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 on the Winchester Diocese (Division) Measure.

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