Robert Turner (Bahá'í) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Turner
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Robert Turner, c. 1900
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| Born | October 15, 1855/56 Norfolk, Virginia
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| Died | 15 Jun 1909 San Francisco
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Butler |
| Title | Disciple of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá |
Robert Chaittle Turner (born around October 15, 1855 or 1856 – died June 15, 1909) was a very important person in the early days of the Bahá’í Faith in America. He was the first African American to become a Bahá’í. He was also one of the nineteen special followers known as the Disciples of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
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Robert Turner's Early Life
Robert Turner was born on a farm near Norfolk, Virginia, in the mid-1850s. When he was a teenager, he moved to California. There, he started working at the famous Palace Hotel.
Working for the Hearst Family
In 1881, Robert began working for George Hearst, a wealthy businessman. He worked for the Hearst family for about 35 years. He started as George Hearst's personal assistant, or valet. Later, he became a steward and then a butler. In 1891, Robert and his wife, Melissa Turner, were even invited to George Hearst's funeral by Phoebe Hearst, George's wife.
Discovering the Bahá’í Faith
Robert Turner first learned about the Bahá’í Faith in 1898. This happened when Lua Getsinger, an early American Bahá’í, visited Phoebe Hearst in California. Robert was serving tea and listened to Lua talk about the new religion. Both Phoebe Hearst and Robert Turner decided to become Bahá’ís that summer.
A Special Trip to the Middle East
Later in 1898, Phoebe Hearst helped pay for a special trip for Bahá’ís. This trip was called a pilgrimage. Fifteen Bahá’ís, including Phoebe and Robert Turner, traveled to the Middle East. Their goal was to visit ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who was the son of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith.
The group left the United States on September 22. They arrived in a place called ‘Akká, in what is now Israel, on December 10, 1898. At that time, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was still held as a prisoner by the government. Because of this, the pilgrims could only visit him in three smaller groups.
Meeting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Robert Turner met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on December 10, 1898, in the House of `Abdu'lláh Páshá. Robert felt he wasn't important enough to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and waited outside the room. But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá came out to meet him and gave him a warm hug. Robert had another chance to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on February 17, 1899, before he returned home.
Robert Turner's Final Days
In the spring of 1909, Robert Turner became very sick with a kidney disease called Bright’s disease. He had to stay in bed. Ali Kuli Khan, a Bahá’í from Persia who worked for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, visited Robert. He told ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about Robert's condition.
A Message from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent a loving message to Robert:
"Give my wonderful greetings to Mr Robert, the servant of that respected lady. Tell him: ‘Don't be sad about your sickness. You have found eternal life and reached the World of the Kingdom. God willing, we will meet happily in that Divine World. I pray to God that you may also find peace in this world."
Staying Strong in Faith
According to Louis George Gregory, another early African American Bahá’í, Robert's illness got worse. Even when he was confused, his relatives said he kept saying the Greatest Name, which is a special Bahá’í prayer. Many early Western Bahá’ís later left the Faith. But Robert Turner stayed true to his beliefs until the end of his life. After he passed away, Ali Kuli Khan placed a Bahá’í burial ring on Robert's finger before he was buried.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá's Tribute
After Robert Turner's death, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote a special message in his honor:
"The news of Mr Robert (Turner)'s passing made hearts sad. He was truly very sincere. How amazing! What a bright light was shining in that dark-colored lamp. Thank God that lighted candle rose from the earthly lamp to the Kingdom of Eternity. It shone brightly in the Heavenly Gathering. Thank God you put the ring on his blessed finger with the words: ‘Truly I came from God and returned to Him’ … This also shows his sincerity. In his last breath, he said ‘Alláh-u-Abhá’ (God is Most Glorious), which touched the hearts of those present."
A Special Honor
Shoghi Effendi, who led the Bahá’í Faith after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, gave Robert Turner a great honor. He named him one of the nineteen Disciples of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This honor is similar to the nineteen Letters of the Living of the Báb and the nineteen Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh.
Robert Turner was first buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in San Francisco. Later, between 1909 and 1918, his remains were moved to Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Colma, California. He is buried there with his wife, Melissa Turner, and their daughter, Emily Turner.
