The Henson Journals

[173]

Monday, October 16th, 1922.

I am pledged to preach next Friday in the great Abbey Church of Selby. It is the anniversary of the Fire which broke out in 1906. The re–opening of the Nave took place in 1907, and that of the Choir in 1909. What shall I preach about? The church has rather an unusual dedication – The B. V. M. and St Germanus. Germanus was born about 378 and died 448. I might, perhaps, dwell on the value of great historic buildings as embodying national memories, and symbolizing eternal verities. They antedate all our sectarian conflicts, they claim us by a title which provokes no resentment. Hence they have a real value in mitigating differences & unifying sentiment. Then there is the value they possess as sustaining a standard of aesthetic taste in the community.

Mr Haig, one of the tutors of the Knutsford Test School, came to lunch. I gather that "Father" Frere is interesting himself closely in the continuation of the school for civil candidates. This hardly has a reassuring aspect for those who suspect that the Test School will be an instrument worked in the interest of "Anglo–Catholicism".

I played bowls with William, & was badly beaten. I read through Ld Halifax's pamphlet, and Ralph's striking Essay, "Confessio Fidei".

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