The Henson Journals

[40]

3rd Sunday after Easter, April 21st, 1929, Biarritz.

Before going to bed I wrote to Lillington and Gerald Rainbow.

The night was very warm, and the mosquitoes very active. We changed our watches to summer–time – a perturbing process.

Letters from Lionel & Jack Clayton arrived, &, after breakfast, I wrote to the latter. Then we attended morning service in the English Church. There was a fair congregation mainly of women with a sprinkling of old men. The choir was mainly composed of females in surplices, an arrangement which I detest. When R. J. Campbell introduced a female choir in the City Temple, there was considerable disturbance over what was thought a violent breach of decorum. Now such choirs are frequently seen in Anglican churches. I do not doubt that the 'monstrous regiment' of women, having succeeded in occupying the choir–stalls, will soon proceed to lay hands on the pulpit and even the altar.

[41]

The officiating clergyman was elderly. He wore a black hood, which may have been the hood of the Oxford B. D., but looked equally like the too–familiar vestment of the literate. He had a loud and rather uncultivated voice, a considerable command of language, and the carriage of a popular orator who affects the character.

Then I wrote to Lionel & Arthur Rawle. We walked round the cliff to the golf–course (which seemed too restricted in area), and then had tea very comfortably in the Hotel Regina et de Golf. Then, the air being sultry and exertion by consequence distasteful, we returned to the Hotel.

I wrote to Arthur.

The Times of yesterday reports the presentation of a motor car to the Bishop of Norwich. The presentation was made by the Home Secretary who warmly thanked the Bishop for "the marvellous lead he gave them in the House of Lords".

'He (the Bishop) was their champion throughout the country, & spared neither time nor labour to set forth what they [42] believed to be the true Evangelical doctrine on which the Church of England was founded, or re–founded at the Reformation.' The Bishop's reply was not uninteresting. Of course he had a fling at me.

"The fact that there had been no Prayer–book revision was no reason why people should, in an impetuous & unwise way, call out for disestablishment. The two things had nothing to do with each other."

It is odd that the Prayer Book Controversy should have transfigured Bertram Pollock into a demagogue: and me into an advocate for Disestablishment.

After dinner, I wrote yet one more letter – to my brother Gilbert. I have now written to no less than 36 persons since I came abroad, and to two of them, more than once. This may be allowed to be a creditable performance; which argues some kindness, & much industry!

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