Seagoe Parish Magazine.
FEBRUARY, 1919.
Rev. T. H. Scanlon, B.A.
We regret that it was not possible to make the
Presentation to the Rev. T. H. Scanlon in person, as
many would have liked, but in war time travelling is
not easy, and social gatherings have not up to the
present been indulged in owing to the food restrictions,
so, the Committee came to the conclusion that it was
better to send the address and gifts to Mr. Scanlon to
Enniskillen. The gifts consisted of a handsome
Clock and a Book of Treasury Notes. We print
herewith the Address and Mr. Scanlon's Reply —
Address to Rev. T. H, Scanlon, B.A,
from the Parishioners of Seagoe.
Dear Mr. Scanlon,
We cannot allow the occasion of your departure
from among us and of your Marriage, to pass without
an expression on our part of our esteem and regard
for you and your work.
During your stay in the Parish your kindly manner
and your diligence in visiting won for you an abiding
place in the hearts of the people of Seagoe, and they
sincerely regret your departure from their midst.
You carry with you into your new sphere of life
the good wishes of all the Parishioners, and their
prayers that God's blessing may rest upon you and
Mrs. Scanlon in all that you undertake.
We ask your acceptance of this Clock and Book of
Treasury Notes as a remembrance of the time you
spent in Seagoe of our goodwill to you.
Yours very faithfully,
Signed on behalf of the Parishioners,
JAMES E. ARCHER, Rector,
W. R. ATKINSON, Hon. Sec.
Reply.
My Dear Friends,
I find it very difficult to find suitable language
in which to express my very deep gratitude for this
proof of your esteem. It is but further evidence of
the great kindness which you ever showed me as I
worked among you.
On behalf of Mrs. Scanlon, I thank you for your
kind thought and good wishes.
I will always treasure your gift, not only as a
visible token of your regard, but also as a reminder
of many pleasant and happy days spent in the "Service
of the Master."
To Canon Archer I tender my sincere thanks for
his wise counsel and ready help at all times.
May God's grace and blessing rest upon
you all.
Yours very faithfully,
T. H. SCANLON.
Sunday School Social.
A most successful Social for the children attending
Edenderry and Seago Sunday Schools was held in
Seagoe School on Thursday, January 16th. at 6-30.
The meeting had been organized and arranged by the
Superintendents and Teachers of the Sunday Schools.
An abundant supply of cakes had been kindly given
by the Parishioners. Over 350 children were present,
in fact, the capacity of Seagoe School, roomy though
it is, was stretched to the utmost to accommodate the
numbers present. After tea, a very interesting
Programme of Songs, Music, Recitations and
Dialogues was given, which the children immensely
enjoyed. The Social concluded about nine o'clock,
and as each child passed out it was presented with an
orange (very precious just now!) which had been
most kindly supplied for the children by the generosity
of Mrs. Bell, of Ashton, and Mr. W. R. Atkinson, of
Eden Villa. We congratulate the Superintendents
and Teachers on this very successful Social, and we
thank very heartily all those who by gift or effort
helped towards making it the success it was. We
print herewith a Statement of Receipts and Expenses.
Sunday Schools' Social.
Receipts—Per Miss Halliday, £2 17s 6d; Mrs. Stothers, £l 8s;
Mr. W. R. Atkinson, 10/-; Mrs, Bell, 10/-; Miss Hawthorn, 16/-;
Miss Magee, 8/4 ½ d; Mrs. Johnston, 8/-; Miss Allen, 5/3;
Miss Guy, 5/-; Miss Wolsey, 2/-; Miss Montgomery, 2/-;
Miss Pentland, 2/-; Miss Cartmill, 2/-; Miss Ramsey, 2/6;
Sale of Provisions, 8/4—£8 6s 11 ½ d.
Expenses—By Messrs. Davison Bros., Bread and
Hire of Utensils, £l 19s 9d; Miss Dawson, 26 ½ dozen
Oranges. £l 19s 9d; Cartage, Attendances, etc., 6/6;
Sugar, 1/8; Washing of Floor, 10/-; Balance on
hands, £3 9s 8 ½ d - £8 6s 11 ½.
Seagoe Roll of Honour.
The Roll of Honour for Seagoe Parish has been
designed and is in process of execution by Messrs.
Baird, “Evening Telegraph," Belfast. We are very
anxious that the list of names should be quite
complete. The old Roll will be hung in the Porch
on the next and following Sundays, and beside it
paper and pencil so that anyone may write any name
which has been omitted.
