The Henson Journals

[158]

12th Sunday after Trinity, September 7th, 1919.

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Cathedral at 8 a.m. After breakfast I stayed in my study, & strove to order my thoughts for the address at the "Drum head Service" this afternoon. How great an advantage on such an occasion is a simple mind which can hypnotise itself with the appropriate convention, and speak without embarrassment & in uncompromising terms!

There was an immense crowd in the piazza of High Town. An adjoining shop was used as a vestry, and there we formed a little procession. Beattie & Cope, the two chaplains who were to read the prayers, went first. Then came Bateman with his staff, and Stanley, another chaplain, who carried the pastoral staff. Then I came in full episcopal attire, & the Archdeacon followed as my chaplain. The Dean had been established on the platform in advance, as he was in a bad state of decrepitude. The hymns were well sung: & the prayers well read. I preached for 20 minutes, and was listened to with much attention. Several people assured me afterwards that my voice carried well. On the edge of the crowd I noticed two small red flags on poles. I hope this does not indicate the presence of a Bolshevist in Hereford. On the whole I think it was a dignified and impressive service. After tea Ernest went with me to Ballingham where I preached in the parish church, a well–kept medieval building of no conspicuous merit. Norcock read the service very well.

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