The Henson Journals

[9]

19th Sunday after Trinity, October 7th, 1923.

O God, for as much as without thee we are not able to please thee; Mercifully grant, that thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

I put together some notes for the Address – it cannot properly be called a sermon – which I must give at the institutions. Both S. Helen's, Auckland, and Seaham Harbour are mining parishes, and I must try to say something relevant to the lives of pitmen. Davison comes of pitmen stock; and has, I think, himself in his boyhood worked in a pit. He is the best of the pitmen–parsons I know.

The quaint old church of St Helen's was well filled at 10.30 a.m. when after shortened Mattins, I preached and instituted the new Vicar. Archdeacon Derry inducted him, & then there followed a Celebration of the Holy Communion. Nearly 200 persons communicated mostly young men & women. It was a moving & hope–inspiring spectacle. Wilson returned with me to lunch at the Castle.

We (i.e. Wilson, Clayton & I) motored to Seaham Harbour, and there I instituted the new Vicar, Rev. C. R. Appleton, to the charge of that benefice. There was a considerable congregation: the service was reverent & impressive: both the parson and people seemed to be taking to one another very comfortably.

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