Lt.-Col. Blacker and Mr. Wolsey R. Atkinson are
calling on the Parishioners in the various Townlands
of the Parish asking for subscriptions for the War
Memorial which is to be erected in the Parish. They
have already met with a most gratifying response.
Presentation.
On Tuesday evening, January 21st, the members
of Seagoe Choir were entertained at a Social in
Seagoe School by Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Wilson. There
was a full attendance of the Choir. The occasion of
the gathering was a Presentation from the Choir to
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Caddell, of Tarsan. After tea
had been partaken of, some round games and music
were enjoyed, and then the Rector took the chair and
in a brief speech spoke of the help which Mr. and
Mrs. Caddell had given in the Parish and Choir. The
members of the Choir felt that they could not allow
the occasion of their marriage to pass without giving
them some tangible proof of their regard and esteem.
The Presentation, which took the form of a handsome
China Tea-set, was then made to Mr. and Mrs. Caddell
by Mrs. T. H. Wilson on behalf of the Choir. Mr. Caddell
replied in a few words, thanking the Choir for their kind
gift and for the many good wishes expressed on their
behalf. The Rev. H. G. de L. Singleton and Messrs. S.
Rennix, D. Murray, T. Leake and J M'Keown also spoke.
A very pleasant evening concluded with vote of thanks
to Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Wilson and the singing of the Hymn
"Sun of my soul."
Congratulations.
Our hearty congratulations to that famous
Portadown firm, T. J. Montgomery & Son, on their
enterprise in extending their premises by taking over
the grocery establishment of Mr. Clement Courtney,
which adjoins their premises in High Street. If
energy. attention to business, and courtesy in dealing
with the public, combined with high quality of goods,
can command success, then Messrs. T. J. Montgomery
& Son have already achieved it, and now with larger
premises they will be able to advance their business
in all directions. We notice that in doubling their
premises they have also shown their wisdom in
doubling their advertisement in Seagoe Magazine, in
which they have advertised since the first number
appeared. Many residents in Seagoe and Portadown
will greatly regret the departure of Mr. and Mrs.
Clement Courtney from Portadown. Not merely in
commercial life were they esteemed, but in Church
and social life their influence was always exerted for
that which was highest and best. No one knows
Portadown and the neighbourhood better than Mr.
Courtney. He is a living epitome of its history. He
has resided here for over 50 years, and was for many
years a member of the Town Council. We hope
often to see him in our midst, and whenever he
comes he will receive a hearty welcome.
Captain J. J. Dobson.
Captain Dobson writes under date 6th January, 1919
—I am in France for a few days. I arrived in
Marseilles a few days ago with about 3000 troops
who are going to leave the Army. I am Adjutant
of His Majesty's Transport “Kaisr-I-Hind," a very
fine P. & O. Liner. We move about from port to
port. On my last voyage from Italy I had the
Bishop of Jerusalem on board, also the present
Lord Kitchener. I know a good deal about Palestine,
and it was very interesting talking to the Bishop, as
we had a good many things in common. We had
a great discussion on the identity of the Holy Places
but I find I'm just where I started. The Bishop held a
Prayer Service on one of the Troop-decks each
night during the voyage, in which Presbyterian and
Methodist Ministers joined. I was at sea on New
Year's Day. We had 116 nursing sisters on board.
The officers got up a Fancy Dress Ball. It was great
fun, but I did not enjoy it so well. I had so many
other things to do. We all clasped hands as the Old
Year passed away. All were in great glee at the
prospect of seeing the old country soon again. In a
day or two I push off and it is difficult to say when
I may be back, even to Marseilles.
I hope you will give my warmest regards to all my
old friends at Seagoe and Portadown.
With every good wish for the New Year.
I remain, yours faithfully,
J. J. DOBSON.
Private W. E. Hall.
One of the saddest events in connection with the
recent War, so far as this Parish is concerned, has
been the death in captivity of Private William Ernest
Hall. second son of Mrs. Hall, of Windsor Terrace.
There had been some slight anxiety regarding him,
owing to his non-return when so many other
Prisoners were returning, but all his friends quite
expected that they would see him amongst them
again within a few days. Just then a letter arrived
in German, written by the chief German Doctor in
the Hospital at Hasenheide, saying that he had died
in Hospital on October 28th, 1918. A letter had
been received from him dated October 17th, in which
he seemed to be in good health and spirits, and he
concluded the letter with the words “I am going to
stick it."
