The Henson Journals

[12]

1st Sunday after Epiphany, January 11th, 1931.

A calm morning, & not quite so cold. I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8 a.m. We numbered but four communicants – William, two maids, & myself. Charles was celebrating at New Shildon, where the Vicar is sick: Ella has not yet returned to normal health: Fearne overslept herself: & Alexander's sciatica was prohibitive of kneeling. Charles and I motored to Stockton, where I unveiled a window to the memory of the late incumbent, Vincent Harlow, and afterwards lunched with the present Vicar, Champion. Save that he went his own lawless way after the third collect, concerning which I spoke to him afterwards, the Vicar pleased me. I noted a great improvement in the choir which consisted of 12 men & 19 boys. There was a considerable congregation, which included a fair proportion of young men. Evidently he is making headway with the people. After lunch, I returned to Auckland.

Mr Robinson went to Durham in the morning, and returned to lunch, properly impressed by the cathedral. I set him down to study the account of the finds in the grave of S. Cuthbert, which is given in the volume of the Victoria History, which deals with Durham.

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