The Henson Journals

[104]

Wednesday, March 24th, 1920.

The morning was dark and damp: the day developed badly: and closed in wind & rain. Wynne–Willson accompanied me on my confirmation journey. Leaving the Palace at 9.30 a.m. we motored to Bucknell, where I confirmed 29 candidates. Then we went on to Lydham, where we lunched with Mr Sykes, and afterwards I dedicated a "Victory Cross" set up by the Sykes family in the Churchyard. Then we motored to Clunbury, and here I confirmed 36 candidates. We had tea with the Vicar, Revd A. D. Beavan, and then returned to the Palace, which we reached about 7.15 p.m.

I received an affectionate letter from George addressed from Honolulu on February 15th. I gather that the latest letter from me was dated Nov: 9th, and had been received at Balboa, which he left on January 27th. There must [be] a considerable accumulation of my letters somewhere, for I have written regularly every fortnight.

The Bishop of Bath and Wells has "deprived" Mr Wynter for persisting in the use of "Benediction" after having been forbidden by his diocesan. It will be interesting to see what will be the next step. The English Church Union has espoused the rebellious pardon's cause: but the President, Lord Phillimore, has made public his dissent from this course. It is difficult to see any possible arrangement, for the objection is taken to the consistory court as "Erastian". The entire legal system of the National Church is repudiated by these men in the name of "Catholick" principles. How can their demand be conceded? It is a claim to sheer anarchy.

---