The Henson Journals

[51]

Friday, November 23rd, 1917.

1208th day

I paid my reckoning, & took my departure for Leeds after breakfast. Florence Richardson, the house–maid from Tudhoe, bade me a friendly farewell. I arrived in Leeds shortly after 10 a.m., &, after leaving my bags at the Queen's Hotel, walked to the Club in Albion Place, and there read the papers until it was time for me to preach at Holy Trinity. Harold Wilkinson, an old Durham choirboy, played the organ. He hung about with an appropriating affection which was almost touching. Another old choir boy, whose name escapes me, hailed me as I entered the church. There was a considerable congregation, in which I was pleased to observe a number of men. The Dissenting ministers of Leeds turned up in force. After the service I lunched with Mrs Barran at the Hotel. Lady Barran was there, & Sir John appeared at the close of the meal. I spent the afternoon pleasantly enough with Sir John Barran. First, we visited the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey: then we went to the Family Factory, where some 2000 girls & women are engaged in making clothing mostly for the army. I inquired how many persons were actually involved in making a soldier's coat, & I was told that not less than 22 had a hand in the work. From the factory we went to the "Outlook Club", and had tea. The secretary seemed an intelligent & pleasant person. From the girls' Club we went to the Club in Albion Square, and there I had half an hour's quiet before dining with the Lord Mayor, the Vicar of Leeds, Mr Dykes, Sir John Barran, and another. Then I gave my lecture to an audience of about 200 in the Church Institute.

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