The Henson Journals

[47]

Wednesday, October 28th, 1914.

86th day

I wasted my whole morning in cleaning up my study – an Augaean stable! Then I attended a meeting of the Relief Committee, & had sight of Mr Caradog James, who has volunteered to act as inspector. I attended Evensong in the Cathedral; & then had an interview with Mr Henderson, one of the Churchwardens of Spennymoor, who wished to lay before me some considerations as to the type of clergyman needed there. I am afraid he didn't get much beyond the two points (α) that a wife was desirable: & (β) that a preacher was essential. The population is stated to number 5760: the income to be £320 with house: & the single church to accommodate 400 people. There are several Methodist chapels, not well–attended: but the most part of the people go nowhere. This is not a very agreeable picture of a parish which is said to have been rather exceptionally well–worked.

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