The Henson Journals

[52]

St Thomas's Day, December 21st, 1922.

The Ordination. The morning was calm after yesterday's storm. A brilliant star shining from a background of velvety purple sky, above an orange–rimmed sky–line, arrested my gaze when the curtains were drawn. The extraordinary beauty and simplicity of the magnalia Dei in Nature are amazing. How untrue is it that "one scattered star seems nothing", as a poet sings. On the contrary, the loneliness is integral to the effect.

The process of the Ordination began with the taking of the Oaths &c at 10.15 a.m before the service in the chapel, and ended with the taking of the Oath of Canonical Obedience afterwards. The chapel was mortally cold, and this circumstance did undoubtedly affect me: but there was no serious mishap, & everything was very solemn, as it should be. Davison preached well, though, perhaps, too discursively.

Bishop Lightfoot died on December 21st 1889, and was finally (after a great funeral in Durham Cathedral.) interred in the Chapel on December 27th. Sykes reminded me of the fact this morning, giving it as his reason for attending the Ordination.

Four pheasants arrived from John Noble Esq, Wrelham, Thetford, a gentleman known to me only by name, though I know some members of his family. I sent him by way of return a copy of the Scott speech!

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