The Rev. Paul W. Turner

In November, 1956, the Reverend Paul Turner was greatly upset by the segregationists who had frightened and threatened the 12 Black students who enrolled in Clinton High School when a Federal judge mandated desegregation of the school following a lawsuit. After much prayer, reading Scripture, and searching his own heart, Brother Turner came to believe that all children regardless of race or color were entitled to an education. From the pulpit, he announced to the church his intentions and contacted the students and their parents. At first they refused out of fear, but the next day, he received a call and was asked to return. On December 4, 1956, Brother Turner and 2 men, Sidney Davis, a local attorney an deacon at FBC, and Leo Burnett, a Methodist and employee of Magnet Mill, joined Turner and met the 6 students who agreed to return to school. They then walked down the hill with them to Clinton High School. Turner walked behind softly repeating "Don't be afraid". Turner stayed behind at the school a few minutes, and Davis and Burnett left. When Turner left, he was accosted by members of the White Citizens Council, a group of segregationists, and as he crossed the street in front of the police station, he was badly beaten and bruised in the brutal attack. However, Turner was back at the pulpit the very next Sunday and preached to a full sanctuary. CBS News filmed the church service, and parts of it are contained in the See It Now: Clinton and the Law which aired on January 6, 1957, narrated by Edward R. Murrow. It is notable that the same pulpit from which the Reverend Paul Turner preached is used in the sanctuary today and serves as a reminder of a brave man who put action to his words. As Brother Turner so eloquently stated the Sunday before his now famous walk: There is no color line at the cross of Christ. Plaque is located inside First Baptist Church - Clinton, TN

Display is located inside First Baptist Church - Clinton, TN