The Henson Journals

[159]

3rd Sunday in Lent, March 7th, 1915.

216th day

A bright cold morning. I celebrated the Holy Communion at 8 a.m. Hugh was among the communicants. I said to him afterwards, 'If we should never meet again, this parting were well made'. I addressed the soldiers at the military service. At Mattins Lillingston preached the first of a course of four sermons on the Death of Christ. "A great subject for that equipment," was my comment to Knowling as we left the Cathedral, & he rejoined, "Yes, indeed: I would not attempt it: would you?" To which I answered, "No: I could not." But L. is severely conventional, very ignorant, & immensely self–complaisant. He has a good presence, a fine voice, & some facility of speech. These appear to be the essentials of great success as an Evangelical orator. Bayley came to lunch, & talked on historical subjects with Watson. The latter preached at Evensong – an interesting discourse, & on the whole well–heard. I went to S. Cuthbert's, & there preached. In my sermon I made careful reference to Charles Caldcleugh, the late Mayor, who had been a member of that congregation. There was a good congregation among which I noticed several members of the Town Council. Hugh Lyon returned to his military duties at Gateshead after supper. Watson & I talked awhile together before turning in.

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