The materials in this collection reflect the work of Dr. William Clair Turner, Jr, Professor of the Practice of Homiletics at Duke University Divinity School. They relate to pneumatology (the study of the activity of the Holy Spirit). Dr. Turner, in addition to representing excellence in the preaching craft, explores the work of the Holy Spirit in the arenas of diversity and social justice as manifested within the church, within Duke University, and within the wider Durham community.

As a professor at the Divinity School Dr. Turner has taught pneumatology courses every academic year since Dean Thomas Langford arranged for his appointment to the faculty in 1982 and bequeathed to him his own course on ‘The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.’

From his time as a walk-on football player for Duke University in 1966 through the period where he earned three Duke degrees (BS, MDiv, PhD), and into the 21st century, Dr. Turner has always been at the center of the phenomenal and complex dynamics that marked the desegregation-integration saga of the University and Divinity School. This collection preserves a rare and vital piece of Duke's history.

In addition to Dr. Turner's own sermons, personal papers (many of which are on deposit in the Rubenstein Library), and taped reminiscences, this collection has also been expanded to include works from other authors and sources who have been inspired by or who have worked with Dr. Turner and share his passion for pneumatology, liberation, reconciliation, and social justice.

The collection is curated by Dr. Turner himself with the assistance of Jon Michael Spencer, PhD.

Citation Guidelines

Preferred citation for the digital version:

[Author, Identification of item], Spirit of the Times: The Changing Era at Duke University Papers Digital Version. Duke Divinity School Library, Duke University. [Item URL].

Preferred citation for the original documents in the archives on campus, if consulted:

[Identification of item], William Clair Turner Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.