Article July 26, 1919 Issue

Among the Churches

Current Notes

New York .—The strikingly successful welfare work done among the inmates of Sing Sing Prison by James M. Reynolds, of Ossining, under the supervision of the Christian Science churches in Greater New York and vicinity, has led the Christian Science churches of New York state to unite in appointing him state prison worker for that denomination, with headquarters in New York city. During the six years since he began the welfare work at Sing Sing nearly two hundred inmates have come out under Mr. Reynolds' care, and it is a very notable fact that no one of these has either broken his parole or gone back to prison. At present he is looking after the welfare of a large number of paroled men.

Local Christian Scientists have carried on similar welfare work in the various prisons of the state, holding regular church services, distributing literature, and ministering spiritually to the inmates as opportunity has offered. All this work will be continued under the general supervision of Mr. Reynolds, who has come to be regarded by the agents and wardens of the prisons as parole officer, chaplain, and welfare worker, while the state parole board regards him as the Christian Science state parole officer. From the results already obtained in lifting the thoughts of prison inmates to the contemplation of spiritual things, to higher and nobler ideals of life, as well as in meeting their practical needs when paroled or discharged, this work promises much for these men. Through the hearty cooperation of the business men throughout the state, paroled men will be given every opportunity to rehabilitate themselves and to become useful and right living citizens.—Port Jervis Gazette.

Toledo, Ohio.—The Toledo branch of the Comforts Forwarding committee, composed of members of the Christian Science churches, closed its headquarters at 231 Colton Building on April 1. This committee has been in operation about a year. All funds for the purchase of supplies and for the upkeep of headquarters have been received as voluntary contributions from interested persons. An auxiliary has been maintained at the Woman's Building, where those interested in the work of the committee have met each week on Thursdays. A knitting machine has been of great help in completing the knitting quotas. Garments sent to the committee not quite up to the standard of those required for shipment to Boston headquarters have been distributed among local charities, which have been found neglected because of the large amount of war relief going out of Toledo. Everything of this kind remaining in headquarters after the final shipment has been made will be sent to the North Toledo Settlement.

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