Frederick Vernon Curtis, B.Mus.(Dunelm), F.R.C.O., A.D.C.M. was an organist, composer and music teacher who lived from 1899 to 1996.  Towards the end of his life he also wrote a book about his life entitled "My Life & Music".

His book and some of his compositions are available to read, use and dowload from this website.

A Tribute (written for F V Curtis in 1986 on the occasion of his appointment to the position of Organist Emeritus at St. Peter's, Tiverton) provides a summary of his life:

Vernon Curtis (as he preferred to be known) had a long and very distinguished musical career. His debut was his entry into the choir of St. Augustine's, Highbury in 1907.  Seven years later he began to learn to play the organ at St. Martin's, Lincoln, progressing with such success that the following year he was appointed organist at Saxelby church, near Lincoln.  Two years later in 1917, his vocal talents were recognised when he was invited to become a bass choirman at Lincoln Cathedral and a little later, to join the Special Service Choir of an even more famous cathedral, St. Paul's in London.  It was at this period in his life that Vernon had the moving experience of being asked to sing at the very first Cenotaph service, held to mark the cessation of hostilities after the Great War.

In the twenties it was not so much choral work as his expertise as an organist which brought him into the public eye, so that in 1926 we find him organist of St. James' Camberwell and then, in turn, of St. Michael's Paternoster Royal and - for many years - of St. Peter's Carmarthen.  This last was an important post which carried with it the duty of choirmaster.  It was another church of St. Peter, this time in Tiverton, which was fortunate enough to secure Vernon Curtis's services when the position of organist fell vacant here in 1965.  Since that year, Vernon has continued to play our instrument, with one break only, until 1986 when he was appointed Organist Emeritus.

Over the years, Vernon Curtis's musical gifts have been greatly appreciated and duly acknowledged.  He has earned such distinctions as F.R.C.O. and A.D.C.M, while in 1954 he was granted a well-deserved degree of Bachelor of Music.

We, at St. Peter's Tiverton, would wish to mark his elevation to Organist Emeritus by placing on record not only Vernon's contributions to the field of music, but also our deep gratitude for his long and conscientious service to the Church of Christ, not least in these latter years to our own Parish Church, here in Tiverton.  It is good to know that Vernon will still be seen, even if less often, occupying his accustomed place on our organ stool.  Long may he continue to do so.

Church Wardens: Reg Bowditch, Patrick Batting

Rector: Whitaker 

October 1986