The Henson Journals

[352]

Saturday, May 21st, 1921.

I celebrated Holy Communion in the chapel at 8.15 a.m. Wynne Willson served. All the morning was spent in seeing the Ordinandi separately. Then Clayton and I motored to Durham, where I took part in the funeral service for Freeman. There was a considerable company in the Cathedral, and at the Bow cemetery. I called on the Bishop of Jarrow, who is again reported ill. Then I went to my room in Durham Castle, and tried to prepare a 'charge' for tonight, and an Institution address tomorrow.

The last is not very easy. I might perhaps draw a contrast between the XVIth century, when Bernard Gilpin lived, and the XXth when his successor is living: between the rude uncivilized North then, and the industrial North now: between Houghton–le–Spring then & now.

I dined with Welldon, and then delivered my "charge" to the ordinandi in the Deanery chapel. They were very attentive, and probably were impressed. They asked me afterwards if I would have it printed for them, that everyone might have a copy! But therein they forgot the poverty of bishops, and the largeness of printing costs. After the service, Knight, Wynne Willson, and I returned to the Castle, leaving Clayton in Durham. The exceeding beauty of the country seen in the failing light of a brilliant day arrested our notice, and evoked our ardent admiration. Before going to bed, we sate in my study, and talked over many things.

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