Rex A. Turner Sr.
Co-founder of Montgomery Bible School in 1942 (with Joe B. Greer and Leonard Johnson)
Head of the Bible Department in 1942 with Leonard Johnson serving as principal
In 1943 they became co-presidents until 1948.
He served as president of Montgomery Bible College and later Alabama Christian College until 1973.
For accreditation purposes, the Alabama Christian School of Religion became a separate entity in 1973, and Turner continued as president of the school of religion, that is now Southern Christian University. He served as president until 1983, then upon his retirement he served as chancellor. His son, Rex A. Turner Jr., became president at the time of his retirement.
Following are excerpts of comments made by Faulkner University president, Dr. Billy D. Hilyer, during a special chapel service today. (Note: Dr. Hilyer was a student of Dr. Turner in the undergraduate program at Alabama Christian College.)
‘His greatest influence was in the man he was.’ He was a man of strength, great energy and could do a lot of things well. He was always reading, studying or writing in his spare time.
He was a man of great foresight, believing in Christian education. ‘I believe no other man could have done what he did in those days.’
He was an educator in the truest sense of the word. He was the founder and president of the Alabama Junior College Association.
As a teacher he challenged students; expected a lot, but gave a lot. He also had a great sense of humor.
He wrote several books as well as articles for Christian publications.
He was well known throughout Alabama and the United States as an outstanding gospel preacher.
‘He was my friend and my mentor. I appreciate the vision he had for this Christian institution.’
