The Henson Journals
Sun 9 May 1909
Volume 160, Page 26
[26]
4th Sunday after Easter, May 9th, 1909.
I preached three times (1) At Holy Trinity, Brooklyn (2) In the First Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn (3) in Grace Church at 8 p.m. There were large congregations on every occasion.
The sermons were selected on a scheme of subjects. At Holy Trinity I preached on the essentials, "Authority in Religion"; to the Presbyterians I spoke of the ecclesiastical aspects of Religion; in Grace Church my theme was rather economic & social, "The love of money". None of the sermons had any marked success; but all were decorously listened to. It is evident to me that my formal style & unimpassioned manner are not agreeable to the American mind. Their preachers are more eloquent and topical.
Mr Melish, the Rector of Holy Trinity, is an agreeable man, still young: very earnest & liberal, a friend & so far as that was possible a champion of Crapsey. He accompanied me to the Presbyterians. He brought into lunch the editor of the Brooklyn Eagle, & a lawyer named Shepherd. Both were very pleasant: their discussion of Rooseveldt was highly diverting.