The Henson Journals

[83]

3rd Sunday after Trinity, June 24th, 1917.

1056th day

A dull morning, and yet heavy atmosphere, as if thunder yet hung about us. I wrote to Savage, condoling with him on the loss of his son, which was announced yesterday. Then I read a book by a Mirfield Father named Thornton, "Conduct & the Super–natural", which was recommended to me by Ralph. The post brought me a letter from Temple, & another from his wife, also a ticket for the meeting on July 16th. The speakers are significant – Sheppard, Carey, Miss Maude Royden, & Alexander Paterson. The last is the author of a book which had a considerable circulation some years ago "Across the Bridges": it was a sympathetic and incisive description of South London, & it was commended to the public by the inevitable Bishop of Winchester. He is now serving abroad, & his presence at the meeting is subject to his getting leave home. Miss Maude Royden will hardly commend the movement to average Anglicans. She is an anarchic feminist, who is now claiming the priesthood! On feminist principles her case is really quite irresistible.

[84]

I attended Mattins, and afterwards celebrated the Holy Communion. After lunch Ella & I motored to Darlington where I gave an address at a Memorial Service arranged by the combined Friendly Societies of the district to honour those of their members who have fallen in the War. The Mayor & Corporation attended in state: two Dissenting ministers offered prayers, a local incumbent read a lesson: & a voluntary choir performed an anthem. There was an evident resolution to keep the meeting solemn as befitted the professed occasion. The only applause was given to a soloist, who sang a rather sentimental song. A list of about 140 names of men who had fallen was read out, and the last Post was blown on the bugles. On the whole I was favourably impressed. The service was held in the Cinematographic Hall, & was well filled, mostly by members of the Friendly Societies. After the function we had tea with the Mayor and Mayoress. He seems rather a superior type of man, & prides himself on his Library. He has the early editions of Ruskin's Works. We had a very pleasant drive back to Durham and arrived at the Deanery soon after 6.30 p.m.

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