James Turner - Peterhead Evangelist for North East Scotland
Died 2nd February 1863 at the age of 44 years and is buried in the old cemetry in Peterhead behind the War Memorial at The Lido, overlooking the Bay.
One of the great figures to emerge from Peterhead Methodism in the 1850's was James Turner, a local cooper who was one of Peterhead's six Local Preachers in 1856.
James Turner was a young man who was converted soundly to 
God. From the spark of grace which was kindled then, there came a flame, an actual blaze, something of which still continues to be felt in this area. Used by God in a wonderful way, it is recorded that James Turner, in addition to his normal work in his trade, gave himself much to preaching and also to prayer for the concerns of the local churches and their impact on the community.
But James Turner had a vision - to take and proclaim the gospel throughout the north-east of Scotland - and so he went himself to the Coast to do just that, going to the very places that we rejoice to include as vital in the work of our North of Scotland Mission Circuit. How much of all that we have known and experienced on the Coast, and here too in our own area, has stemmed from a Peterhead Methodist who had a dream and acted fully upon it, seeking to glorify and serve God.
Evanglism in Portessie
James Turner the evangelist was a great influence on the Portessie /Buckie/Portgordon area. An individual who is reported as saying: 'I have not been to College; but I have been with Jesus! and He has sent me to PREACH THE GOSPEL!'
That evangelistic fervour cascaded into the village of Portessie and, even in the teeth of biting winds, the fellowship of the people called Methodists would meet in a building standing only a few yards from the ocean, and without doors or windows. Another house was eventually found, but that same power of the Spirit of God was abound in a mighty form, and even in those humble surroundings the Lord greatly blessed those assembled in His name.
Although after this strong revival under James Turner many took to the Presbyterian cause, there were 11 young men and women who remained 'Methodist' and, with meetings in a house in Peter Hythe, a Pentecostal experience was shared. The number increased to 40 and, although an initial application for a Minister was turned down, the Lord kept adding to their number and, eventually, in 1864, Rev Thomas Major was appointed.
Despite severe financial constraints, the building proceeded as did the increase in numbers, until God's providence on 23rd December 1866, the 'church doon the brae' was opened, 130 years ago. The opening services were attended by crowded congregations and, at every service, men and women were won for Christ . . . the 'Lord added to the church daily' and soon the membership was 140.
From Portessie the word spread earnestly westwards to Buckie and Portgordon and eastwards to Findochty . . . 'bring the flame of one lighted candle into contact with the unlighted wick of another, and the second one is set on fire!'
Portgordon
Portgordon was one of the most fruitful fields of James Turner's labours. When Methodist meetings were begun in Portessie, many of the converts walked to Portessie from Portgordon every Sunday in order to hear the 'Methodist Gospel'. Others who still remained within the Presbyterian fold continued to hold 'revival meetings' in the school hall. At length the proprietor of the building threatened to close it down if the revival element were not eliminated. Thereupon it was proposed to build a new hall for general public use.
After much heartache with regard to premises, there were 27 Portgordon people who were members of the Portessie Society and it was thought that they were sufficiently strong to commence a "Methodist Society" in Portgordon.
John Hendry, a fisherman, came to the rescue by opening his garrett for the use of the Methodists and, for two or three years, services were regularly held in this humble room. The little band of Methodists had to face a good deal of persecution at first but the society in the garrett began to prosper and, by 1872, was in a position to call a Minister.
In 1873 a scheme was set on foot for the building of a chapel. The stones used in the building were carried by the fishermen and their wives in their creels and, on 28th May 1873, the foundation stone was laid. In a cavity of the foundation stone was deposited a bottle containing a list of the Trustees, a list of the 56 members, copies of the Methodist Recorder and Banffshire Journal, and specimens of current coins.
The present Methodist Church was opened two years later in 1874 - a handsome and commodious structure of gothic design, with seating for 400. Soon after its opening, a prayer meeting had been held until 2am with a consequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit and revival lasting for many weeks and membership had quickly risen from 56 to 103.
(The Romance of Banffshire Methodism by Wesley Swift)
See also The Foundations of Peterhead Methodist Church
Building the Queen Street Peterhead Methodist Church.
1940 to the Present Day Peterhead Methodist Church
James Turner the Peterhead evangelist in North East Scotland