The Henson Journals

[18]

Whit Monday, June 9th, 1919.

The spirit of dissipation inseparable from a Bank Holiday being in the air, I abandoned the effort to do any work, & went off with Olive and the Archdeacon to see churches, Mrs Spooner having left by a morning train. We motored first to Abbey Dore, then to Kilpeck, finally to Madley, getting home in good time for lunch. It would be difficult even in England to find a trinity of parish churches superior in beauty and interest. A slight rain during the night had laid the dust, so that motoring was relieved of its worst drawback. In the afternoon I remained in my study, & wrote letters. Lilley came to dine, and we had some interesting conversation. Then Olive sang divinely, & we made an end of another day.

Ralph Guy, the Vicar of Claverley, tells me that his Easter Vestry agreed unanimously to condemn the Enabling Bill! The 'Times' contains another protest against the Bill from a Nonconformist. This time it is Guttery, the Methodist, who takes up his parable. The disgusting self–complacency of these sectaries makes one regret the more that they should have so strong a case. Disestablishment is the true dénouement of the "Life & Liberty" agitation.

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