Being still quite unable to work at his trade on account of the weak state in which his illness had left him, he was invited by a dear friend to go to the Free Manse of Strichen for a change of air, with a view to promote the recovery of his strength. While he was residing there he did not allow his weakness to form an excuse for not attempting to do anything for the salvation of precious souls, but, on the contrary, he never missed an opportunity of doing good. It is true he was not able to do much in the way of addressing meetings, but, as he walked abroad, it was his custom to go into houses, here and there, and sit down as if to rest himself. He was never long seated until he introduced the subject that was ever nearest his heart, — that of salvation for sinners through the blood of the Lamb. The Spirit of God, in many cases, accompanied his earnest words with power. Hard hearts were melted under his tender and affectionate appeals, and, it has been said, that, during his brief sojourn in Strichen on this occasion, about twenty persons were brought to the knowledge of the truth by his humble efforts, one of whom entered her rest about seven days after she found the Saviour. But so carefully did Mr. Turner watch against being in any measure lifted up, as he saw one soul after another receiving the blessing, that, always on his return to the Manse, he retired to a room by himself, where he fell on his face before the Lord, praying that he might be kept humble, and that, while the Spirit was pleased to bless simple words of truth spoken in much weakness, he, and all others, might give the glory to God only.
"Life and Labours of James Turner," by William Robbie, page 23.
The old Free Church was replaced in 1893.