The Henson Journals

[149]

Septuagesima, January 27th, 1918.

1273rd day

A deep melancholy came over me as I reflected that this would be the last time of my service as Dean at the Altar of Durham Cathedral. In Frank Campbell's little collection of the Prayer–Book collects arranged for daily use, the collect for this day matched my mood. It was headed "The Sanctification of Trouble", & runs thus:–

We humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities; and for the glory of thy Name turn from us all those evils that we most righteously have deserved, and grant, that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

At 8 a.m. I celebrated the Holy Communion. All the canons were there, except Lillingston, and both the schoolmasters. The King's Scholars & choir boys came in their surplices, & we sang 3 hymns. A large number of the boys from the School communicated. It was all very solemn and moving. The Bishop of Newcastle & M rs Wild communicated, as well as Caröe. Beyond these there were not many except from the College. Thus ends my service at the Altar. May God forgive the sin, and accept the desire! The extreme coldness of the Cathedral, where the heating apparatus has now been inoperative for a whole month, may have hindered the devotion of the boys, & didn't help the worship of any.

[150]

Freeman came to tell me that old Dr Greenwell had passed away. I ordered the bell to be tolled, and prepared an obituary paragraph for insertion in my sermon. At 10 a.m. I preached to the troops, who filled the Nave. Lillingston preached at Mattins. The "Dead March" was played after the service. At 3 p.m. the Commemoration of Founders & Benefactors was observed. Three honorary canons appeared, & one of the Durham incumbents (Thomas). The University was fairly represented: the Mayor & Corporation attended in state. A good many of the county people came in, and there was a great congregation. I preached from Isaiah xl. 6–8 & 1 S. John ii. 17, after reading from the pulpit the Form of Commemoration. It was a difficult performance, at which I felt disposed to sit down & cry. However I got through it, and then had to assist in entertaining a drawing–room full of guests at tea. Among these was Sir Robert Williams and his daughter, who are in these parts on C.M.S. business. There was much kindness in everybody, and many expressions of goodwill. Then, the general company having departed, I talked with my guests, and went to bed at midnight feeling much exhausted. Gee, now freshly be–gaitered as Dean of Gloucester, tells me that Greenwell's funeral is to be on Wednesday, and thinks that I ought to be there. This is a fresh derangement of my plans, for that was the day on which I had promised Kitty that I would come up to town.

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