The Henson Journals

[73]

2nd Sunday after Easter, May 1st, 1927.

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8 a.m. We were only 6 communicants. After breakfast I wrote to William, & to Oldmeadow, the Editor of the Tablet, who had sent me copies of his paper containing articles written by himself, in which I am copiously criticised! These articles are excellent specimens of Roman controversial method, very smart & effective, but begging every question that matters, & calculated with attorney–like skill to draw the opponent into some logical ambush!

Lionel and I motored to West Hartlepool, & there in S'. James's Church, I dedicated memorials and preached. After the service we had tea with Prideaux. His predecessor, Bailey with his wife was there, & his assistant–curate Lake who lives with him. On the whole I was pleased with the appearance of things. Then we went on to Stockton, where in S. Peter's Church, I confirmed 42 persons. The confirmation was preceded by an abbreviated Evensong. The Vicar is a rather melancholy looking man named Kirkham, who was ordained in 1898 after taking his degree from Trinity College, Oxford. He has held his present position for 10 years, & was at one time a missionary (S.P.G.) in Burmah. He calls himself an "Anglo–Catholick". He has more than 16,000 people in his parish, & his benefice, which is in my gift, is said to be worth £434 net. There ought to have been not less than 330 persons presented for Confirmation: there were 42!

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