The Henson Journals
Wed 27 January 1915
Volume 20, Page 133
[133]
Wednesday, January 27th, 1915.
177th day
The weather is mild and still: if nothing cataclysmic happens in the course of the day, it may still be considered favourable to the ecclesiastical functions of this Festival. Last year I recall that my friend Mitford Mitchell's was here, and that he communicated in the Cathedral at the Choral Eucharist. Now he is dead, leaving a considerable gap in the narrowing circle of my friends. At 11 a.m. I celebrated the Holy Communion, & read the Commemoration Form. The service was all that could be desired, but the attendance was very disappointing. All the canons were present save Cruickshank, who pleaded (but mistakenly) that he had lectures. Of the Hon. Canons there were but 6. Archdeacon Derry came also. The Grammar School was represented by the Masters & the King's Scholars, of whom however all did not communicate. The Choir–men communicated, & both Wilson & Bayley. Of others certainly not more than a dozen. I entertained the canons, minor canons, hon canons, & others at lunch. The party numbered exactly thirty persons, which is as many as my table can comfortably accommodate. At the end of the meal there arrived [135] a kindly expressed telegram from the Bishop. After Evensong Ella had a numerous tea–party. Mrs Benson & Lady Gort, & the High Sherriff (Priestman) were among the number present. Ralph & Kitty arrived about 4 p.m: & somewhat later Hadow & Sir John Barran. Col: Burdon & his wife & 2 daughters came in for the service. The service went through without hitch, & was very impressive. Four battalions sent representatives to take part in the procession. The addition of 24 officers in Khaki gave an unusual & striking aspect to the long line of folk in surplices, to which also the bright hoods and gowns of the Academicks gave colour. The Mayor & Corporation attended in state: & the Chapter Workmen sate together beside the Grammar School. There was a large congregation, which would have been larger if the weather at the last moment had not changed for the worse.