The Henson Journals

[126]

Saturday, May 27th, 1922.

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Clayton and I motored into Durham to attend the commemoration service in the Cathedral organized by Bede College. It began by my placing a wreath on Bede's tomb in the Gallilee [sic]. Then the Dean read prayers, and a motet was sung by the students. A procession was then formed into the Church, and shortened Mattins followed. At the 3rd collect the students, who all wore surplices, left the choir & seated themselves in the nave. I went into the pulpit, and preached from the text, "It is more blessed to give than to receive".

I think the congregation, which included a large number of former students, was rather disconcerted by a discourse, which was so evidently condemnatory of the N.U.T.

After service I walked to the Drill Hall in Gilesgate, & presided at the luncheon. I proposed "the College" in an extemporaneous speech, which added yet more to the offence already given by the sermon! We all adjourned to the College, where I dedicated a Memorial Cross in honour of the students (83) who died in the War. This was a very well–arranged and effective function.

From Bede College I passed to the Cathedral, where a memorial service had been arranged in connection with Colonel Lowe's funeral. There was a large attendance of students & dons. After tea with the Bishop & Mrs Quirk, I returned to Auckland, where I spent an hour in the garden. The trees are extraordinarily beautiful, & the well–mown lawns are creditable to Laws.

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