Robert Turner’s life story is a remarkable journey of transformation, from his humble beginnings on a Virginia farm to his pivotal role in the early days of the Bahá’í Faith in the West. Born in the mid-1850s, Turner’s path took him to California, where he worked at the prestigious Palace Hotel. His life took a significant turn when he began working for the prominent Hearst family, a relationship that would span thirty-five years. He served George Hearst first as a valet, and later as a steward and butler. The respect he earned is evident in the fact that he and his wife, Melissa, were invited by Phoebe Hearst to attend George Hearst’s funeral in Washington D.C. in 1891.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1898 when Lua Getsinger, an early American Bahá’í, visited Phoebe Hearst. While serving tea, Turner overheard Getsinger speaking about the Bahá’í Faith. Intrigued, he remained to listen to her talk, a conversation that deeply resonated with him. Both Phoebe Hearst and Robert Turner embraced the Bahá’í Faith that summer.
Later that year, Phoebe Hearst funded a historic pilgrimage to the Middle East, the first of its kind for Western Bahá’ís. Fifteen believers, including herself and Robert Turner, journeyed to ‘Akká, Palestine, to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Due to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s imprisonment by the Ottoman government, the pilgrims met with him in small groups. Turner’s first audience with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá took place on December 10, 1898, in the House of `Abdu’lláh Páshá. Overcome by a sense of unworthiness, Turner initially hesitated to enter the room. However, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sensing his humility, personally came out to greet him with a warm embrace. Turner had a second meeting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on February 17, 1899, before his return to the United States.
In 1909, Turner’s health declined due to Bright’s disease. As his condition worsened, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent a message of comfort and reassurance, emphasizing the spiritual significance of Turner’s life and his connection to the “World of the Kingdom.” Even as he battled his illness, Turner’s faith remained steadfast. According to Louis George Gregory, even in delirium, he recited the Greatest Name. Unlike some early Western Bahá’ís who wavered in their faith, Turner remained a devoted believer until his passing. He was buried with a Bahá’í burial ring, placed on his finger by Ali Kuli Khan.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s tribute after Turner’s death further illuminated his spiritual stature, describing him as a “shining candle” that had ascended to the “Heavenly Assemblage.” Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, later honored Robert Turner as one of the nineteen Disciples of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, placing him in a distinguished group reminiscent of the Báb’s Letters of the Living and Baha’u’llah’s Apostles. Robert Turner’s life stands as a powerful example of faith, devotion, and the transformative power of spiritual belief.
