William Perry French Morris
The Reverend William Perry French Morris | |
|---|---|
| Canon | |
Morris in 1912 | |
| Church | Church of England |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 7 June 1903 by Arthur Winnington-Ingram |
| Rank | Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 October 1878 Brighton, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | 21 May 1960 (aged 81) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Spouse | Ethel Ida Remfry |
William Perry French Morris OBE OM (21 October 1878 – 21 May 1960), commonly known as Canon Morris, was an Australian Anglican priest and school headmaster. He founded Anglican Church Grammar School ("Churchie").
Morris grew up in an upper-class Melbourne family with strong ties to the Anglican church. A proponent of Muscular Christianity, Morris "eschewed emotional displays of Christian belief" in favour of a firm hand, which occasionally brought him into conflict with the Church. He spent years assisting needy communities in London, before returning to Australia. After repeated disputes with the Australian clergy, Morris began his teaching career. With his wife Ethel, Morris founded Churchie in 1912 and he served as headmaster for over 30 years. He was a strict disciplinarian nicknamed "the Boss" by students. Morris retired in 1946.