The Henson Journals

[40]

2nd Sunday in Advent. December 10th, 1922.

I went to St Peter's, and instituted the Reverend H. T. C. W. Walters to the vicarage of that parish. There was a fair congregation. I preached from 2. Corinthians IV.5, and celebrated the Holy Communion. There were 97 communicants. After the service the new Vicar and his wife lunched at the Castle.

We all motored to Durham after tea. There Ella & Fearne stopped off to dine with the Cruickshanks, & to attend the Advent Music in the Cathedral. I continued my journey to Houghton–le–Spring, where I preached in the parish church. After service I had supper in the Rectory. The two churchwardens were also there. We picked up the ladies and Clayton in Durham, & returned to Auckland, arriving about 10.15 p.m.

Evensong at Houghton–le–Spring was a pleasing service. There was a considerable, though not a crowded congregation. It was explained to me afterwards that the Wesleyans had arranged a musical performance on that evening, and that this had drawn away some of the people. Knight read the service and the lessons, clearly & reverently. Hill acted as my staff–bearer. An anthem was sung very effectively by a large choir – 20 men and 22 boys. I noted with pleasure that the congregation contained a contingent of young men & young women.

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