The Henson Journals

[40]

17th Sunday after Trinity, October 12th, 1924.

I left the castle at 9.15 a.m., and motored to Sunderland, where I arrived in excellent time for Mattins in Christ Church at 10.30 a.m. There was considerable congregation, but the church was not crowded. I preached the sermon on the subject, which the unexpected announcement of a general election had rendered almost 'topical', of 'the Christian's civic duty'. After lunching with Canon and Mrs McCullagh, I went to Christ Church again at 3 p.m. and preached to a great gathering of Freemasons. The appearance of a masonic congregation is not improved by the admixture of women, but this admixture is none the less becoming common. After this service, I went on to Bishopwearmouth Rectory, and had tea with Wynne Willson. Then I motored to Castletown, a mining parish on the outskirts of Sunderland, where I preached at Evensong. The parish is stated to contain 5000 people, but the little parish church only accommodates 300. It was on this occasion well filled, but I got the impression that the church was on a very small scale in that population. The parson, the Rev. H. E. Clark, seemed rather a feeble disheartened creature, handicapped by a slight stammer. However appearances are not always trustworthy. After the service I returned to Auckland.

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