Episcopal Press and News

Turner Consecrated Suffragan in Pennsylvania

Episcopal News Service. October 20, 1988 [88222]

NEW YORK (DPS, Oct. 20) -- On October 7 the Rev. Franklin D. Turner was consecrated Suffragan Bishop of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. More than 2,500 people attended the colorful rite, and some 300 clergy and religious participated. Because of the anticipated size of the gathering, the consecration was held at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. The occasion was historic. Turner, who was elected at a special convention in June, is the first black bishop in the 205-year history of the diocese. Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning and 17 other bishops of the Episcopal Church took part in the laying on of hands, the act of consecration. Consecrating bishops included Bishop Allen L. Bartlett, diocesan of Pennsylvania, and retired diocesan, Bishop Lyman C. Ogilby. Turner had been assistant for congregations to the Bishop of Pennsylvania since 1983.

The consecration was an unusually joyous event with participants representing many phases of Turner's distinguished career in the Church. For instance, the crosier that Bishop Bartlett presented to Turner as one of the symbols of his office was a shepherd's crook sent as a gift from the Diocese of Mityana in Uganda, Pennsylvania's companion diocese. There were also many people present from the Episcopal Church Center in New York where Turner served as staff officer for black ministries from 1974 to 1983.

Turner was born in Norwood, North Carolina, on July 19, 1933. He earned his A.B. degree from Livingstone College and his S.T.B. degree from Berkeley Divinity School (from which he also holds a D.D. degree); he pursued further graduate study at General Theological Seminary. He was ordained deacon, and later priest, in 1965. In addition to his posts at the Episcopal Church Center and on Bishop Bartlett's staff, Turner was vicar of the Church of the Epiphany in Dallas (1965-1966) and rector of St. George's Church in Washington, D.C. (1966-1972). He is a fellow of the College of Preachers.

In 1963 Turner married Barbara Dickerson. They have one child.

In a day filled with moving moments, one of the most moving was the resounding applause that greeted newly consecrated Bishop Turner when he was presented to the congregation by the Presiding Bishop. Turner then was celebrant at the Eucharist.