The Henson Journals

[196]

Saturday, October 19th, 1918.

1538th day

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A grey day, chilly but rainless, acutely autumnal. Treherne came to see me after breakfast. He is in a quandary, as the Mayor & Corporation, who are due at All Saints for tomorrow morning on account of what is here called "Civic Sunday", object to the Choral Celebration which, since their last visit, has replaced the more familiar Mattins! I told him that he should re–place Mattins for this occasion. He asked me to "wear the vestments" when I come to celebrate at 8 a.m. This, of course, I refused. Then I was invaded by an Ordination candidate, ardent but illiterate, whom I sent on to Bannister : I went round to James to seek materials for duly answering the Super–tax surveyor's letter. The tax–man was there, & civilly sketched a letter for me. My sermon for the sectaries meanwhile hung fire badly. After lunch Ella and I, taking Penelope & another small girl in the car, motored to Bredwardine, & called on the Compstons. The view from the Vicarage garden was magnificent. The autumn tints recalled by their brilliance the Berkshire Hills in U.S.A. when we saw them in the Fall of 1912. It is evident from what Compston said that the feud between the churchwardens has not healed. The female warden is semi–hysterical; & the male has the exasperating impeccability of a Saint! However I think he means to stick to his job now he has taken it on. Mr Henson, the Headmaster of the Cathedral School, called to ask me to give away the prizes. We fixed on November 14th at 3 p.m. as the most suitable date. I worked hard at a sermon for the sectaries tomorrow.

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