a deadly

poison, so be careful) in some warm water, then

saturate a woollen cloth with the solution. Put the

cloth and the rest of the solution into the nest and

close up the entrance. The fumes of the cyanide

solution are fatal to the wasp family. Ordinary vinegar

or moistened camphor, or the blue bag are all useful in

healing wasp-stings.

Old Seagoe Notes.

Seagoe Parish Under Water. —It is a fact that in

old days a large part of Seagoe Parish was actually

under water. This did not take place as one might

think in time of flood but it was so all the time. Up

to 1764, when the District of the Montiaghs—the

present parish of Ardmore—was cut off from Seagoe.

The Parish included in its area a large portion of

Lough Neagh. On the Ordnance Survey map, the

area of Seagoe Parish included the acres which lay

submerged under the waters of the Lough.

The actual area of Lurgan Rural District submerged

by the Lough is, according to the recent Census

returns, no less than 14,952 acres 0 roods 14 perches.

There are islands in the Lough. It is interesting know

their names and extent, for they formed part of Seagoe

Parish. Croaghan Island is 4 acres 1 rood 2 perches in

extent and is in the District of Brownlow's Derry.

Another island is Phil Roe's Flat. It is 29 perches in

extent. Reedy Flat is a much larger island and covers

a space of 11 acres 1 rood 1 perches. The famous

Coney Island, though not any time a part of Seagoe

Parish, is 8 acres 0 rood and 18 perches in extent,

and a neighbouring patch known as Coney Flat

covers 24 perches.

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 Saturday of Month at 3 p.m.,

and during any Service in the Parish Church, if notice

be given; Two Sponsors at least are required, and they

must be Confirmed members of the Church.

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

8 a.m. during Advent and Lent.

EVENING PRAYER—Sundays 7 p.m., Wednesdays

8 p.m.

DISTRICT SERVICES.

Hacknahay—Last Sunday of Month at 3.3C p.m.

Drumgor —Second Sunday of Month at 4 p.m.

CLASSES, &c.

ADULT CLASSES—Sundays at 10 a.m.

For Men—Edenderry. For Women—Seago School.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS—10 a.m. Edenderry Parochial

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

Parochial Hall, Levaghery, Hacknahay, Carne, Drumgor.

Men's Recreation Room, Bridge St., open every

night from 7 p.m.

Mothers' Union, Edenderry, 2nd Tuesday of each month.

DAY SCHOOL—Seagoe, 9.30 a.m. Principal—Mr. Rennix.

MARRIAGES must be performed between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Licenses are issued by Rev Canon Hannon, 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 15/-, Professional £1. 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 (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 wili be sent post free to Any subscriber for 3s per annum.