The Henson Journals

[137]

Monday, October 2nd, 1922.

My work was much hampered by the smoking of my study fire. This was at last remedied by a new sweep who brought down an immense quantity of soot. It appeared that the chimney had been practically blocked by an accumulation of soot at a bend which the sweep's brushes had not extended. The new man was acquainted with the geography.

After tea Clayton and I motored to Darlington, where I was taken to the Bank, and shown the falchion which ought to have been presented to me on my entrance into the bishoprick. It is more like a butcher's chopper than a sword, and suggested an Eastern origin.

I gave an address on the Social Influence of Christianity in the new Church Institute, which has been created out of the disused parish church. Originally the building was a Baptist chapel: then, when the congregation was reduced to nothing, it was sold to Bishop Lightfoot, who made it the parish church of a new parish. Having become unsuitable for this purpose also, and a new parish church having been erected, it lay derelict save for occasional use until, on Warth's arrival in the parish, a faculty was obtained authorising its transformation into a parochial institute. There was a gathering of about 150 people of the artisan class, who listened to me with decorous but non–committal attitude of Northerners.

---