Rev. Turner leaving Greenwood's Historic Vernon AME Church

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Reverend Dr. Robert Turner announced he's leaving Historic Vernon AME Church after four years as its pastor.

According to Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, they'll be welcoming Turner as its new pastor this Sunday.

Rev. Dr. Turner wrote a lengthy goodbye to Tulsa on his Facebook page Wednesday.

In it, he spoke about leading Vernon throughout the last four years, a time when national attention and the spotlight have been on Greenwood and the church.

He also spoke about the restoration projects that have been completed during his time totaling $1 million.

"There is another church, community and cause to take on," Rev. Dr. Turner said in the post. "I will take it with much great appreciation, preparation and wisdom because of my time here in Tulsa. Vernon, you were the best. Greenwood, you are forever in my heart."

The pastor added that reparations are still his passion, and now, he'll fight for them from a different church.

Vernon AME Church has not yet announced a new pastor.