Turner, R

Ministry

Petty records the following in relation to the missioning of Runcorn, Cheshire

“Preston Brook circuit commenced missionary operations at Runcorn in the spring of 1834. Runcorn is a town in Cheshire, about fifteen miles south of Liverpool, containing a considerable population. In the year 1819 it was regularly visited by the preachers of Tunstall circuit; but not being so promising as other places to which they were invited, it was soon relinquished. A second effort to establish a cause was made in 1823 by Preston Brook preachers; but through the troublesome conduct of some persons who had come from another community, the society was so much injured that the place was again abandoned in 1828. In 1834 the wickedness of the place moved the compassion of some of the leading men of Preston Brook circuit, who felt wishful to select it as a mission station; but the Irish mission requiring considerable assistance, they hesitated to incur additional pecuniary responsibilities till Mr. R. Turner nobly offered to undertake a mission at Runcorn without drawing upon the circuit’s funds for the first quarter. His generous offer was accepted, and he commenced his missionary labours on Sunday, May 11, 1834. His preaching in the open-air was rendered effectual to the enlightenment and conversion of an encouraging number of persons, who at once began to contribute towards his support, and to assist him in his zealous operations. At the expiration of the quarter it was found that Mr. Turner’s salary and all other expenses had been met, and a small surplus was sent to aid the funds of the circuit. The open-air services were continued till the cold blasts of winter rendered it necessary to repair to some building for worship. A schoolroom was then secured for the services of the society, which was occupied till 1838, when a chapel was erected, and the cause acquired additional strength and stability. The chapel has since been enlarged to meet the wants of the growing society and congregation; and Runcorn has for some years been the residence of the superintendent preacher of Preston Brook circuit.”

Family

I have not been able to identify R. Turner in online records. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Circuits

• 1832 Preston
• 1833 Preston Brook
• 1836 Stockport
• 1837 Manchester
• 1839 disappears

References

J Petty, The History of the Primitive Methodist Connexion, 1880, p401

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers