Story by The Rev. Canon Tom Kingston, '61 and '64

Submitted on 21 October 2009

Remembering Huron - Dr. William Sparkes Morris

William Sparkes Morris had enormous energy. He was always organizing programs outside of his courses to engage students. Former Principal Dr. John Morden wrote in his book, "Huron College Memoirs 1957-1992," that working with William Sparkes Morris was "exhausting."

William Sparkes Morris was single-minded in his lectures. No matter what happened he carried on lecturing. One spring day he was lecturing in a main floor lecture room. The windows were wide open to let in the warm spring air. Norm Elder, a student at the College and probably a student in Dr. Morris' Philosophy 20 course at one time, approached the windows riding a horse. Norm was a member of a famous Canadian equestrian family. Not only did Norm move the horse close to an open window, he had the horse put his head in through the window. The horse was now listening to Dr. Morris speak! Dr. Morris looked at the horse and carried on lecturing. He didn't seem surprised.

While lecturing on another occasion, Dr. Morris suddenly decided to push down the paper in the waste paper basket with his foot, his foot becoming stuck in the basket. Without missing a beat, he continued his lecture while walking about the classroom, clunking about with his foot still firmly fixed in the metal waste basket.

I also remember that he and Dr. John Henderson would build a skating rink behind their homes at Brough. Students were invited to skate and socialize there during the winter season.

William Sparkes Morris was one of the best professors I had at Huron College and I have very warm memories of him. I am grateful for his courses and the enthusiasm they inspired in me to be a lifelong student of philosophy. Thank you, Dr. Morris!