The Henson Journals

[341]

Whitsunday, May 11th, 1913.

A heavy mist lay over the city, shutting out the larger views, & oppressing one's spirit. The cawing of the rooks took a sinister note, & seemed like the ominous croaking of ill night birds: yet the thrushes sang bravely under the mantle of gloom, & the cathedral bells would not be stayed. I celebrated at 8 a.m. There were about 115 communicants, for the Grammar School Boys came. It was a wonderfully uplifting service. We ought to be a united body here, with that Altar to hold us together. Watkins, Knowling, and Cruikshank were there: one hon. Canon, Mosse: two senior canons, Cully & May: and the Headmaster. Ah, if we 'could live more nearly as we pray', we should be the best Chapter in the world! Mattins was read at 10 a.m. with Athanasian Creed & Litany. I was somewhat disposed to wonder that a comparatively large congregation came together for this service. Then followed the Choral Eucharist. We sang the processional & recessional hymns altogether inside the Cathedral, instead of partly in the Cloisters as heretofore. I preached on "the Spirit of Truth". Hughes sang the service admirably. There was a considerable number of communicants so that it became necessary to consecrate more wine. Taking all things together the services were very consoling.

[342]

Three of the King's Scholars came to lunch – Cumming, the Captain of the School, Moses, and [space left by Henson for third name]. After lunch we went over the House & onto the Roofs.

At Evensong the sermon was preached by one of the hon. Canons – Mosse – in aid of the S.P.G. It was a dreary performance: and my power of attention was rendered less than usual by the heaviness of the atmosphere, a circumstance which was forced on one's notice at intervals by growlings of thunder.

[343]

The Lay Vicars of Durham Cathedral:–

1. John Nutton. 14 Alexandra Crescent
2. John Duncanson. Wood View, Church Street Head.
3. William Peacock. Highcroft, Framwellgate Moor.
4. F. H. Knight. 18 May Street.
5. William Brown. 3 Mountjoy Crescent.
6. G. C. Cradock. 21 the Avenue.
7. J. S. Lisle. 2 May Street.
8. Herbert Harden. 4 Western Hill.
9. C. A. V. Jones. Bank View, 31 May Street.
10. J. C. K. May. 12 East Atherton Street.

[344]

On Tuesday, 13th May 1913, we paid our first visit to Auckland Castle. We were kindly received by the Bishop & Mrs Moule, who seem strangely insignificant in the great house. The chapel is very fine: Cosin is everywhere, & next to him Lightfoot. Mrs M. talks much, & whiningly, of the enormous expenses of the great house, but forgets that the income also is great, & for the very reason that the house is large. After dinner I joined the chaplains with Lazenby, & Tristram, who were staying in the Castle, in the smoking room, & talked much on various exasperating topics.

The next day, May 14th, we returned to Durham. I entertained the Choirmen of the Cathedral at lunch with Bayley, the Precentor, & Dolphin.

Janey Fleet & Jean Bovey arrived for a short visit. I showed them over the house, library, & Church, & walked them round the Banks. Then we went to dine with Bishop Tucker.

1. Feb. 20
2. Mar. 29
3. April 24
4. May 15

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