The Henson Journals

[82]

Thursday, December 13th, 1917.

1228th day

My cold is worse than ever. Beyond going to Evensong, I kept the house. The newspapers contain the formal announcement of my appointment as Bishop of Hereford. Letters, telegrams, and notes came in at intervals during the day. If I may believe my colleagues, they will regret my departure. The Precentor & Dennett sent me letters expressed with affectionate ardour, and the latter assures me that "the boys are all very grieved at my approaching departure". Knowling writes pleasantly:

“We all have to thank you, & especially your colleagues have to thank you, for five years of generous rule and friendship".

Bayley writes:

I shd like to express my thanks to you for all your help & kindness – you can hardly realize what an assistance it is to a Chapter official to have a Dean who is a real head of community, to whom one can always turn for direction & advice.

Greenwell (aetatis suae [the age of] 98) writes thus:–

Dear Mr Dean, Pray allow me to express my best wishes on your appointment to the bishoprick of Hereford. Your leaving the Cathedral will be a great loss to myself & many others. It is something however to know that in a larger sphere of influence you will be able to carry on more efficiently the good work with which you have been so long associated.

Yours very faithfully, W. Greenwell

[83]

My physical distress grew upon me as the day wore on. I went to Evensong, & enjoyed the anthem (Spohr) beautifully sung by Kaye. Ella went out to an entertainment at S. Hild's, & I languished miserably by my study fire.

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