The Henson Journals

[162]

3rd Sunday after Epiphany, January 22nd, 1911.

A cold raw morning darkening into a fog as the day advanced.

I celebrated in St Margt's at 8 a.m. There were 14 cts.

In spite of the bad weather there was a large congregation at Mattins. I preached a 'new criticism' sermon on S. Mk. IV. 10–12 & 33–34. The Offertory exceeded £15.

Mr & Mrs Macklin came to lunch. During that meal the darkness became as that of midnight, though there was no fog.

Mary Rogers came to be prepared for Confirmation.

I preached at Evensong to a moderate congregation, but found no comfort in the performance.

[163]

On Thursday, Jan: 26th 1911, I celebrated the marriage of Stephen Renshaw & Miss Chichester in S. Margaret's. The same afternoon, Ella & I went to Daglingworth near Chichester to visit Mrs Perceval. On Friday, the 27th Jan. we motored for most part of the day, seeing Malmesbury, of which the surviving fragment is extraordinarily full of interest. The carved south–porch is a poor man's Bible in stone. From the roof a fine view is obtained. The slopes on which once grew the vines from which the monks manufactured Malmesey wine are pointed out. The sexton said that he as a freeholder held in full ownership 3½ acres of the 800 acres which Athelstan presented to the folk of Malmesbury. This land pays no rates & taxes. On Saturday, the 28th Jan: I returned to town, leaving Ella at Daglingworth.

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