Today, February 7, 2002, concluded the activities of the 108th Founder's Day for Turner Theological Seminary on the campus of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. Under the leadership the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings, and our Dean, the Rev. Dr. Daniel W. Jacobs, Sr., the activities kicked off on Tuesday monring.

Turner is named for Bishop Henry McNeil Turner, a native of SC and a longtime GA resident, Turner was the first black chaplain for black army troops in the mid-1800's. It was this bishop who established AME churches all across the state of GA and after whom the seminary is named. Today, Turner has 103 students, which represents the largest student body EVER in its history. 2 Bishops and 2 General Officers and countless other AME ministers have received scholarly, spiritual training from this institution. A vital link in the ITC family, Turner stands tall in and of itself. As original member of the ITC family, Turner is one of the reasons the Atlanta University Center is the largest black educational consortium in the world.

Tuesday's events included the very first worship service featuring the seminarians of Turner. Held at Flipper Temple AME Church, music was provided by the Turner Fellowship Singers and the Turner Fellowship President, the Rev. Mashod A. Evans preached a mighty Word. Lunch was served. Tuesday afternoon found the alumni of Turner in their annual business session with Dr. Debora Grant, president, presiding. The Alumni Banquet was held on Tuesday night with ITC Pastoral Care Professor and AME Itinerant Elder Dr. Carolyn A. McClary as the speaker. She was awesome.

Wednesday was reserved for scholary lectures and discussions. Dr. Cecil W. Cone, former Turner Dean did the Henry McNeil Turner lecture in the morning and Dr. Carolyn A. Knight, ITC preaching professor did the William Reid Wilkes lecture on preaching. Both scholars edified the church with their powerful discourses. These lecutres were held in the chapel of the ITC. On Wednesday night, ITC alumnus, Presiding Elder Rosalyn Grant Coleman, the first female presiding elder in SC was the preacher for the service held at Flipper. A most powerful Word came forth as well as melodious singing from the Combined Choirs of Flipper and the Turner Fellowship Singers.

Tuesday and Thursday at the ITC are chapel days and on today, Turner held its Convocation and Keynote Service for the chapel service. Bishop McKinley Young, presiding prelate of the 10th District was the keynote speaker. He was real GOOD! Dr. Simon Bouie, pastor of Emanuel AMEC, New York was awarded the outstanding alumus award. Turner Fellowship Singers and Rev. Eyvonne Whitman provided the music. (This writer was privileged to direct the Fellowship Singers.) After chapel and dinner, a wreath was placed in the grave of Bishop Turner at Southview Cemetery in Atlanta.

There were several good things about this Founder's Day. First, the preaching was incredible. Second, Bishop Cummings initiated an Endowment Fund for the school and receive well over $15,000 as inital seed money. Third, we were supported by the presence of the following Bishops: Cummings, Chappelle, Belin (my bishop), Williams (an alumus), and Young. Fourth, many graduates returned in support of the school from across the church. Fifth, the week was well planned and implemented. THE LORD'S NAME BE PRAISED!!!

As a member of the 2002 class of Turner Theological Seminary, one of many, let me assure the church that we pledge to make the church of Allen a better and greater church for having been afforded this opportunity to study here. We want the world to know that we are taking our rightful places in the plan of God, equipped by our Turner and ITC experience.

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2002

Answers

Congratulations Turner on your excellent Founder's Day Celebrations. As an alumnus and past president of the Turner Fellowship(1984/85)and recipient of an Alumni award in 1996, I am indeed proud to be associated with a prestigious institute as Turner. The success of the celebrations exemplifies excellent teamwork. Once again congratulations to the Turner fellowship, Alumni, Dean Jacobs, administration, and Bishop Cummings. Indeed, THE LORD'S NAME BE PRAISED. Keep on pressing on.Brother Hill, a big THANK YOU for an excellent report. From Cape Town, South Africa (15th District) Your brother in Christ Gregory J West

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2002

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow! Hallelujah!!

Brother Hill, thank you for a wonderful and inspiring report. My only desire is to know the subject and texts of the preachers, as well as, the lecture topics of Dr. Cone and Dr. Knight.

Are there video/audio tapes available? When Bishop Cummings was our Bishop, all such gatherings were video/audio taped.

Again, dear brother, we thank you for keeping us informed.

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2002