The Henson Journals

[119]

2nd Sunday after Epiphany, Sunday, January 16th, 1921.

"Between the period of national honour and complete degeneracy, there is usually an interval of national vanity, during which examples of virtue are recounted and admired without being imitated."

Robert Hall in 1793.

Clayton and I left the Castle at 10 minutes after 9 o'clock, and motored to Sunderland. Shortly after leaving Houghton–le–Spring a tyre was punctured. This incident made us five minutes late at Christ Church. Here I preached, & celebrated the Holy Communion. After service we lunched with McCullough, the Vicar. Then we went to Bishopwearmouth Rectory, where I rested until 4.30 p.m., when we went to St Gabriel's. Here I had tea in the Parish Room, & there talked with the Church Council, and their wives. Then followed Evensong in the Parish Church which was crowded. I preached again on behalf of the C.M.S. In the vestry I spoke a few words to the Choir, & then explained the pastoral staff to the boys. The Archdeacon of Uganda was staying at the Rectory. After the ladies had retired, Gouldsmith gave me a truly grievous account of several dishonest & disreputable clergymen whom my sainted predecessor admitted to the diocese. This depresses me greatly, for the diocese cannot be better than its clergy. The weather again became quite warm.

---