The Henson Journals

[147]

Quinquagesima, February 14th, 1915.

195th day

I preached to the troops at 10 a.m. There was an increase in the number of men present. My sermon on "Words" was much hindered by the coughing. Cruickshank made a brief reference to Lord Londonderry at Mattins, and the "Dead March" was played after the service. I celebrated the Holy Communion. Beside the clergy there were but six communicants. After lunch Stock walked with me & Logic. Later we motored to New Seaham, and there I preached to a congregation mainly composed of youngish women. This was, perhaps, explained by the absence of the young men in camp & billets. No less than 800 out of 3000 men at one colliery are said to have enlisted. The church is a poor brick & stone building, built about 60 years since, & hard by is the vicarage, which appeared to be a sufficient house. The Vicar, Fenning, is a youngish man, married, and seemingly active. It was his curate, Kearny, whom we appointed to St Stephen's, South Shields. As Lord Londonderry is owner of the colliery, & practically created the parish, it seemed fitting that I shd make reference to his death. I did this at the end of the sermon: and the "Dead March" was played on a noisy & ill–conditioned organ.

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