The Henson Journals

[196]

Sunday after Ascension, May 24th, 1914. Glasgow.

The morning was bright, but later the clouds gathered. There was a very large congregation in the cathedral, & I noticed the unusually considerable proportion of men. McAdam Muir & three assistants conducted the service. I preached in my surplice as mine host suggested. My text was 2. Cor: IV. 5. "We preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, & ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake". After service the members of the Kirk session were very appreciative in their comments. One of them handed me a cheque for eight guineas which I added immediately to the Offertory. Then we inspected the wonderful crypt of the cathedral, & returned home.

During the afternoon I called on old Mrs Story, the widow of the late Principal of Glasgow University. In spite of her 86 years, the old lady is full of interest, and very bright. Here I learned the gratifying intelligence that the Unionists have carried Ipswich by a majority of over 500 votes. It is not a 'landslide', but may indicate a considerable change in public opinion. It is also a notable rebuff to that brace of wind–bags, Lloyd George & Masterman, both of whom have deserved very ill of the English People.

[197]

The rain fell heavily as the time of evening service approached. We arrived at the cathedral in a tropical deluge. Notwithstanding this, there was a very large congregation, many standing throughout. I preached from the Apocalypse: "I saw no temple therein", and dwelt on the provisional & prophetic character of all ecclesiastical arrangements. There were 20 ministers among my hearers. The assistants of McAdam Muir impressed me as very promising young men. Their names were Thompson & Mackenzie.

Dr Strong, lately Minister of Hillhead church, came to supper. He expressed himself about the Union of the Churches with marked lack of sympathy. There can be no doubt that the opposition in both churches has become organized & vocal: but what amount of support it can count upon remains to be disclosed. The leading men in both churches are clearly very eager to carry through the Union: and they are well–supported by the laity generally.

[198]

On Monday, May 25th 1914, I returned to Durham: and was followed on Tuesday by my wife.

On Wednesday, May 27th 1914, we motored to Sunderland, &, after lunching with >Mr Fraser, the Vicar of the Venerable Bede Church, I preached & dedicated two memorial windows in the said church. Then we adjourned to a new Hall & Institute, built by a bequest from an eccentric old workman named Jeffrey. My wife declared these buildings open, & received a silver cup from the Architect. After the function we motored back to Durham.

On Thursday, the 28th May, Canon Sykes, with Messrs Jubb & Bodington lunched here, and afterwards laid before me their appeal for the Schools of the Diocese. I told them that I could not personally assist them, but that I should place no hindrance in the way of the Chapter's action, if they wished to make a contribution. Mr [sic – space left intentionally blank] an Indian Missionary, commended by the Bishop of Southampton, also lunched. He wished me to pass a judgement on a work which he had composed. But I declined to do so, & referred him to Rashdall!

Mrs Caröe arrived during the afternoon. After dinner we attended a musical evening party given by the Archdeacon & Mrs Watkins.

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