Biography of Robert Lister Turner

Robert Lister Turner was born in Apia, Samoa. He was educated at the Glasgow High School before attending the University in 1892, shortly after his brother George Nelson Turner. He graduated MA in 1899.

Turner also trained at the United Presbyterian Theological College and was ordained in November 1901. He joined the London Missionary Society as had his grandfather and father before him, and became a missionary of the Papua mission (1900-1940), joining William George Lawes at the London Missionary Society Training College in Vatorata, of which he became Principal and saw its transfer to Fife Bay in 1930. Turner also worked at Delena, Together with his wife, Edith Emma (née Calvert), they translated the Bible into the native dialect.

Turner was awarded the George VI Coronation Medal in 1937 for his services in Papua New Guinea. He was also a member of the Royal Geographical Society, and served as a member of the Legislative Council.

He died on 5 February 1949.

Sources

Other Online Resources

• Council for World Mission, London Missionary Society Papua New Guinea Reports 1882 - 1970
• Langmore, Diane, Missionary Lives: Papua, 1874-1914, University of Harvard Press 1989
• Turner Manuscripts, National Library of Scotland

Archival Materials

• DC183/11/35 General Council Register 1908

Summary

Robert Lister Turner
Born 4 February 1875.
Died 5 February 1949.
GU Degree: MA, 1899; Arts,
University Link: Graduate
Occupation categories: missionaries
Additional Information: R3/1/1 (vol 2)
English snippet: Samoan-born London Missionary Society missionary in Papua New Guinea
Record last updated: 29th Oct 2013

Country Associations

Samoa, No Region
Place of Birth

England, Surrey, Dorking
Place of Death

Papua New Guinea, Vatorata

University Connections

University Roles

• Graduate [View Robert Lister Turner's record in the list of graduates]

Images

Robert Lister Turner, Matriculation Slip 1892-93