The Henson Journals

[18]

20th Sunday after Trinity, October 14th, 1923.

A white frost, redeemed by the stillness of the morning and the brightness of the sun. Davison, whom I instituted last Sunday to St Helen's Auckland, is hors de combat with an attack of erysipelas. With much difficulty provision has been made for the services in his church. I myself have undertaken the early celebration, and Petitjean, who is but in deacon's Orders, will do all the rest. The shortage of clergy in the diocese is brought home sharply whenever any sudden point of need emerges.

William and I motored to St Helen's, where I celebrated the Holy Communion in the little old church, which was decorated for the Harvest Thanksgiving. There were 24 communicants, all women save four, of whom my William was one.

We (i.e. William & I) left the Castle at 9.40 a.m. & motored 20 miles to Stockton, where I dedicated a Window, Tablet & Pateu to the memory of Eric Purvis, the vicar's son, who was drowned at sea. There was a very long congregation. I preached from S. John x.10 "I came that they may have life". After service, I presented the MS. of my sermon to the Vicar. We returned to Auckland in time for lunch. The brilliant colouring of the trees seen to perfection in the sunlight made our journey a continuing feast of beauty.

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