The Henson Journals

[323]

August 10th, 1915.

372nd day

Another heavy thunderous day, with rain showers at intervals. I received a letter from Foakes–Jackson saying that he accepted that hapless article. I sent £26.5.0 to Caröe for his architect's fee on account of the Deanery Chapel. The total cost stands thus:

The Cathedram Workmen	£	369.	4.	0
The Architect		26.	5.	0
Heating Apparatus		54.	1.	4
Electric Light Installn		18.	13.	10
Reredos		50.	0.	0
Hangings for Reredos		15.	1.	6
Altar Cross		4.	0.	0
	£	537.	5.	11

Lord Muir Mackenzie arrived by the 3.23 p.m. train. His arrival was marked by a tremendous thunder–storm. We went into the Cathedral, & there we listened to the Organ, which Culley obligingly played for our benefit. The sun–effects after the heavy rain were extremely beautiful. Gerald & I walked to the Observatory before dinner, & were rewarded by a wonderful view of the Cathedral, sun–lit through a veil of vapour. Cruickshank & his wife came to dinner. The post brought me a formal enquiry from the War Office as to my willingness to volunteer for chaplain's duty with the Civil Service Rifles, to whom I am nominally attached. It seems rather base not to do so, but on a review of the relevant facts, I cannot avoid the conclusion that I am of more use in my own place than I should be with the troops on duty. It is a mere accident that my name continues in the Army List as that of an Hon. Chaplain to the C.S.R.

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