The Henson Journals

[126]

Thursday, April 8th, 1920.

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Wynne Willson had an interview with Lawson Forster, which appeared to be mutually satisfactory. Then I began work on the Windsor sermon. After lunch, Wynne Willson went with me to Kimbolton, where I had an interview with the War Memorial Committee about the Memorial Cross, & essayed to pacify them. In the end I promised to dedicate the Cross myself on Saturday May 8th. Then in pouring rain we returned to Hereford, & went through the correspondence.

[126]

April 8th, 1920

Dear Mr Rutherford,

Charles Scott is in my belief a young man of high personal character, of considerable intellectual ability, & of genuine piety. The late headmaster of the Cathedral School gave him a very excellent testimonial, and emphasized his good influence over the boys. He is reported to be a preacher of more than common quality, and I think he has studious interests, which might go some way towards redressing the balance which his ecclesiastical parti pris might endanger.

He has no doubt the faults of a self–centred temperament, & these have, I conceive, been strengthened by his situation as an only son, &, possibly by association at Oxford with rather a narrow type of Anglo–Catholic. I am sure he is honourable, & could be trusted to keep any pledge which he had taken. He certainly evokes affection from those with whom he is associated, &, though he stands in great need of wise & strong guidance if his clerical life is to develop wholesomely, I must needs think that he would respond to fair & friendly dealing. He has not altogether "hit it off" with the present Vicar of All Saints, but his position as a part–time curate was rather difficult, & I do not think the fault was wholly on his side. Of his disciplinary qualities I have had no direct means of forming an opinion.

Believe me, Yours v. faithfully,

H. H. Hereford

The Rev. S. H. Rutherford

S. Peter's Vicarage, Acton Green, W.4.

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