The Henson Journals
Sun 4 February 1906 to Sat 17 February 1906
Volume 16, Pages 24 to 26
[24]
5th Sunday after Epiphany, February 4th, 1906.
There was a violent & bitter North–Westerly Gale, which made church–going a trial, & affected badly attendance in S. Margaret's. I celebrated at 8 a.m.: there were 30 commts. At Mattins I preached with some discomfort through an attack of lumbago. The Speaker was in his seat. The sermon was that which I had preached at Aberdeen last October, but with some omissions. The congregation was not large, but it was virile, & it was attentive. In the afternoon, accompanied by Harold & my Godson, Gilbert, I went to Bethnal Green, and lectured for 50 minutes on "Democracy & Religion" to about 300 men in the Excelsior Hall. They were very appreciative. Then I returned to Westminster & preached again in S. Margaret's to a moderate congregation. Welldon, Ethel, & Chart came in to supper.
[25] [symbol]
On Tuesday, the 6th Feb. 1906, we travelled to Scotland by the M.R. At Rothwell we were met by the carriage & so were driven to Murraythwaite. On Wednesday, mine host motored me into Dumfries, but it was bitterly cold, & the next day I suffered much from lumbago. On Saturday we went to Glasgow where we stayed with Principal Story. At dinner to meet us there dined George Adam Smith on Saturday; and on Monday, Donald McLeod & Prof. Campbell. On Sunday, I preached three times. In the Cathedral, in the Bute Hall, & in Hillhead Church. The congregations were large in every case, but that in the Bute Hall, when I preached to the University, was the largest. It included the Lord Provost & the Baillies in their robes. On Monday, I visited the Municipal Building & Art Galleries, & lunched with McAdam Muir. At dinner I received a telegram (91 words) from Earl Howe, requesting a Memorial Service for his wife. On Tuesday, the 13th Feb., we returned to Westminster. Harold was awaiting us.
[26]
On Saturday, February 17th 1906, we went to the Premier's Reception in 10 Downing Street. There was a frightful crush, and the atmosphere was indescribable. Among the throng we recognized a few familiar faces.