The Henson Journals

[155]

Monday, March 10th, 1930.

A bright, beautiful day, more May than March.

There came to lunch Mr, Mrs, & Miss Loxley from Coniscliffe, Mr & Mrs Dick from Annfield Plain, & with them Mr R. Rumney, a non–Anglican minister who aspires to be ordained. On the whole he impressed me well: but he has evidently but little knowledge of the doctrine & discipline of the Church of England: he is 41: & knows no Latin and Greek. He served during the War as a stretcher–bearer: & afterwards was trained at the Bible–Training Institute in Glasgow. Then he served for 5 years in Nyasaland, in an undenominational Mission.

Pattinson & I motored to South Shields where I confirmed nearly 200 persons in S. Hilda's. The service went well enough, save for the coughing of the congregation which was insistent and incessant.

Geoffrey Sykes wrote to tell me that his Father was worse, & that, after consultation with the Doctor, he had come to the conclusion that he must resign his benefice. I am relieved that he has decided thus without my having to insist on resignation. But it is a melancholy & unexpected ending of his ministry at Sedgefield.

---