The Henson Journals

[177]

Palm Sunday, March 28th, 1915.

237th day

More snow fell last night. The bright morning sun shines on a wintry landscape. I notice that for the fourth time an attempt to build a ninth nest in the main tree is being made. Will the stern old birds pull it down as they pulled down its three predecessors? What intolerant bigots they are!

I went to the Holy Communion at 8 a.m. At 10 a.m. I addressed the troops. There were more than usual, & the coughing was tremendous. At 11 a.m. I attended Mattins, & read the Passion Lesson. Lillington concluded his sermons on the Atonement, with a marvellously crude & confused harangue. Lady Tullibardine brought a party to lunch, & be shown the Cathedral: but I had to hurry off to St Giles's there to take part in the funeral of old Hopper, who had been in the Chapter's employment for 70 years. The Sub–dean & Knowling also attended, & the Choir sang two hymns. I attended Evensong in the Cathedral, & heard an unusually good sermon from Foakes–Jackson. Then I hastily had tea, & consigning Lady Tullibardine to the care of Freeman, I motored (in Lillington's car) to South Shields, where I preached in St Hilda's to a considerable congregation. The Precentor accompanied me, & sang the service. We got back to the Deanery about 9.15 p.m. Ker & Foakes–Jackson talked for an hour & so very interestingly.

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