The Henson Journals

[173]

Tuesday, March 25th, 1930.

I finished the Spital Sermon, a long, dull, and not very suitable composition.

Mr Harold Champion, the new Vicar of St Paul's, Stockton, came to lunch and to discuss matters. A little, sleek mild man, with a pleasant voice & manner, describes himself as a 'Liberal Evangelical', who is interested in von Hügel, and that kind of reading. He says that he and his wife are musical. Mainly, l liked him.

Pattinson and I motored to Gateshead, where I confirmed 220 persons in the parish church. Before beginning my address, I said a few words about the episcopal chair, presented by Mr Thomas Reid, which was then used for the first time. I had refused to dedicate it. The candidates were mostly of the poorest type. Many of the boys were genuine 'slummites'. After the service we returned to Auckland, &, though there were so many confirmees, and the service did not begin until 7.30 p.m., we were home by 10 p.m.

Archdeacon and Mrs Mangin were here for the night. He has been preaching in South Church to the members of the Mothers' Union. He is an elephant of a man in body, and in mind? Well, hardly elephantine.

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