The Henson Journals

[159]

Monday, September 8th, 1919.

The Revd Ceitho Davies wrote some weeks ago to seek Ordination. Four years service as a Nonconformist Chaplain have "completely changed" his views. He had read the sermon I preached in the Congregational Church at Hereford, & was led to address himself to me. He is "a fully–ordained Minister with the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist connexion", of which the "Confession of faith is identical with C. of E. creed": & he has been "Moderator of the Pembrokeshire & Monmouthshire Presbyteries of the Connexion". He came to lunch, & his aspect was rather daunting. A squat Welshman of 50 years old, rather dingy to look at, & not very pleasant to smell. He had never been further than Ireland during the War: had never been to any University: and had no private means. I advised him to address himself to an urban bishop. In the afternoon, Ella, Ernest, & I motored into the county, & paid calls. We began with Lady Essex at Bodenham Hall, but failed to see her: then we went on to Puddlestone, & had tea with the Wrights. Then we went on to Hatfield, where the miserable story of the parson's inexplicable misconduct was poured into me by Major Chambers. This is another of the Lord Chancellor's appointments. There are but 205 people in the parish, & its value is under £200. Nobody is ever prepared for Confirmation, & the parish church is almost totally deserted.

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