Morris Christopher, 1934 - 1935

Originating from Walsall, Christopher was born in 1871 and settled in Wolverhampton during the 1880s. He commenced employment with James Baker & Sons at their shop in Dudley Street. He was promoted to management status at their Dudley branch for ten years, later returning to the Wolverhampton outlet. His association with the company lasted for fifty-four years, and eventually became the Chief Shops Inspector. The First World War interrupted his career and during this period he was Treasurer to Wolverhampton Corps, and Secretary to Wolverhampton Patriotic Committee. He received numerous medals for his commandment of Stafford No 33 St John's VAD, where he supervised the transportation of the wounded. His interest in sporting activities saw him elected president of Oxley Park Golf Club. Christopher presented a golfing competition cup annually, known aptly as The Morris Christopher Cup. He gave support to Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club and was a member of Dudley Swimming Club. In 1921 he was elected as a Liberal member to Wolverhampton Council, representing St James' Ward. Christopher represented the Council on the South Staffordshire Joint Smallpox Hospitals Board, the Staffordshire Mental Hospital Board, Wolverhampton and Dudley Joint Committee for Tuberculosis as well as Cleveland House Hostel. He also became Chairman to the Parks & Cemeteries Committee and Director of South Staffordshire Permanent Building Society. Christopher was a member of the Prince of Wales Lodge of Freemasons and was elected Mayor in 1934. Three years later he became Alderman. He died, aged seventy-one, on the 4th September 1942 at his home, 'The Bungalow', Church Road, Tettenhall.

Obituary & image Express & Star 4th September 1942