Turner, Edward, 1776-1853

Edward Turner (1776-1853) was born in Medfield, Massachusetts, and became a Universalist in 1793. He studied with Hosea Ballou, and he and Ballou shared the southern Worcester County (Mass.) circuit until 1803. In 1811 he and Ballou co-founded the Gloucester Conference, a minister's colloquium for the discussion of theological questions. The Gloucester Conference published their discussions in The Gospel Visitant, which was printed by Turner in 1812. Turner was also influential in the founding of the Southern Association, which gathered pastors throughout southern New England. He served as Standing Clerk of the Association from 1815 to 1819. He also served as the Standing Clerk of the New England General Convention from 1815 to 1824. Turner served Universalist parishes in Sturbridge, Salem, and Charlestown, Massachusetts, as well as in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He effectively left the Universalist ministry in 1828 when he accepted a call to serve the Unitarian Church in Charlton, Massachusetts. He served other Unitarian parishes in Augusta, Georgia, and Fishkill, New York.

Universalist minister. Pastor of several churches in New England and New York including Salem, Mass. (1809-1814); Charlestown, Mass. (1814-1824); Portsmouth, N.H. (1824-1828); Charlton, Mass.; and Fishkill Landing, N.Y. Engaged in debate with Hosea Ballou concerning future punishment known as the restorationist controversy. Eventually Turner became a Unitarian minister.