The Henson Journals

[12]

Monday, April 26th, 1909.

A brilliant day but the wind still cold. After breakfast I revised my lecture & then went out for 2 hours. The grey squirrels are fascinating – so tame that they will offer you to come within a few feet of them. The robin is a fine bird as large as a thrush. Returning to the house I wrote a letter to Reggie Still: & then we went to lunch.

President & MrsHadley were of the company, very pleasant & intelligent people. My 2nd lecture was well–attended, & seemed to be well–liked. Then we had tea with Mrs Hadley, & made preparations for our next function, which was of an unusual & amusing character.

We attended the "Fellowship Meeting" of the New Haven Congregational Club. The proceedings began with a 'Reception to Canon Henson'. I stood on the platform of a large and hideous chapel with my 'bear–leader' Prof. Walker, and shook hands with a multitude of plain men & plainer women. Then we went to 'dinner & table–talks'. I was told that 490 sat down to feed: the victuals & the waiting being provided by the ladies of the congregation. After dinner followed the speeches from representatives of the different churches. The President of the University led off: then followed a Baptist, a Presbyterian, an Episcopalian, a Methodist, & a Congregationalist. After this performance we all returned to the Chapel, & listened to an Anthem, [13] & then I made a speech on 'Fellowship' of about 35 minutes length. The singing of two verses of 'Onward Christian soldiers' brought this strange function to an end. A secretary thrust a cheque for twenty five dollars into my hand.

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