Article November 23, 1929 Issue

From the Field

[Report of Christian Science activities in the Federal Penitentiary, McNeil's Island, Washington]

Eight men at the "Honor Farm," which is operated in connection with the penitentiary, and fifteen men at the main institution are seriously studying the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. The orchestra leader and also the librarian at the institution have stated that one would be surprised to know how many are really interested in Christian Science and conscientiously studying its teachings. In proof of this fact, the librarian has ordered two additional copies of each of the Concordances for use in the library. The men are allowed to take the textbook to their cells, as they are allowed to take the Bible, and to keep it as long as they like; while other books can be kept only three days.

One lecture, which was well attended and much enjoyed, has been given during the past year. Among the remarks passed about this lecture by the men was this, that it was the chief topic of conversation at the institution for a month, and that it was the most enlightening one ever heard. A guard remarked, "It was one of the finest religious talks that I have ever heard given to a group of prisoners in my experience."

Numerous letters have been received by the Readers from the inmates, expressing gratitude for the help which Christian Science has been to them. One man testified to being healed of locomotor ataxia, the use of tobacco, of profanity, and of hatred toward his cell mate, simply through the reading of the textbook, which he has read through ten times.

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