The Henson Journals
Wed 18 May 1927
Volume 42, Page 94
[94]
Wednesday, May 18th, 1927.
The refusal of the younger clergy to accept the conditions of ministry in these industrial districts is becoming general. Yesterday, I learned from Kenneth Kay that he has arranged to go to India: now Prideaux writes to warn me that he is in treaty to go to Africa. These are young men, and among my best. The withdrawal of the more vigorous & efficient clergy is telling disastrously on the Home Church.
I wrote great part of a sermon for the Men's Service at Gateshead next Saturday.
After lunch, Lionel and I motored to Stanhope where I confirmed 57 persons, of whom only 4 were presented from Stanhope itself, which has a population of 2500, and two resident clergy!
On our way to Stanley by Crook for the 2nd Confirmation we turned aside at Wolsingham to visit Harold Bryden in the Sanatorium. He was in bed, & unable to speak above a whisper. At Stanley I confirmed about 70 persons. The Church was crowded, the candidates attentive, & the congregation reverent.
The fineness of the day and the beauty of the country made our confirmation tour exceedingly enjoyable. There can be no disputing the claim of Durham to be a very beautiful county. Polluted by smoke & defaced by slagheaps as it is, it can yet show scenes of wonderful loveliness.