The Henson Journals

[68]

3rd Sunday in Advent, December 12th, 1920.

A snow mantled country. I celebrated the Holy Communion at 8 a.m. George communicated, but he had so bad a cold that I did not think it advisable to take him with me to Ryhope, as I had intended. My usual Sunday programme was followed: the morning was occupied in preparing a sermon which was delivered later in the day. After lunch we all motored to Durham, save the aforesaid George. There Ella & Fearne were left to go to the Cathedral for the advent music, and visit their cronies. I went on to Grangetown, dropping Alexander at Houghton–le–Spring, and arriving in a blizzard at least 10 minutes after time. Here I unveiled a war memorial, and preached a sermon. In spite of the weather, there was a considerable congregation. Adamson, the Vicar of Grangetown, is son of the old Vicar of Houghton–le–Spring, whose impending resignation has been announced. A youngish parson, Bentley–Goddard, now curate to Aglionby at the Ven: Bede's Church, Sunderland, was also there. He struck me as promising. After tea at Grangetown, I went to Ryhope, & preached to a considerable congregation. The Vicar; Rev. P. Y. Knight, is an unmarried man, & has been 35 years in Orders. He is a mighty talker, but appears to be an earnest & hard–working clergyman. Here the archdeacon (Watkins) joined us at supper, & motored with me as far as Durham, where I left him in the College, resumed my ladies, & returned to the Castle arriving a little before 11p.m.

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