The Rev. Harold F. Turk, 88, Methodist pastor

The Rev. Harold F. Turk, 88, of Richwood, a longtime pastor at Browns Mills United Methodist Church who was behind the fund-raising and building of the current church and educational building, died Monday, July 19, at the Masonic Home in Burlington Township.

While working at his family's farm near Glassboro as a young man, Mr. Turk found his calling.

He enrolled at Temple University's Conwell School of Theology, and in 1950 he started his ministry. As a student pastor, he ministered at a three-point charge of Methodist churches in Cumberland County for about four years.

He was pastor at three other churches before moving to Browns Mills United Methodist in the early 1960s. Shortly after his arrival, Mr. Turk, described as a calm but take-charge man, took on the construction of a new church.

He saw the project from its fund-raising roots to its completion, said his son, the Rev. Gary Turk.

Mr. Turk was a big supporter of missionaries, taking a missionary trip himself to Haiti. He often invited missionaries to speak to his congregation or sent them money, his son said.

After his 17 years at Browns Mills, Mr. Turk worked at a few other churches before retiring from full-time ministry in the mid-1980s. He continued to minister part time at Hudson United Methodist Church in Pedricktown, Salem County, for eight years before fully retiring.

Mr. Turk continued to support Delanco Camp, a Christian camp and retreat center in Tabernacle, as a member of its board of directors, on which he served for more than 40 years.

Born and raised in Hardingville in Elk Township, Mr. Turk moved with his family to Glassboro when he was teenager. He graduated from Glassboro High School in 1938 and worked with his father on the 40-acre vegetable and fruit farm.

In 1945 he married local girl Claire Mabel and eventually went to Rutgers University, where he earned a bachelor's degree.

In addition to his son Gary, Mr. Turk is survived by another son, Gordon; daughters Gayla and Gloria; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His wife died April 20.

Friends may call after 9 a.m. Friday, July 23, at Evangelical United Methodist Church, 14 W. Cohawkin Rd., Clarksboro, where a funeral will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Richwood Cemetery.