The Band of Benedictines, which journeyed to the shores of Kent to commemorate the centenary of the landing of St. Augustine, has left behind it a lasting and indelible memorial of its visit, - a grave. In this mournful way we English Benedictines have again entered upon our ancient inheritance. Where our forefathers first built themselves a temple to their God, we have dug a tomb; and we have left a dead brother to link ourselves to the buried glories of the past.
It was a sad conclusion to a week of rejoicing, but we should not look upon it as a bad omen. It is not a sign of the anger of God that He should have required a sacrifice from us. Naturally, it was felt by some of the brethren as a check to light-heartedness. There is something of the romance of the theatre about a centenary celebration, and something of the exalted enthusiasm of the stage takes possession of those who have a part in it. It added a touch of reality that in the procession of monks who trod in the footsteps of St. Augustine, one of their number should have fallen out of the ranks to die by the roadside. It reminded them that the conversion of England would be brought about not by pageant but by sacrifice, not by a challenge that attracts the attention of men, but by the devoted lives and obscure deaths that plead before the throne of God. 'Unless the grain of wheat, falling to the ground, die, itself remaineth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.' May this first death be a token that the seed is sown, and that a harvest will be reaped in its season.
The incidents of Fr. Turner's life were those of every Benedictine who enters the Novitiate at Belmont, is solemnly professed at his monastery, is ordained, and serves at this mission or that, according to the direction of his superior. There was only one variation introduced into his career, - a three year's sojourn at Fort Augustus, when that monastery was in its infancy. Even there he lived under the same rule that would have guided him had he remained at Ampleforth and, for the most part, with companions from the same house. A life of serious work and simple pleasures; a constitution naturally delicate, but, nevertheless, seldom interfering with the routine of duty; a hopeful enthusiasm which made application easy and smoothed over difficulties; a contented and humble spirit of obedience; - what more can be said save that the life was blameless and the work well and sufficiently done?
An appreciation of Fr. Turner's musical gifts and work will not be expected in this brief notice of his death. What he wrote and what he published was for the world and for the Church. It is they, therefore, who are to pronounce a verdict on it; and it is for us his brethren to rejoice in his success, and lament the shortness of his career. What he might have accomplished God alone knows. We know that he passed away with his energies fresh and his talents undimmed; that he had begun many things and planned more; that he looked upon what he had done as little else than a preparation for what was to come. He had reached a point when a retired life of study and industry seemed about to change into one of public importance; and God alone knew that the door, which seemed half-opened to admit him among the authorities of sacred music, was to usher him into another world. God had decreed that Fr. Turner's task was done before he was conscious that he had exerted his strength; his course was finished before he had stretched himself to the race; the fight was over although the arm was unwearied and the sword unbroken. May the will of God be done. R.I.P.
Joseph Egbert TURNER 19 Sep 1897 1853 10 Jan born in Preston 1872 28 Sep Clothed 1876 8 Dec Solemn Vows 1880 22 May Priest 1880-83 Fort Augustus 1883 Ampleforth 1885 St David's Swansea 1889 Workington 1891 St Mary's Warrington 1893 St Anne's Liverpool 1897 19 Sep died Composed and published several Masses etc