Our deep sympathy goes out to Mrs. Hall, to his
only brother, Lieutenant Fforde Hall (recently
prisoner) and to his sisters in their bereavement.
Many among us will sadly miss Ernie Hall, who was
always so bright and pleasant. He and his brother,
Lieutenant Hall, joined up quite early in the war, and
from first to last set a splendid example of loyalty and
courage. Both fought in many engagements, both were
wounded and both were taken prisoners. We had hoped
that the list of our losses had been completed, but War
has claimed yet one more from the ranks of Ulster's
splendid heroes.
Presentation to Miss Calvert.
On Tuesday evening, January 14th, at meeting
of the Girls' Friendly Society held at Miss Calvert's
house in Breagh, a Presentation was made by the
members to their esteemed associate, Miss Calvert.
For many years Miss Calvert has carried on the
G.F.S. Class in Hacknahay, and for some years has
held a fortnightly class for the members in her own
house. To mark their appreciation of her constant
efforts for their welfare the girls subscribed and
purchased a very handsome silver Cake Basket. The
Rector presided at the Meeting, and spoke of the good
work Miss Calvert had accomplished among the girls
at that end of the Parish. One of the senior members
of the Class handed the Basket to Miss Calvert.
In a few words Miss Calvert replied, thanking the
members for their kind present. There was a crowded
attendance. and much interest was taken in the proceedings.
To the Sunday School Children of Seagoe.
We feel sure that the children of Seagoe would
like to have a share in the War Memorial, so the
Superintendents have kindly arranged to have a
penny collection in each Sunday School on the
afternoon of the second Sunday in February, the 9th.
A Public Lecture.
The Rector lectured in Drumgor Church Hall on
Thursday evening, January 30th. The subject of his
Lecture was "Four Months in France with the Church Army."
There was a good attendance present. The proceeds of
the Lecture were given to the Funds of Drumgor Sunday School.
Coming Events.
Feb, 3rd —Sunday School Teachers' Meeting for
Edenderry Teachers at 8 in Parochial Hall.
,, 11th —Cottage Service at Mr. W. J. Caddell's in
Tarsan at 8.
,, 13th —Social for Teachers and Children in
Drumgor Sunday School at 7.
,, 18th —Social in Carne Church Hall.
,, 20th —Edenderry und Seagoe Sunday School
Teachers' Social.
It is also hoped to hold a Seagoe Bible Class Social
on some date not yet arranged in February.
ITEMS.
On Sunday, February 11th, at Morning Prayer all
Hymns will be chosen from those written by our
Irish poetess, the late Mrs. C. F. Alexander.
***
At Christmas-time the Rector had a letter from Mrs.
Wolseley, daughter of the late Rev. Capel Wolseley,
Curate of Seagoe, desiring to be remembered to the
people of Seagoe, and expressing sympathy with all
who had lost relatives during the war. Her only son,
Sir Capel Wolseley, Bart, has been on active service
since the war began.
***
The Hymns to be sung on Sunday evening,
February 18th, will be by Charles Wesley, one of the
most gifted Hymn-writers of the Church of England.
***
The Most Rev. Archbishop Lefroy, Archbishop of
Calcutta, Metropolitan of India, died at Calcutta on
New Year's Day. He was a son of the Very Rev.
Jeffrey Lefroy, Dean of Dromore, and at one time
Curate of Seagoe under the Ven. Archdeacon Saurin.
PARISH REGISTER for JANUARY, 1919.
Baptisms.
The following were Baptized in the Parish Church
on 4th January, 1919:—
Smyth —Samuel, son of Thomas and (the late)
Sarah Emily Smyth, of Portadown.
Sponsors—Sarah Rainey, Eliza Jane Smyth.
Coulter —Amelia Martha, daughter of William
Robert and Amelia Martha Coulter of
Ballinary. Parish of Ardmore.
Sponsors—Rebecca Reid, Amelia Martha Coulter.
M’Clatchey —James, son of William and Mary Anne M'Clatchey,
of Edenderry.
Sponsors—William M'Clatchey, Mary Anne M'Clatchey.
Private Baptism.
Freeburn—26th January, 1919, John, son of Thomas and Elizabeth
Anne Freeburn, of Edenderry.
Marriage.
Wright and Rainey —15th January, 1919. Thomas Wright, of Clounagh,
Portadown, to Margaret Rainey of Edenderry.
Burial.
Browne—January 31st, 1919, Stewart Browne, of Tarsan, aged 77 years.
