The Henson Journals
Sun 24 December 1911
Volume 17, Page 365
[365]
4th Sunday in Advent, December 24th, 1911.
A warm, wet morning & very dark. I celebrated at 8 a.m. in St Margaret's. There were 13 communicants including myself – 5 males & 8 females.
Rain fell heavily before & during morning service. The congregation reflected the fact; yet there were more present than I expected. My sermon was based on the Epistle for the Day. I gave it a direction adapted to the Holy Communion tomorrow.
After lunch the Dean called to say that the Abp. wanted a consecration in the Abbey on Jany 25th. I saw no objection.
There was no sermon at Evensong. Carols were sung & a 'Te Deum' at the close of the service. The congregation was very large. Ferguson, the Organist of Lancing, was at the organ. He played much too loudly.
Sir Henry Craik was in dudgeon at the musick: & expressed himself very testily in the vestry. Apparently he did so to Westlake with such effect that the latter promptly wrote to resign!! This is a pleasant episode in the Christmas festivities.