Paul Turner (pastor) facts for kids

Paul Turner (born February 10, 1923, died December 18, 1980) was an American Baptist pastor. He is remembered for his brave actions during a time of big change. He helped bring students of all races together at Clinton High School in Clinton, Tennessee.

A Time of Change: Integrating Schools

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court made an important decision. It said that schools could no longer be separated by race. This ruling was called Brown v. Board of Education.

Because of this, Clinton High School in Tennessee was told to allow all students to attend together. This happened in the fall of 1956. It was the first high school in Tennessee to desegregate.

Twelve African American students started going to the school. But they faced a lot of trouble. People outside the school and some white classmates inside were not kind to them. The students decided to stop going to school for a while. They hoped this would make the courts step in and help.

Paul Turner's Brave Actions

Reverend Turner was the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Clinton. He was a respected leader in the community. He felt it was his duty to do what was right. He read his Bible and the writings of Olin T. Binkley. These helped him to speak out against unfair treatment.

He began to preach against prejudice. He and Leo Burnett, a local factory supervisor, talked to the students and their parents. They convinced them to return to school.

On December 4, 1956, Reverend Turner and Mr. Burnett walked the students back to school. A large, angry crowd was there. Reverend Turner was badly beaten by members of a group called the White Citizens' Council.

Even with his injuries, he preached the next Sunday. He told his church that "there is no color line at the cross of Jesus." This showed his strong belief in equality.

Four years later, the high school building was destroyed by dynamite. No one was arrested for this crime. The school later reopened on the site of a former all-black elementary school.

Paul Turner's Later Life

Reverend Turner wanted to go to divinity school to study more about religion. But it was hard for him to find the money.

In 1958, he moved to a new church in Nashville. He continued to be active in the civil rights movement. Later, he became a professor at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.

Paul Turner passed away in 1980.