The Henson Journals

[41]

Monday, December 11th, 1922.

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Ella and I motored to Darlington, where we lunched with Sir Henry Havelock–Allen, and his wife. He is the grandson of the Indian mutiny hero. After luncheon he showed me over the house, a substantial mansion of the late 17th century, and considerably enlarged later. I then went to the new Home for Waifs & Strays, and dedicated it with suitable prayers. Pretty Lady Barnard opened the House: and then was an asphyxiating meeting in one of the rooms.

Drury took me off to his house, & told me the woeful story of the collapse of C.L.B. in his parish. What precautions is it possible to take against moral disasters of this kind? William and I went on to Stockton, where, first, I had an interview with the Vicar and his churchwarden with respect to the disputed legacy for enlarging the parish church, and then attended a meeting in the Baptist Chapel convened in support of the Bible Society. There was a considerable attendance. I spoke for about 40 minutes. My speech was, perhaps, rather disconcerting to a number of Plymouth Brethren, who were present, but they made no audible protest! After the meeting we motored back to the Castle, arriving about 10 p.m.

The Bishop of Ely has a letter in the "Times" in reply to mine. It is not a strong letter, but it will be extremely welcome to the religious public, who were beginning to feel uncomfortable, & will now be re–assured!

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