The Turner Foundation – Since 1958 Formerly the Rose Garden Village Foundation 1958-1987 The Turner Foundation (formerly the Rose Garden Village Foundation) was founded in 1958 by Rev. Dr. Albert J. Turner. The youngest of four children, Rev. Turner was born in Belfast , Ireland in 1916. He came to the United States by way of Canada, and followed in the footsteps of his father, an Irish evangelist. He became a roving preacher in the United States in the mid-1930s. Crusades soon followed, whether it was at a drive-in movie theater or on the “Gospel Cruise” boat: Rev. Turner's mission was the Gospel.
By 1958, Rev. Turner located 7 vacant acres on an adjacent parcel to California Baptist University —and he began to pray. He needed at least a down payment on the total cost of the land: $28,000. He decided to leave his work at the University, borrowed $800 from the bank to keep food on the table, and discussed his vision for the elderly with Mrs. Caroline C. Huber, the owner of the 7 acres. He convinced Mrs. Huber to dedicate the property to caring for the needs of the elderly. He envisioned a “village” community, but the details of how it would happen were still largely unclear. “I was doing this all by faith and her (Mrs. Huber's) word,” he said. His philosophy was simple: “Commit yourself to Christ. Then, prayer and hard work.” (Source: Riverside Press-Enterprise article by Dennis Tristram, 1973). What was Rev. Turner's description of himself? “I'm a promoter, I guess. I was born one and I guess I'll die one. But there's always got to be God in it. Without Him in it I'm licked. I'm through. I can't do anything.” (Source: Riverside Press-Enterprise article by Dennis Tristram, 1973). Rev. Turner's journey of faith continued when, 24 hours from foreclosure, Mrs. Marion Clark Miller (widow of Frank Miller—founder of The Mission Inn in Riverside ), handed him a check for the entire $28,000 he needed. Reflecting on the eleventh-hour gift, Rev. Turner commented: “I believe that God hears and God answers prayer.” Almost at the same time, the United States government adopted Section 231 of the Federal Housing Administration (HUD), which provided for the underwriting of retirement homes for the elderly. Turner's Rose Garden Village was the first project in the nation under that act. As a result of the act, Turner's $1 million, 121 unit project was now insured by the government. The ground was broken and the Rose Garden Village bloomed.
Subsequent visitors included Nancy Reagan, who came for a tea and to discuss the project with Rev. Turner, and then-Governor Ronald Reagan. By 1967, Rev. Turner had a new vision. He planned a $2 million addition—plans that would add 93 units—on an adjacent 2.5 acres. This new facility would subsequently be named The Royal Rose. As a result of the Rose Garden Village being the first Section 231 project in the nation, Rev. Turner was invited to visit former President Dwight D. Eisenhower at his home in Palm Desert . It was on Eisenhower's watch that Section 231 came to be law. Through the years, Rev. Turner's son-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan H. Wilson, began assisting Rev. Turner in his ministry among the residents. He began in 1962 as a dish washer, then a bus boy, and then was promoted to be a cook in the Village Restaurant. Rev Turner's daughter Patty and Jon met and began to date while she also served as a Waitress. Rev. Turner liked Jon's “I'll do whatever it takes” attitude.
