CALGARY, AB (May 7, 2012) – A memorial service for retired Evangelical Covenant Church pastor Wesley Morris, 86, was conducted Saturday at Foothills Alliance Church. He died April 29.
Morris was born November 22, 1925, in Shanghai, China, where his parents served as missionaries. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in sociology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and a Master’s of Christian Education from the Wheaton Graduate School.
He married Lorraine (Lori) Johnson on May 12, 1948.
Initially ordained in the Salvation Army, he transferred his ordination to the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1965. Morris served Covenant churches in Baudette and Warroad, Minnesota; Mission Covenant Church in Rainy River, Ontario; Edgewater Covenant Church in Chicago, Illinois; and the Evangelical Covenant Church in Calgary. After leaving parish ministry, he worked with Alberta Social Services.
Survivors include his wife, a daughter, Mary Renwick, and three sons: Mike Morris, John Morris, and Doug Morris. Another son, Jim Morris, preceded him in death.
Is this the Wesley Morris who lost a hand as a boy in China? From the reminiscences of another boy who grew up in Tientsin… “The Headmaster announces… ‘I have to bring to your attention some harrowing news… You will all remember Wesley Morris, the bright young lad from Form Four Lower School [Tientsin Grammar School]. Tragically, the day before yesterday, while exploring a battlefield on the outskirts of Shanghai, he got hold of a grenade. It blew off his hand. He is in critical condition. But the doctors think he has a chance…'” (Desmond Power, _Little Foreign Devil_, 1996, p104.)
Wes Morris was a wonderful addition to the “Unofficial Covenant Bible College Staff” for many years, providing free counseling service to some of our young adults who needed an “outside ear”. They found a true friend and mentor in him. I was always grateful to have such loving “backup” for our students! Thanks, Wes. Peace to his memory.