The Henson Journals

[251a]

Wednesday, April 21st, 1926.

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The weather improved during the night, and the day was fine throughout so that the Commemoration was effected under the most favourable conditions. I attended the function at 11 a.m. A procession through the streets of the Mayor & Corporation followed by the choir & clergy in robes was watched by a large crowd with that half–amused politeness, which is the normal Englishman's nearest approach to reverence when he is confronted by ecclesiastical parade. The Church was densely crowded, but I observed with surprise that the congregation was almost altogether composed of women. Save for members of the procession & the church–officers there was hardly a male in the place. Of course at that hour most men wd be engaged in their work, but even so, the spectacle was rather disconcerting. The Bishop of London preached for 45 minutes at least, and was in his worst & most characteristic style – discursive, anecdotal, egotistic, slangy. I doubt if he was heard, though the acoustics of the church are perfect. Bishop Blomfield's description of a certain preacher as "having a considerable power of sustained remark" came to my mind as I listened to this strange out–pouring. The service ended, we proceeded to the Dome, [252] [symbol] where 302 persons lunched under the chairmanship of the Mayor. The proceedings began at 1.30 p.m. and did not end until 4 p.m. A collection was made, which added £450 to the fund for building a Robertson Memorial Hall which is to cost £14,000. A grandson of Robertson, Sir George Shuckbury Bt. made a short speech, both his cousins, who bear their grandfather's name, were abroad, the one serving as a soldier in India, the other as British Minister in the Angentine. Sir Oliver Lodge responded for "The Guests", & took the opportunity to deliver a carefully prepared oration on his spiritualistic hobby, which was as unsuitable to the occasion, as it was to many of his hearers objectionable. Campbell expressed his surprise & regret at this propaganda to me as we walked home. But there is no restraining fanaticks. At 8 p.m. I preached in the Church, which was well–filled with a congregation in which the sexes were more reasonably proportioned. Sir Oliver Lodge arrived during the sermon, & was shown into the stall which the Incumbent vacated. Campbell expressed much approval of the sermon, which he asked leave to send to the "Church Family Newspaper."

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