And he generally did what ever needed to be done on the Village grounds, from digging ditches to cleaning apartments, to cleaning toilets to locking things down at night. It was at
that time that Rev Turner identified Jon's servant heart, his trustworthiness, his gifts for ministry, and a willingness
While in Seminary preparing for ministry, Jon practiced for ministry by being available to meet the needs of the elderly as an assistant to Rev Turner. He did counseling in times of death, performed funerals, lead Chapel services and Bible Studies, helped with banquets and community meetings, and after his Ordination in 1971--he began performing marriages. Rev. Turner was known for walking around the Rose Garden Village campus—hugging the adoring residents, ministering and consoling in their times of loss or suffering. They affectionately called him “Dr. Turner”…out of their respect for his vision which became a reality and blessed their lives. Speaking about those he served, Rev. Turner had a simple outlook: “Anything I can do for them, I want to do it.” Rev. Dr. Albert J. Turner—the promoter, the evangelist, the pastor, the friend of the elderly—passed away in 1987. 1987-2005 Upon the passing of Rev. Turner, Mrs. Turner asked her son-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan H. Wilson, to increase his involvement with the Rose Garden Village and Royal Rose Foundations. Rev. Wilson, also an ordained pastor, had spent many years involved with the Foundations—whether it be in the form of preaching in the chapel, counseling, or leading various bible study groups. Now, in the wake of the loss of Rev. Turner, his role would be increased. At the time of Mrs. Turner's passing in 1991, Rev. Wilson became the President of the Boards of both the Rose Garden Village and Royal Rose foundations. Over the past 15 years, Rev. Wilson and his wife Patty have become friends of the residents—leading chapel services, hosting events and parties, writing newsletters, counseling residents, overseeing the staff, and shepherding the vision for the foundations going forward. Rev. Wilson has developed important relationships in the community of Riverside , thus insuring the future of the foundations. Under Rev. Wilson's leadership at the Rose Garden Village , the grounds were significantly upgraded—including a new patio area, fresh paint, updated landscaping, benches, and a re-modeling of the Center Building . In addition, the security of the property was enhanced. In 2002, Rev. Wilson asked his middle son, Mr. Dean Wilson, to assist him in the development of the Foundations. Mr. Wilson's first task was to put a Board of Directors in place: a Board which would bring the experience, vision, and commitment to the future of The Turner Foundation in the same manner in which Rev. Turner brought in the past. In 2003, the new Board was named. In the ensuing years, Mr. Wilson engineered a re-development study with the Board—and after two years of analysis and consideration—the decision was made by the Board of Directors to sell the properties in Riverside. 47 years after Rev. Turner departed from California Baptist University , the properties were sold to CBU as part of the university's development plans. At the same time, the Board elected to purchase a 70-unit affordable housing facility in Santa Barbara, California, and to re-locate the Foundations to Santa Barbara as well. Rev. Wilson continues as President of the Board, and the Board named Mr. Dean Wilson as the foundation's Executive Director from 2005-2009. Mr. Dean Wilson played a role in the development of the 70-unit apartment complex that is now known as the Village at Santa Barbara. From 2005-2008 he focused on the rehabilitation of the property which included but is not limited to; fresh paint, new doors, landscaping re-vamp, new laundry facilities, a garden, free piano lessons, professional counseling and swim lessons, community development, new indoor and outdoor lighting, new appliances and much more. Vision for the Future Rev. Wilson along with Turner Foundation partners and staff are moving forward on a broad vision for The Turner Foundation going forward. In the original Articles of Incorporation, the Foundation is charged with assisting the elderly with housing, facilities, and services—including meeting the religious needs of those served. In addition, the Foundation's task includes assisting the disabled. Rev. Wilson and the Board of Directors' vision includes serving those in need—the elderly and the disabled (as the Foundation has for 47 years)—and those with significant financial needs. The Foundation also places a high priority on supporting the community by praying for the leaders of the community—as the leaders are in positions to serve the poor and sick in the community as well. To this end, the Foundation now has monthly prayer gatherings for the community, inviting leaders in various positions to attend. These gatherings bring people together to pray for the poor, the elderly, families, and those with disabilities or special needs. The Turner Foundation looks forward expectantly, blessed by the sacrifice and vision of Rev. Turner and inspired by his simple motto about those he served: “Anything I can do for them, I want to do it.” |
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In 1956, Rev. Turner came to California. He joined California Baptist University in Riverside as the Director of Public Relations. He and his wife, Florence , also had the responsibility of caring for a small rest-home on the college campus. In this work, the Turners gained insight into the needs of the elderly—and decided they would spend the remainder of their lives pursuing a vision of caring for them.
Jon and Patty were married in July 1967 by Rev. Turner--with the reception being held in the Village Center . (Jon and Patty are the only under-60 newlyweds to ever honeymoon in a village apartment). Jon preached his first sermon at the Village Chapel in August 1967 and entered Seminary. Patty and Jon both continued their ministry among the elderly over the years.