The Rev. William Case Morris

  1864 - 1932

Obituary

The death has occurred at Soham, Cambridgeshire, the place where he was born 68 years ago, of the Rev. William Case Morris.
On medical advice he returned to England last June, after an absence of more than 40 years in Buenos Aires, where he was known as the Dr. Barnardo of Argentina. The summer in England had brought about a great improvement in his health, and he and Mrs. Morris planned to return to South America last Saturday. He died on the eve of his proposed departure.

Mr Morris went to Argentina in 1889 as a young business man, but was soon immersed in work among the Spanish speaking people of Boca in connection with the American Methodist Episcopal Church. When he was thoroughly proficient in the language he returned to England, was accepted by the South American Missionary Society, set to work to raise funds, and returned in 1896 to start the great work he had it in mind to do.
Two years later he opened the first school for destitute native boys and girls. There were 18 pupils, to whom he gave food, clothes, shelter and education, and who left later with a trade learnt, by which they were able to earn a living. That was the beginning of the Argentine Philanthropic Schools and Institutes, which now operate from four centres, and which consist of 22 schools, elementary, secondary, and technical, with 230 teachers and over 7,000 children, learning to support themselves and to be good citizens. About 100,000 children have passed through the schools since their foundation. The Argentine Government has supported the undertaking generously, but the greater part of the money required was raised by the founders own efforts.
The schools were not the only concern of Mr. and Mrs Morris. They have also been  in charge of St. Pauls Church at Palermo, which was dedicated by Bishop Stirling 32 years ago, with which are connected a suburban chapel, a mission hall, and five fine Sunday schools, Mrs Morris acting as organist and choir mistress. Mr. Morris was greatly beloved, and his death is undoubtedly the result of continued overwork and anxiety.

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Reported 20th September 1932