The Henson Journals

[53]

Wednesday, May 28th, 1924.

I finished the sermon for Armagh, and then, after lunch, motored to Barnard Castle where Mr Hughes was holding the first conference of his Rural Deanery. I brought with me Miss Headlam, who represents her parish. Then I had some conversation with Brereton about the appointment of a chaplain to the school since the new Headmaster is a layman. After carrying Miss Headlam to Whorlton, I returned to the Castle, & there had a painful interview with that unhappy youth, Briggs, whom I definitely refused to accept for Ordination. He wept woefully, and I felt deeply grieved for him, but, in view of the facts which he himself disclosed, there was really no other course open to me. I made him write a letter to John telling him that he had fully disclosed the story of their relations to one another. After making a copy of this letter, I sent it to its destination with a sternly–expressed covering letter from me. Now I must consider what course of action to take with the scoundrel.

The Chancellor came to dine & sleep. He brought to me a hypocritical presentation from S. Francis, South Shields. The Churchwardens 'present' the Vicar for removing the Tabernacle without a faculty, for stopping the Daily Services and neglecting the Parochial Social Organisations!

The Bishop of Norwich sent me the Report of the Ecclesiastical Committee of the Privy Council [sic] on the Winchester Diocese (Division) Measure.

---