The Henson Journals
Sun 6 October 1929
Volume 48, Pages 368 to 369
[368]
19th Sunday after Trinity, October 6th, 1929.
Wind and rain continued through the night with a violence which made me feel anxious for the Chapel. It was still raining in the morning when I left the Castle in order to go to St Anne's. I celebrated at 8 o'clock. There were about 90 communicants, and it was necessary to re–consecrate. I suppose the larger number was occasioned by the Harvest Thanksgiving, which was being observed. Alexander, Elland, and John were among the communicants. Again I was painfully impressed by the absence of young males. Considering that I have myself confirmed in this parish about 400 boys during the last 9 years, it does seem strange that not more than 5 were present at the Holy Communion on a special occasion. Assuming that at least as many were at South Church, and doubling the number to allow for the later celebrations in both churches, and there is a total of 20, just five per cent! Yet I am sure that the present Vicar prepares his confirmation candidates with much care.
[369]
I spent the morning in preparing a sermon for the "Diamond Jubilee" of the church at Jarrow Grange tonight. I wrote to Wykes, and to my godson, Gilbert.
I read through Professor Williams's criticism of 'Disestablishment'. It is, as one would expect, brilliant, original, & effective, but it does not appear to be adequate. It ignores altogether the almost complete paralysis of discipline which the Establishment now necessitates, & which is in my view the weightiest count against it.
Pattinson and I motored to Jarrow, where I preached in Jarrow Grange Church to a very large congregation. I felt woefully ill, and, when I got back to the Castle, was violently sick. McCullough was sent for, and prescribed. I soon felt better, and assume that it was but a passing indisposition: but such untoward occurrences are unusual with me, and as one draws towards the three score years & ten, one's 'margin of safety' becomes ever narrower. It is a comfort to know that at least the Appendix is no more in the region of possibilities!