The Henson Journals

[47]

Tuesday, May 15th, 1917.

1016th day

Heavy rain, much needed in the country & therefore welcome, but woefully dull none the less. The paper announces the appointment of Rashdall to be Dean of Carlisle. So far as personal merits go, and the claims of learning, he ought long ago to have received preferment, but he will hardly strengthen the cause of Anglican liberty by being banished to a remote corner of England: and, of course, his appointment will strengthen the claim of the Fanaticks to have the next bishoprick. Still, for itself & for the indication it offers as to the way the patronage–wind blows, it is not unwelcome. While the appointment to York certainly (as I judge) expressed the mind of the Northern Archbishop, the appointment to Carlisle probably represents that of the Southern.

A p.c. [post card] from the Dean of Chichester tells me that the Deans have resolved by a large majority to postpone the Decanal Meeting in view of the extraordinary circumstances created by the War. This decision coincides with my own wishes. The meeting would have been difficult to organize & carry through here in Durham.

[48]

I wrote to Gore asking him what were the circumstances of the Warden's resigning the diocesan Chancellorship, & also begging permission to use three letters of his which are among the Warden's papers. Gee called nominally to talk about the Fire–protection scheme, but really to ease his restlessness over the appointment to Durham. We are poor creatures in these things! I attended Evensong, & took Logic for a walk. On my return George came with a letter from the shipping company in Liverpool: I was pleased to see that Lawrence Holt offers to put him up for the night. This looks well: if the lad can get a good start, I shall feel that one good deed goes to the credit side of my account!

The afternoon post brought a letter from Clarence Tait. He encloses a type–written "Extract from General Routine Orders", to the following effect:–

"Cases have recently occurred where Roman Catholic Churches & Chapels have been used for C. of E. services. This practice must cease. Even where a Roman Catholic Church is in ruins no services other than R.C. are to be held therein."

Clarence writes: "I have attended many services in old ruined churches out here, & it has always struck me as very sensible the way our C. of E. padres carry on their services in the remains of old Churches once used by the French." It is an odd reflection, that such bigotry is actually admired by a considerable & waxing section of the English clergy, who, within the comparatively restricted opportunities of the Established Church, endeavour to imitate it.

Ella & I were fetched soon after 7 p.m., & carried to Birtley, where we witnessed the performance of a "Revue", composed, staged, and acted by Belgian munition workers. General Montgomery & his wife were there, & General Lambton & his wife. There were some speeches, which protracted the proceedings, & we did not return to the Deanery until 12.30 midnight! The acting was vigorous & enthusiastic: the audience appreciative & eager.

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