Article July 11, 1901 Issue

Prison Work at Joliet, Ill.

BY W. F. AUSTIN.

In August, 1899, there was one copy each of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" and "Miscellaneous Writings" in the library of the Illinois State Penitentiary located at Joliet, Ill. Another copy of Science and Health had been placed there by the local church, but it had been mislaid and was not then in the library. Since that date other copies have been received, until now there are thirtyeight copies of Science and Health, five of "Miscellaneous Writings," and a large number of Christian Science Journals and Sentinels. These are all in constant use. Some ten or twelve of the books are owned by inmates. Co-operating with First Church of Christ, Scientist, here, the balance were contributed to the library by Christian Science Churches throughout the State of Illinois, together with personal friends of inmates and the Cause. There are at present twenty-two regular subscribers to the Sentinel and four to the Journal. Through the kindness of officers in charge, Journals and Sentinels are passed from cell to cell, thus offering to all who may wish to read an opportunity to do so.

There are fifteen or twenty inmates who are making a close study of Christian Science, and many more who are reading Science and Health. Some have read Science and Health through several times. Books from the library may be retained two weeks, but to those who desire it a special privilege of extended time is granted on Christian Science books. Some are aided in their study through correspondence with Christian Scientists.

The Readers of the local church have on two occasions conducted the regular service in the chapel and once in the woman's department. On these occasions solos were rendered by Scientists much to the appreciation of the large audiences (numbering between eight hundred and one thousand), which gave very close and respectful attention to the entire service.

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