The Henson Journals

[18]

Wednesday, June 9th, 1920.

Two press–cutting agencies send me cuttings from yesterday's newspapers. The Daily Telegraph and the The Daily Graphic stated my appointment to Durham as an accomplished fact, though they do not claim to speak officially. It is not altogether surprising, therefore, that I am receiving letters of congratulation, but it is enormously annoying from every point of view. How little these papers really know is shown by their confident expectation that Temple will succeed me here.

Letters of congratulation, very kindly expressed, from Burdon & Dawson Walker. The latter reminds me that I have often told him in the past 'that you do not think very much of the "Evangelical" body in the Church of England as a living & effective force in Church life'. He goes on:

"Still you will probably be disposed to tolerate variety in those who are proud to call themselves your friends; & speaking as one who, both by tradition & conviction, has been associated with that school of thought, I should like to assure you of loyal friendship & glad support." This is handsomely expressed.

Lilley came in, and had to be told the fatal news. He seemed very sorry.

My designate successor in this see, Linton Smith, Bishop of Warrington, & his wife, came to learn all we could tell them about Hereford. After lunch I took them in the motor to Kilpeck, Abbey Dore, Peterchurch, and Madley. He seems a frank, pleasant man, & told me that he had accepted the Bishoprick against the advice of both the Archbishops. Both he and his wife are evidently well–pleased with their approaching change of status & locality.

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