Richard (Irven) Purvis (August 25, 1913 – December 25, 1994) was an American organist, composer, conductor and teacher.

Further studies were with Josef Levine in New York, Dr. Charles M. Courboin in Baltimore, Dr. Edward Bairstow in England from whom he learned a great deal about the Anglican boy's choir, and Marcel Dupré in France.

After attending the army music school in 1943 he attained the rank of warrant officer and was assigned to the 28th Infantry Division Band as bandmaster.

In 1942 he composed a setting of Joyce Kilmer's A Soldier's Prayer and Missa Sanctai Nicolai, both were premiered late that year at the Second Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.

When Purvis was released he was unable to even play a chord and he required months of physical therapy at the Army Rehabilitation Center in Santa Barbara, California before he could resume his career.

In February 1947 he was appointed to Grace Cathedral, San Francisco where he presided over the 4 manual, 93 rank Alexander Memorial Organ by Aeolian Skinner, one of the first American Classic instruments built by the firm.

Purvis's long and distinguished career was marked by elegant service playing, conducting and composition.

Purvis taught a number of prominent organists, among them Keith Chapman, Tom Hazleton, Ted Alan Worth, Donna Parker, Robert Tall, William C. Dickey, well known theatre organist Christian Elliott,[5] international performer John West and James Welch who has written a comprehensive book on the life of Purvis.