Page 110 - Redditch People

Redditch People

Life and Times of Frederick Harvey Morris

Harvey figured large in the life of the town, 60+ years as organist here, 40+ years at the
Grammar School. 30+ years at the Crematorium, contributions to the musical and social
life. He was also immensely proud of his family, both his coming from an old Redditch
family, but also of his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of them as they grew
up and started new endeavours. He also continued to miss Barbara.

Many people will have had robust discussions with him, even been summoned to organ
stool or choir vestry to hear his views forcibly expressed. He liked things to go well, he
wanted quality. he rarely suffered fools and he cared for things to be correct. He also had
a heart of gold, served loyaly, and contributed much. The Rev Andrew Smith wrote:

I enjoyed working with him. sometimes sparring with him. Laughing with him. learning
from him. and even on occasions teaching the old dog new tricks. Since he has not been
able to play, the crematorium has felt a different place: he had deep friendships there,
and cared that people's sad occasions should go well. St Stephen's will retain his legacy
for many years His unique laugh, his conversation, his contribution as a musician, will all
be missed.

It was Harvey who first suggested and then nagged me into the arrangements for the
150th anniversary service, and I hope that we will be giving thanks for his. along with
main other's, contributions to the past of St Stephen's we as celebrate the present life of
St Stephen's, we seek to do justice to high standards, and recommit ourselves to the
future with the dedication he showed.

He left instructions for his own funeral and it was a fitting tribute to a good and faithful
servant who demanded high standards.

Peter White knew Harvey Morris in both his guises as a Teacher and a Choirmaster. He
writes:

'I first met Harvey in 1956 when I was a first year pupil at Redditch County High School
and he was music master there. He had a formidable reputation and I was in awe, but
when I had a few months in the school choir and I had joined the St Stephen's Church
Choir awe became respect and I understood that he was not the tartar that his reputation
implied. As a choirmaster he worked his singers hard in pursuit of the excellence he
eschewed - not to enhance his own image - rather to achieve the perfection that he always
sought. He devised the motto which hung for many years in the choir vestry at St
Stephen's 'We sing not for the delight of man but to the Glory of God'. I guess that gives
an insight as to what motivated him.

I also came to know him as a friend. I acted as babysitter for Harvey and his gracious wife
Barbara when their sons Christopher and John were very small. It was an easy job really
- the boys never once stirred and I could enjoy the sumptuous suppers which Barbara had
prepared at my ease. In addition to the half crown which I received for each job I also got
an annual treat when I accompanied Harvey, Barbara and the boys to watch
Worcestershire play at New Road. It was where my love of cricket began and I can only
thank him for that.’

Page: 110 © RLHS 2015