The Henson Journals

[94]

Thursday, December 20th, 1923.

I celebrated the Holy Communion at 8.15 a.m. when all the candidates communicated. A telegram from Houghton–le–Spring brough the dolorous tidings of Brewer's death. He was only ordained a few months ago, & had made an excellent start in his work. Knight went off by the noontide train, and I took his place in chapel with an improvised address, on the composition of sermons. During the afternoon Moulsdale and Dawson Walker arrived. I delivered the Charge which I had written, but the chapel was cold, the subject unpalatable, and the speaker dispirited and distracted. Accordingly, I cannot persuade myself that the Ordinandi were edified. On the other hand, I was pleased with their demeanour during the private interviews. Without exception, they impressed me as both sincere and modest.

Ella and Fearne motored to Windlestone, and witnessed the baptism of Sir Timothy Eden's child. There was a considerable gathering of the county.

---