Edgar Turner at 90 - Professor of Organic Chemistry John Mann

In the year 2010, Edgar Turner became part of that small group of people who are not only mentally and physically active at the age of 90, but remain an essential cog in an institutional machine. In Edgar's case it is the Church of Ireland, a body whose heart beats close to its Irish and Anglican roots. For more than 60 years, as a priest, scholar, ecumenist, legislator and sometime woodworker and football devotee, his rich and varied life has touched that of many others. Often his work has gone unnoticed, or with just the suspicion of his wisdom, knowledge and guiding hand in the background. To celebrate Edgar's 90th year, some of his many friends and colleagues pay their tribute to his remarkable career. These essays form an affectionate account of his adult life, but at the same time - and more importantly - provide, for those who know him less intimately or not at all, an insight into why this scholarly priest has held such a vital place in the life of the Irish Church for more than half a century.