The Henson Journals

[37]

Thursday, May 15th, 1924.

Ella and Fearne went off to London in order to attend the Court, where the elder lady is to present the younger. I motored to Durham, and had an interview with Hill in the Castle, I told him that he could not be ordained at Trinity. He acquiesced with his enigmatic placidity!

I motored to Trimdon Grange, and there confirmed 118 persons in the little mean church which was crowded to excess. The atmosphere was stifling, but, on the whole, I was pleased. The sexes were about equally divided. The sight of these big pit–lads bending their heads for the laying on of hands, with a look of resolute purpose on their faces is a spiritual tonic. After service I had tea with the parson, Rust, a poor pallid mimick of a man, but evidently capable of good work. He spoke in favourable terms of Hodgson, the Vicar of Escombe, and, as this in that man's case is quite unparalleled, I record it! Then I motored to Ferry Hill, and confirmed 138 persons in a woeful low–pitched building, once a skating–rink. The place was densely crowded, the heat was tropical, & the atmosphere almost intolerable. However, the attention was close: the demeanour of the candidates reverent: &, I hope, the service was edifying. This parish was the scene of a hostile demonstration against me during the coal strike three years ago: but tonight there was nothing but friendly greetings as I motored through the parish on my way back to the Castle.

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