The Henson Journals
Thu 12 June 1930
Volume 50, Pages 69 to 70
[69]
Thursday, June 12th, 1930.
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I actually succeeded in completing the Individualist Club address, though it needs a deal of revising, before it will be tolerable.
A note from the Literary editor of the Daily Herald informs me that my article on "Disestablishment" appeared in yesterday's issue of that paper, and that he is "arranging for a cheque to be sent to the Hon. Treasurer of the Durham Castle (Preservation) Fund in accordance with my request". A "Member of the House of Laity" replies in today's issue: but not, I think, effectively because he ignores the essential points, & makes play with the secondary matters.
I walked round the Park with the Doctor. He had read my article, having seen a poster with my name on it.
Charlie Lillingston writes to me from Cambridge "My own nerves are constantly on edge, and it is often a dreadful effort to pull oneself together". He is a gentle and affectionate fellow, and hardly physical strength enough to carry his mind and heart. He would have made an admirable parson had his body been a more competent "sheath" for the "sword" of his spirit.
[70]
Ella and I motored to Durham, where we attended the Missionary Thanksgiving Service in the Cathedral which had been arranged by the Missionary Association. It was quite an imposing function. About a dozen bishops and a considerable body of the clergy, all robed, made a long procession. Foss Westcott, the Metropolitan of India, was the preacher, and preached better than I had expected. I gave the Benediction from the Throne. Pattinson had to remain at Auckland in order to receive the Ordination candidates, but Jack Carr carried the pastoral staff. After the service Ella and I returned to Auckland.
Shaddick has certainly put new life into the Missionary Association, which had become nearly moribund under his predecessor, Wykes. But I cannot be altogether pleased with the constant and energetic effort to draw men to foreign service at a time when the Church is hopelessly undermanned at home. If the centre fail, will the circumference be unaffected? It is an uncomfortable question.