The Henson Journals

[183]

Tuesday, November 8th, 1927.

I complete 64 years today. There was snow on the ground which was frost bound. Londonderry, Jimmie, & the clergy of St Mary's, Tynedock sent me telegrams of congratulation. Purvis of Stockton, Rudd of Trimdon Grange, and my godson, Alfred Spelling, wrote to me. Also Jack Clayton. I spent most of my working day in making for my use in S. Giles's next Sunday a typed copy of the sermon on "Evil Days" (Ephesians v. 15–17) which I preached in Durham Cathedral on May 29th 1921.

Fulller, the Vicar of Norton, came to see me about the appointment to S. Michael's, Norton, which is in his gift. He wants to appoint his son Eric, but I was decisively hostile to a gross act of nepotism. I sent him off after lunch, a sadder, if not a wiser, man, bidding him reconsider the whole question in the light of our conversation.

Lionel and I walked around the Park. The fineness of the weather and the freshness of the air made walking very pleasant.

Jimmie Adderley writes to ask my advice. He is a member of the Churchmen's Union, and very discontented re the letter which the Council of the Union has sent to Barnes. What ought he to do? Resign? or content himself with a protest? I told him to tell Ralph how he felt, and determine his course by the nature of the answer he received.