Charles William Perkins, the City Organist

Description:An abridged version of the article from Volume 1 Number 11 of the Handsworth Magazine. The full article is available here to download.

Mr Charles William Perkins is a native of Birmingham, but has resided in Handsworth the greater part of his life (he lived at 2 Piers Road). His musical tendency was manifested when quite young and at the age of fourteen he began the study of the organ under the tutorship of Mr. Andrew Deakin, to whose thoroughness, earnestness and systematic training he considers that most of his success as a player is due.

In 1888, the joint committees of the Birmingham Town Council and General Hospital advertised for an organist for the Town Hall. On the strength of testimonials from Sir John Stainer (St. Paul’s), Sir Walter Parrett (Windsor), Dr. Bridge (Westminster Abbey) and others, Mr. Perkins was one of the candidates chosen to compete for the appointment. In this competition he was successful and immediately entered upon the duties of his responsible position by playing at the Birmingham Musical Festival of 1888.

Mr. Perkins has been the organist of the Wretham Road Church since Mr. Cotton proceeded to the Old Meeting Church in the Bristol Road, an office which he still retains to the entire satisfaction and delight of the congregation. He is also one of the teachers of the organ at the Midland Institute School of Music.

During the year Mr. Perkins gives thirty-four free organ recitals at the Town Hall.

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