The Henson Journals

[173]

4th Sunday in Lent, March 18th, 1928.

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Some anonymous correspondent sent me a cutting from the 'Daily Express', which is not without interest:

'Hundreds of M.P.s yesterday received a Bible each, beautifully bound, with gilt edges, & a golden illustration of the Houses of Parliament on the cover. They were at first astonished.

An accompanying letter showed that the Bibles came from the Rev. H. Anton, Vicar, & Messrs. W.J. Grimes & E. Bricknell, Churchwardens, and the congregation of Christ Church, Coventry, to commemorate December 15, when the revised Prayer book measure was defeated in the House of Commons.

Every member who voted against the Prayer–book received a Bible in appreciation of his "stand for the truth".'

The M.P.s may well have been astonished. The Vicar, who was no doubt the originator of this singular demonstration, is a Cambridge man, took a 3rd class in the Classical Tripos in in 1906, and was ordained in 1909. He holds a benefice which is in the patronage of Trustees. We know what that means.

[174]

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8 a.m. We numbered but 7 communicants. After breakfast I wrote to William. Also, I wrote to the Archbishop of York reporting this lamentable business of Sinnamon.

Lionel and I motored to South Hylton, where I confirmed 65 persons. After having tea with Eric Fuller in the Vicarage, where he lives rather forlornly in 2 rooms, we went on to Gateshead, where I confirmed 75 persons in the parish church. Stephenson, with his colleagues, Heselton & Welch, were there. There was a large congregation which, though mainly composed of 'slummites', was very attentive & well–behaved. The four churchwardens preceded me with their wands. I was surprised at the excellence of the singing. There is much to be said for having Confirmations on Sundays. After service we returned to Auckland.

I wrote up my journal, and made my preparations for a day in town tomorrow before going to bed. Only my desire to assist the Fund for Durham Castle could justify the waste of time, money, & strength involved in a journey to London.