The Henson Journals
Sun 11 February 1912 to Fri 16 February 1912
Volume 17, Pages 384 to 385
[384]
Sexagesima, February 11th, 1912.
Still feeling wretched with a bad cold. I did not get up for the early service. At Mattins the Dean of Canterbury preached an excellent sermon in the interest of the Cathedral Restoration Fund. He came in to lunch, & was very amiable. Rashdall preached in the Abbey, and also lunched here.
I preached in the Abbey at 3 p.m. with difficulty. There was a large congregation.
At Evensong I preached in S. Margaret's to a large congregation. My text was from Eph. v, "Giving thanks always for all things", & my sermon was designed with special reference to the National Thanksgiving for the Return of their Majesties from India. The collection was for the Canterbury Cathedral Restoration Fund, & amounted to over £13. This brings the total for the day to nearly £48.
[385]
On Wednesday, the 14th Feb. 1912, the King opened a new Session of Parliament. His speech announces three revolutionary measures – Welsh Disestablishment, Irish Home Rule, and a Suffrage Bill.
Later in the day I travelled to Faversham, and addressed a meeting gathered by the local Church Defence Committee to oppose the Welsh Bill. Lord Harris presided. Foster Cunliffe was the 1st speaker, & I followed. We each spoke for nearly an hour!
On Thursday, the 15th Feb: Convocation met, & sat on until Saturday. I did not attend, being compelled to get on to my Lenten work: but we entertained large parties of members at lunch: & put up for the meetings – Stocks, Kirkpatrick, McArthur, & Beeching.
On Saturday Ella & I dined at the Deanery. Welldon was there, as boisterous as ever.
On Friday, the 16th Feb. Lord Lister's Funeral was conducted with decent pomp in the Abbey Church.
Issues and controversies: irish home rule; welsh disestablishment; female suffrage