Canon Turner and Tony Ivanov, photographed outside St Patrick's Church, Cowgate, in the 1950s

Outside St Patrick's Church

Thank you to Tony Ivanov for sending this photograph to me.

Tony wrote:

Priests

"Seeing this photograph of St Patrick's Church brings back memories. I was an alter boy there back in the '1950s."

"The priests at the time were Father, later to become Canon Turner, Father Gallagher and if I remember correctly, Father McQuewen, but I'm not sure if I've spelt his name correctly.

Canon Turner

Here is a photo of myself with Canon Turner taken on either my First Communion Day or, judging from the age I appear to be, perhaps it might have been my Confirmation Day.

I remember St Patrick's School quite vividly as it was my primary school after St. Ann's but don't have any photos of it."

Tony Ivanov: Bo'ness, West Lothian, Scotland: December 10, 2007

Canon Turner

Thank you to Eric Gold (formerly known as Eric McKenzie) who saw the photograph above and wrote.

Schools

"It was great to see the photo of Tony Ivanov sent of himself and Cannon Turner. I remember Cannon Turner well. Tony must have been at St Patrick's at the same time as me.

I was at:

(1) St Ann's 1953 -55.

(2) St Patrick's from 1955 - 60.

(3) St Anthony's near Leith until 1963.

Then, I took up a great seafaring career.

Funeral Procession

"I remember when Canon Turner died. It was a huge funeral. From the Grassmarket to the end of the Cowgate and St Mary's Street was all sealed off.

We were all lined up outside the chapel. A wild guess, I would say that was in 1958. (Actually 1960. See 4 below.)

I also remember Father McHugh, and there was another priest too called Father McNeil.

I'm trying hard to get a St Patrick's school photo, but with no luck at all."

Eric Gold: East London: December 13, 2007

Church and Schools

Thank you to Bob Henderson, Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, who attended both St Patrick's school and St Ann's school for providing a sketch showing the location of several of the buildings in the area.

Around 1950

Canon Burnie

Thank you for more recollections from Bob Henderson.

Bob wrote

1943

"I remember Canon Burnie from when I was at St. Ann's school in 1943. He was a wee wiry man who walked with a cane which he used liberally to whack us boys if he caught us up to mischief.

Like the time, for instance, when he caught us in the empty water tank just after the war. I was last to climb out so I was the one who got caught and whacked about the shins with the dreaded cane."

Bob Henderson, Burdiehouse, Edinburgh: December 13, 2007

Peter Jenkins

Thank you to Peter Jenkins, Surrey, England, who wrote:

Canon Turner

"You have a photo of Canon Turner with Tony Ivanov. It was such a thrill to see a photo of Canon James Turner outside of our family collection

Canon Turner was my great Uncle and is also the brother of Driver John Turner whose photograph you have as an example of GR Mackays work.

Canon Turners funeral was in March 1960

Peter Jenkins, Surrey, England: March 13, 2003

Peter Jenkins

Request for Info or Photos

Thank you to Peter Jenkins who sent another message.

Peter wrote:

Canon Turner

"Can I ask if you could possibly put out an appeal for any more photos or information on Canon Turner?

From the information on your site and personal recollections within the family he was an extremely popular man. Hundreds lined the streets for his funeral.

Given this information it has always surprised me that there is not a single record of his existence on the internet despite my searching endlessly.

I would be grateful for any photos or information/recollections anyone can provide."

Peter Jenkins, Surrey, England: April 2, 2003

Canon Turner

Tony Ivanov replied to Peter Jenkins' request for information about Canon Turner.

Tony wrote:

"At the time when my photograph was taken with Canon Turner I was an alter boy at St Patrick's church, and remained so for quite a few years.

My recollections of Canon Turner are that he was a good man, always friendly, never got angry and was well liked by his parishioners.

Most parish priests, and all members of the clergy, tend to be remembered personally by those who knew them and not necessarily in written text.

Peter Jenkins can be assured that there will be many others who remember his great uncle. To be fondly remembered after over fifty years is remarkable"

Tony Ivanov: Bo'ness, West Lothian, Scotland: April 5, 2008.