The Henson Journals

[27]

Wednesday, May 21st, 1930.

A brilliant day from morning till nightfall. I worked at the Edinburgh Sermon. Wright from South Shields came to lunch, and I offered him the charge of the conventional district in Sunderland which Wykes is relinquishing. He accepted my proposal with commendable alacrity.

Poole came to tea, and reported on the situation at S. Oswald's, West Hartlepool. If only Lilburn were less "nervy" things would go better, but, as it is, anything is possible. On Poole's suggestion I wrote to Lilburn.

Pattison and I motored to Stockton, where I instituted the Rev Harold Champion to S. Paul's in succession to Vincent Harlow. There was a considerable gathering of the local clergy, and a large congregation. The service was both hearty and reverent. A number of people arrived from Harrogate by char–a–banc, and car, determined to see their parson into his new job. I based my address on S. John xvi. "Howbeit, when He, the spirit of truth, is come, He shall guide you into all the truth." I carried Champion with me to Auckland Castle, where he stayed the night. We got back about 9.30 p.m.

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