The Henson Journals

[277]

Palm Sunday, April 5th, 1925.

The Passion and Death of Jesus Christ are solemnly upheld before the eyes of Christian people throughout this week: what do they really mean to us here and now? The thought of them will be hard–pressed by holiday plans in most minds: will they succeed in holding any place at all? And what ought to be the thoughts which the solemn & sustained presentation of the Passion & Death of Jesus Christ should suggest to Christian minds?

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel. Ernest assisted. We were in all 8 communicants.

At 3 p.m. I confirmed 146 candidates in South Church. Everything seemed to go wrong. The discrepancy between the sexes was abnormally bad – only 36 boys to 110 girls! The atmosphere was asphyxiating, and the coughing incessant! Add that the weather was detestable, & the discomforts of the function are sufficiently indicated.

We (i.e. Ella, Ernest, & I) motored to Staindrop, where I preached, and dedicated the bells. Ernest read the lessons, Before beginning my sermon, I read the Exhortation to Communion in the Prayer–book. After service we dined at Raby Castle. Lady Barnard has not yet seen Durham Cathedral!! I pledged them both to put an end to this scandal, by lunching in Auckland, & then going with me to Durham. After dinner we returned to Auckland.

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