Death.
“For King and Country."
Hall —October 28th, 1918, at the Hospital for Prisoners of War,
Hasenheide, Germany, Private William Ernest Hall, 7th Royal
Irish Regiment. late of the South Irish Horse, aged 22 years;
Old Seagoe Notes.
Seagoe Sunday School, 1810.—Vestry Record,
September 4th, 1810—1t is agreed that the sum of
Six Guineas per annum be paid to George M'Caughily,
Schoolmaster, for teaching a Sunday School, and also
the Poor Scholars of the Parish as may be recommended
by the Minister of it. — Richard Olpherts, Curate.
Record of Vestry, March 31st, 1812—Sums agreed
to be laid on—To George M'Caughily for Teaching a
Sunday School throughout the year, £6 11s 6d.
April 20th. 1818 —To Geo. M'Caughily for Teaching
a Sunday School, £6 16s 6d.
To John Walkington for Teaching at Aghacommon £8 8s 3d.
***
A Page from Seagoe Vestry Records, 1724.
—At a Vestry held in the Parish Church of Sego on
Easter Monday, April ye 6th. 1724, held for the said
Parish. It was enacted, agreed and concluded upon by
the Minister, Churchwardens and Parishioners then
present That Robert Wilson, of Bocomra, and George
Ruddil, of Ballynecor, are chosen Churchwardens for
the insuing year, and that Arthur Jordon, of Derrevore,
and James Twiman, of Bellyhannon, are chosen
Sidesmen for ye said year. Tobias Hillary, overseer
for the Highways from Kilvergin Bridge to Edenderry.
Simon Hewitt and Henry Dowey continews for
Bellynemony Constable-wick.
George Dillworth from Mr. Dynes' Hill to
Killecomaine and from ye Blew Stone to the Low
Mill, Robert Corner, of Derriadda, and Daniel Cittle,
of Bellynery. are to serve for the Moyntagh
Constablewick, Owin M'Grah and Thomas Wallocks
continews to oversee from Knock Bridge to Lylo and
from Henry Black's to John Binks'.
John Campbell, Min
Will Smurphett Churchwardens,
John Geddis
Will Blacker, Merth Workman, William
Mothers, James Fryer, John Bullock,
Sidesmen.
Unsatisfactory Churchwardens, 1717. - A
note in the Rev, John Campbell's writing says —
Memorandum that there is in the Churchwardens'
hands more than is set down in the Act (of Vestry)
the sum of 4s l ½ d. Lower down on the same page is
written — Memorandum that Thomas Gibson and
George Rodgers, Churchwardens of the Parish of
Sego, have now of the Parish Money in their hands
the sum of eleven shillings and sixpence—April 24tbt
1717, John Campbell, Min:
***
Seagoe in Queen Anne's Reign, 1708.— At
Vestry holden in ye Parish Church of Sego on ye
6th day of Aprile, being Easter Tuesday, 1708. It was
agreed upon by ye Minister, Churchwardens and
Parishioners then present that ye sum of £9 8s 10d
be applotted and levied of ye Parishioners and
Landowners of ye said Parish and together with
£2 12s 6d now in ye Churchwardens hands for ye
uses following
for Elements for ye Communion 12 Times in ye year
£3 2s 8d.
for ye Bellman's Wages one year £l 6s 0d.
Articles and Charges applotting ye said Moneys £2 0s 0d.
Washing the Table Linen 2s 0d.
Accidental Repairs that may happen £2 0s 0d.
For lifting ye Moneys 5s 0d.
and that Richard Smurphett, of Clanroll, and John
Geary, of Lystrimintry, are chosen Churchwardens to
serve for the insuing year 1708. Robert Willson at
ye band foot, and James Simonton to serve for Mr.
Francis Mathers, William Dixon and William
Robinson for ye Churchway Leading from
Ballymecrannel through Killicomaine and the
Queen's Road.
John Campbell, Clerk.
The Danes in Seagoe A.D. 850 - A.D. 1050 .
Several clear evidences survive of the Danish occupation
of Seagoe a thousand years ago. The Battlefield of
Drumlisnagrilly and the discovery near its site 100 years
ago of Danish weapons are interesting proofs of the
presence of the Danes. The descent of the Blacker family
from Blacar the Dane is a link between the long distant
past and the present day. Another proof of the Danish
occupation is the name of Oxford Island in the Townland
of Annaloist. Oxford is clearly a Danish compound, Oggeg-fiord.
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