The Henson Journals

[132]

19th Sunday after Trinity, October 2nd, 1910.

After the heavy rain last night the atmosphere is humid, warm & languorous. There were but 16 communicants at the early celebration. Knox was celebrant & I assisted.

At Mattins the Church was well filled. I preached on the Healing of the Paralytic, which came into the Gospel for the day. I celebrated afterwards, when there were 92 communicants.

In the afternoon Gilbert & Reggie went with me into Hyde Park for the benefit of Logic's health. The sultriness of the atmosphere made walking very fatiguing; & portended a tempest.

Rain fell shortly before service–time, but in spite of it there was a fairly large congregation at Evensong. I preached from the Psalm: XIV. I. "The fool hath said in his heart: There is no God".

The Offertories during the day exceeded £25. Reggie, Gilbert, & Albert came to supper.

[133]

On Monday afternoon we left town in order to spend a few days with the Caröes in Surrey. They have created a most fascinating house out of an Elizabethan farm house. The barn has been transmuted into a delightful drawing room. The furniture is all antique, & in keeping with the house.

On Tuesday Mr Caröe motored us to Winchester, where we went over the Cathedral, & lunched with Mr Rendall at the School. In the Cathedral we fell in with Goudy, who had come over from Southampton, where he is staying with the Bishop. Then we went on to Romsey, which we inspected: & then returned to Winchester where we visited S. Cross, & had tea. Here we dropped Olaf, the eldest son – a delightful lad – that he might return to the School: & we ourselves went back to Vann, arriving just in time for dinner. Sir William & Lady Chance came to dinner.

On Wednesday, Christian took us for a walk through the woods to the top of the hill, whence noble prospects on all sides open to view. The country is ravishingly beautiful. Our hostess drove us to Charterhouse School at Godalming where we lunched with Rendal, her brother in law. He took us to see Loseley, a noble Elizabethan mansion near Godalming, which is the scene of a well–authenticated Ghost–story. We also visited the Watts Gallery, & then made our way back to Vann. On Thursday we returned to town.

[134]

On Thursday I travelled to Hull, in order to fulfil a promise that I would take part in the opening of a new Wesleyan Methodist Mission Hall. One of the local M.P.s, Mr Thomas Ferens (Holderness House, Hull) was mine host: & he entertained two wealthy Wesleyans, Mr Rank, a millionaire–miller, & Mr Holloway, a large contractor & builder. All these rich men appeared to be very hearty Wesleyans. The meeting was very enthusiastic. About 2000 people were crowded into the Hall; & there was an overflow meeting to which, however, I did not go. Rather to my surprise there was a short report of my speech in the Times (Friday, Oct. 7th) under the heading "Canon Henson on the Function of Religion." I travelled back to town of Friday morning.

Reggie Still went with me for a walk in the Park on Saturday afternoon, & afterwards had tea with me.

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