It is with deep regret we have to record the death of another of our Fathers, Francis Ambrose Turner, which took place at Ampleforth on December 2nd. To those of our readers who knew Fr. Ambrose, this will come as a sad surprise; for he was in the prime of life, being not quite 51 years old, and though never very robust, still gave no indications of so sudden a death; on the contrary, he was most actively engaged in the labours of a new and struggling mission, working off debt and planning to build a fitting house for a priest to dwell in. To one who saw him conducting the singing of some 3,000 children at the recent Catholic Truth Conference at Blackburn, he appeared to be far removed from any idea of being likely to die soon. But, as to his brother, Fr. Egbert, so death came quickly to him; and it is a singular coincidence that to both it should come under much the same circumstances and from the same cause. Both journeyed from their missions to a monastery, caught cold, and died of pneumonia or from the effects of it; Fr Egbert, when on his visit to Ramsgate for the great celebrations at Ebbsfleet in 1897, and Fr Ambrose, when at his own monastery for the purpose of making his annual Retreat. Along with several other Fathers, Fr Ambrose journeyed to Ampleforth on November 13. His companions commented on his high spirits and jocular humour, being in that vein, which those who knew him well could designate by no truer description than by saying it was 'Ambrosian'. Each one has, no doubt, his own peculiar vein of humour; and certainly Fr Ambrose’s was sui generis, at times difficult to grasp, and often lost on those who were not well acquainted with him.
The day after his arrival he went out for a short time. He complained of a cold in the evening, and attributed it to the fact that he had gone out in boots that had been wet, and had felt the damp strike through. Attention was given to him; but little did we think that what was thought a slight cold was really to prove to be unto death. On Thursday he was present at the dinner given by Mr Taylor, but complained of being very unwell and had to take to his bed. It was soon evident he had more than an ordinary cold, and so Dr. Porter was called in; and it was discovered he had pleuro-pneumonia. On Tuesday 21, his case was considered so serious that it was deemed necessary to give him the last sacraments; indeed he himself had asked for them the evening before, and seemed to have a presentiment that he was to die. After the reception of the Last Rites he rallied, and in a few days appeared to be out of danger. Every care and attention of Dr. Porter, with the assistance of two nurses, was being given to bring about a complete restoration to health, of which there seemed now no doubt. Yet he himself was not hopeful. To Fr Abbot, in answer to congratulations on his improved condition, he said, 'They tell me I am getting better. Well, I must take it on faith that I am; but I don’t feel like it'. This was on Friday, Dec 1. That same night, about 2.35 a.m., his heart suddenly began to trouble him and he asked for a priest. The nurse, seeing a great change coming over him, called Fr. Edmund and hurried back to the patient, who was then gazing at the crucifix with his lips moving in prayer. On entering the room Fr Edmund realized at once that the hand of death was there; and while he was saying the last blessing, the invalid calmly passed away. In the space of a short quarter of an hour, the change had come from apparent recovery to that of death: and we are forcibly reminded in this instance of our Lord’s words that He will come 'as a thief in the night'. Though sudden, it was a happy death, being one well prepared for. He was a good monk and a zealous priest, and we may trust that God, who has called him away from us, will reward him as 'a good and faithful servant'. It was a great shock to the Comnunity that Saturday, when they assenbled in the Choir for Matins, to be told the sad news. Requiem Masses were said for him by the priests that morning; and on Sunday evening the Solemn Dirge was sung. The funeral obsequies took place on Monday December 4. Father Abbot sang the Pontifical Requiem Mass, after which the remains of the deceased were borne by his brethren to the Cemetery on our hillside, where they laid him to rest by the side of his brethren who have gone before him. Mr T. Corry of Bradford, his brother-inlaw, and Fr. Bede Polding, his cousin, were amongst the mourners. At his mission of St Paulinus, Lostock Hall, a Solemn Requiem Mass was sung on Thursday, December 7, and Fr Anselm Wilson preached the panegyric. His flock had become deeply attached to him and they will mourn his loss with genuine sorrow.
He was born at Preston, January 30, 1855. He came to Ampleforth in 1865, remaining in the School till 1873, in August of which year he went to Belmont to commence his noviciate. He returned to Ampleforth in 1877, and on June 4, 1881, was ordained priest; after which he remained in his monastery ten years, engaged in teaching and in various official duties, including those of Prefect of Discipline, Junior Master, and Procurator. In connection with his work in the college, many Old Amplefordians will remember the interest he took in the music, either as a member of the Orchestra or as Bandmaster. At one time he was in charge of the Ampleforth Mission, and introduced the Apostleship of Prayer. At another time he had Kirbymoorside. It was here that the writer of these words was once asked by a certain old member of the Kirby congregation where Fr Ambrose was stationed? etc., and she added, 'He was the nicest priest I ever knelt to', referring of course to Confession, that being her way of putting it.
In 1891 he went to Woolton for a short time and then to St. Alban’s, Warrington. In 1892 he was sent to Workington, where he remained four years, going to Brownedge in 1896. Here his special work was in the Lostock Hall district, then a part of the Brownedge mission.
When this was severed from the mother Church, Fr Ambrose was appointed the first incumbent. Here he spent the last three years of his life working with energy and self-sacrifice. In October last, he diminished the debt on the mission by means of a bazaar, which realized the handsome sum of £450. Amidst his labours he found time also to devote himself to Church music, in which, like his brother Fr Egbert, he took a keen interest. His ability in this department was recognised by Bishop Casartelli, who placed him on the Diocesan Musical Commission. No doubt so many labours were too much for his bodily strength, and the last effort over the Bazaar seems to have told on his already weakened constitution; and when what was his last illness came, he had not the strength to battle with it. The good work he has done at Lostock Hall (or Tardygate as it is also called) will, we feel sure, bear much fruit; he has laid the seeds in a new mission, which we trust will grow and increase a hundredfold. He was not permitted to see in this world the fruit of his labours, but we may trust he will be amply rewarded in the next for his zeal and self-sacrifice. While lamenting his loss, we must not forget to pray for him. May he rest in peace.
Francis Ambrose TURNER 2 Dec 1905 1855 30 Jan born 1873 Clothed 1874 **Professed 1881 Priest 1891 Woolton St Alban's Warrington 1892 Workington 1896 Brownedge (Tardy Gate, Lostock Hall) 1905 2 Dec died