Tributes paid to former Alum Rock and Walsall church minister, Reverend Bill Harris

Nov 21 2009 by Vicky Farncombe, Birmingham Mail

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Birmingham minister who devoted nearly 30 years to serving worshippers in the city.

Reverend Bill Harris, of the Free Church of England, died in hospital in Manchester after a sudden stroke. He was minister at the Emmanuel Church in Alum Rock from 1961 to 1983, before moving to St Andrews Church, in Walsall, from where he retired in 1991.

Bishop Kenneth Powell, joint minister with Rev Harris at the Emmanuel Church, spoke warmly of his lifelong friend. “He was a true gentleman, kind to everyone and would always help anyone who needed it,” he said.

Rev Harris was born in Ellesmere Road, Alum Rock, where he played a key role in the Emmanuel Church as organist and choirmaster. When the minister died, he was invited to join the ministry and gave up his job at Cadbury’s, where he designed some of the factory’s chocolate machines. One of his achievements was to preside over the rebuilding of the church.

He also taught craft, design and technology at Castle Vale Secondary School. During his retirement, he spent time in Canada before returning to serve at a church in Mottram, Greater Manchester. In June, he celebrated his diamond wedding to Hilda with whom he had five children, 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

All are welcome at the funeral at Mottram Parish Church on Monday at 1pm. The family has asked that donations be made in his name to either the Emmanuel Church or to the Hope Training Centre in Birmingham.