The Henson Journals

[103]

Septuagesima, February 5th, 1928.

Carnegie Simpson has an article in the British Weekly headed "The Anglican Church & Spiritual Freedom, a comment on the Bishop of Durham's Sermon." It is, perhaps, most interesting as an indication of the reluctance of the Nonconformists to raise the issue of Disestablishment. Sir James Marchant writes to ask me whether I intend to answer this article, to which I replied in the negative.

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8 a.m. There were 9 communicants including Lionel, Lady Eden, & John.

I wrote to William, Jack Clayton, and James Parker Smith, and walked round the Park in the afternoon. The sunshine & mild air were delectable.

Lionel & I motored to Etherley for Evensong at 6.15 p.m. Before service I went in to the Rectory, and said prayers with the Rector (Rev. L.S. Merrefield) who has been at death's door with pneumonia, & is still very ill. There was a very small congregation for there are nearly 2000 people in the parish, but there is much sickness and hosts of sectaries! The parish church is a mean building, a barn tacked on to a tower! After service we returned to Auckland.