Clinton in Anderson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Rev. Paul W. Turner

1923~1980

Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 17, 2023

1. The Rev. Paul W. Turner Marker

Inscription. Upset by segregationists who intimidated 12 African American pupils at Clinton High School who refused to return to classes, the Reverend Paul Turner, pastor of Clinton's First Baptist Church, met with the pupils on December 4. 1956, when he and two other men from Clinton, escorted six African American students to Clinton High School. Segregationists beat Turner as he walked away. In August, Clinton became the first Tennessee state-funded public school to desegregate. Rev. Turner's courageous walk enabled Bobby Cain, one of the "Clinton 12", to become the first African American to graduate from Clinton High School on May 17, 1957.

Erected 2023 by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number ID 49.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 17, 1957.

Location. 36° 6.088′ N, 84° 7.958′ W. Marker is in Clinton, Tennessee, in Anderson County. It is at the intersection of

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North Main Street (U.S. 25W) and Cedar Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 228A N Main St, Clinton TN 37716, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee

and in Greater Knoxville.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Rev. Paul W. Turner (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Anderson County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Clinton Hardware Co. (about 500 feet away); Academy Hill (about 500 feet away); Hoskins Drug Store #2 (about 500 feet away); Tennessee Electric Power Co. (about 600

Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 17, 2023

2. The Rev. Paul W. Turner Marker

feet away); Medaris Café Building (about 600 feet away); Sawyer Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clinton.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

The Reverend Paul W. Turner Marker Pastor from June, 1949 - October, 1958 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 17, 2023

3. The Reverend Paul W. Turner Marker Pastor from June, 1949 - October, 1958

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 and 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

History in the Making 1956 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 17, 2023

4. History in the Making 1956

Display is located inside First Baptist Church - Clinton, TN

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 917 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on August 20, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 18, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.