The Henson Journals

[161]

Friday, November 9th, 1928.

A brilliant day, the sun shining on a frost–bound country.

I wasted the morning in writing letters, including one to William, to whom I sent as a Birthday present, a 'History of South Africa'.

The Revd W. C. Mudford, assistant–curate of S. Mary Magdalene, Sunderland, lunched here, and had some talk with me about his opinions & his desires. Both were more moderate than I had expected from the colleague of so 'wild–cat' an Anglo–Catholick as "Father "Wright.

Caröe completed his survey of the Castle, and departed with his contractor after lunch.

Lionel and I motored to Gateshead Fall, where I dedicated communion rails & a grass lectern as memorials of the late Vicar, Jonathan Mitchell, who died at the age of 86, after holding the vicarage for 30 years. The old man was, I think, genuinely respected, & his failings at the end of his life were condoned as the effect of old age. I gave an address. Spencer Wade intoned the prayer beautifully; & I noted with some surprise that the choir turned to the East at every Gloria.

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