Biography

John Hill Fray (1859 - 1942) was organist and choirmaster of St. John's Church 1898-1905.

Born at Bristol UK, he was the son of George Fray, a coach builder. He was educated at Bristol and then in Adelaide, before returning to England to study music. He trained as an organist at Westminster Abbey under Sir Frederick Bridge, returning to South Australia to become organist of St. Peter's, Glenelg, but also serving at St. Michael's, Mitcham and St Mary Magdalene in Adelaide, continuing his studies at the University of Adelaide, where he studied under Professor Ives, Bachelor of Music (Oxford), and Professor Bragg, M.A.

In 1890, he married Alice Emily Jury (1870-1946). They had three children, Constance Hill Fray b. 1891, John Leslie Hill Fray b. 1896 and Victor Hill Fray b. 1897.

An entry in The Cyclopedia of New Zealand wrote of his time in Launceston that “he was appointed organist of St. John's Pro-Cathedral, in Launceston, Tasmania, which post he held until September, 1905. During those seven years he did excellent work as organist of his church, and as choir-master of the Launceston Church Choir Association, and on his departure for New Zealand, was publicly entertained and presented with a purse of sovereigns.” Both Fray and his wife appear in a 1905 hand-tinted photo of the “award winning choir” along with their sons “Jack and Vic Fray” (John and Victor).

Moving to New Zealand, he was appointed organist and choir-master of Napier Cathedral in August, 1905. Alongside his work at the cathedral, he became the local secretary to Trinity College, London, and visiting music master of Napier Boys' and Girls' High Schools. At the request of the Cathedral Vestry, Mr. Fray prepared the specifications of the new organ at the Napier Cathedral. The cathedral was totally destroyed in the 1931 Hawkes Bay Earthquake.

Fray retired as organist in 1908. A newspaper article at the time attributed this to Mrs. Fray's throat trouble, and suggested they might return to Australia. Even if they did so, they must have returned to New Zealand, as both John and Alice were buried in Auckland.

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