The Henson Journals

[6]

Friday, September 12th, 1924.

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I rewrote the concluding part of the Sunderland Sermon and made an abbreviated copy, which I sent to the Editor of the "Yorkshire Post". The Editor of the "Newcastle Journal" wrote to ask for a copy of the sermon, and enclosed a stamped envelope. Fearne made a copy, which was sent to him. I wrote to Wynne–Willson appointing a special psalm (46th) and lessons – Ezekiel. Xxxvii 15–23 & Galatians v.13–26. This arrangement will shorten the service, and tend to give its special character emphasis. It will also allow me more "elbow–room" in the pulpit.

I walked in the Park with Ernest after lunch. Ella had a rather crowded tea–table: among her guests were the Pembertons. Ella and I motored to Durham, and dined at the Castle, where the Ellershaws celebrated the coming of age of their son. I had some talk with him about the prospects of the college. They are certainly not bright. There will be only 21 students in residence next term. Two years ago there were 60. The competition of Oxford and Cambridge is destructive. And while the numbers fall, the quality falls off.

This must mean a very difficult financial situation, which, taken in conjunction with the necessity of undertaking costly work on the Castle, forms a practical problem, of which it is not easy to perceive the solution.

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