The Henson Journals

[68]

Friday, February 13th, 1931.

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The Record is unusually informing in its Church Assembly Notes e.g.

"The Bishop of Durham's diatribe was generally condemned in the lobbies. One bishop characterised it as vulgar; another used a more startling adjective. To me it seemed like the swan–song of a broken & self–ruined man. I thought he looked very ill & unhappy." !!!

However the "Guardian" considers that the only advantage of the discussion was that "it gave the Bishop of Durham an opportunity to make one of his most brilliant speeches", and the "Church Times" quotes my speech with approval. The "Church Family Newspaper" accuses the said Bishop of "a lamentable exhibition of party spirit." – "Some of the phrases he used, and the bitter tone in which they were uttered, stirred the forces of partisanship in a most regrettable way." !!!

Yet few speeches were more loudly applauded, or more extensively reported: & I have rarely received so many compliments. I suppose the lapse of a week has allowed the Protestant resentments, which were cowed for the moment, to recover their normal vigour. And, of course, these Trusts are the back–bone of "Protestantism".

[69]

Richardson, the Vicar–designate of Pelton, came to lunch. I arranged to institute him Wednesday, May 15th. He was evidently pleased at the prospect of independent work. The state of the Church in Pelton would appear to be deplorable, for no more than 10 children attended the children's service. The population is about 10,000.

Dr Short, the Vicar of Kelloe, came to ask me to dedicate a memorial window in his parish church. It has been erected by Wood to the memory of his sister. I promised to do so on Palm Sunday evening.

Alfre Toomey came to tea, & to tell me that the doctor advised him to go to a specialist in Newcastle, & be examined. I fear that his health is going to become a grievous handicap on his clerical career. It is a great pity, for he seems to have the makings of an excellent clergyman.

Malcolm Ross wrote to me from Keble College. He has been attending the Mission to undergraduates, which Archbishop Temple is conducting, & seems to have been greatly impressed. The Warden of Keble has allotted to him a small prize for his English work, & he is much exalted. He sends me his photograph. He is certainly one of the most promising of the Ordination candidates. He will not be ready for Ordination before 1932.

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