The Henson Journals

[17]

Monday, March 14th, 1927.

I wrote severely to Watson, the Rector of Houghton–le–Spring, telling him that, in view of the large endowment of his benefice, he ought to pay £300 per annum with a house to a curate. Also I wrote to old Canon Jones of Winlaton, requiring from him some explanation of the astounding fact that from his parish with 16,500 inhabitants no candidates were presented for Confirmation. The old fellow ought to resign. He was ordained 51 years ago, and has been Rector of Winlaton for 43 years!

Then I read through carefully the Article on "Erastianism" in Hastings's Encyclopaedia of Religion & Ethics.

In the afternoon Lionel & I walked in the Park. The Dean is reported to have spoken very foolishly about the Composite Book in the Cathedral yesterday.

Lionel and I motored to Hartlepool where I confirmed 83 persons in Christ Church. Poole and Prideaux declared themselves well–pleased with the Composite Book. Certainly the dissentients in this diocese are very few. So far I have heard of none but Protestant "Die–Hards" viz:– Lillington, Bothamly, Drury, Clayton, & Ferguson.

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