The Henson Journals

[188]

Friday, March 8th, 1918.

1313th day

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I prepared an address for this afternoon's Confirmation, taking as the text, Ephesians V.15, 16 "Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil". Then I wrote to Carissima, to the Bp. of Jarrow, and some "business" letters. Then I had three interviews. (α) with Lady Butler about her new maternity home, (β) with the Revd H. E. Knight, Vicar of Holmer, Hereford, about working his scattered parish, with two consecrated churches, & two missions, without the help of Mr Stanley, the curate, who is a chaplain. I said he must manage with lay helpers of whom he has 4, including Mr Lomax, my Bank–manager, (γ) with my new Registrar, Mr Francis James, who brought me some papers to sign. Norcock lunched with me, & afterwards accompanied me to Staunton–on–Arrow, where I confirmed 31 candidates. The Vicar, Rev. S. C. Watkins, told me that he writes occasional articles on birds to the "Times", & that he has been working the gardens of some parishioners who are in the army.

The population is little more than 260 souls, & is dwindling. His squire is wealthy & well–disposed (Mr Parr of Parr's Bank). Mr Green–Pryce, the Vicar of Pembridge, whose parish is composed of black & white houses, said that these, though picturesque, were most inadequate. He said also that his parish–church was architecturally noble. Lilley came in & talked for an hour: & then Percival, the late Bishop's son, called to talk business.

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