Religious services are conducted in the prison chapel each Sunday, and as
previously stated, a Catholic and Protestant chaplain preach every
alternate Sunday. The attendance, although voluntary, is very large,
taxing the capacity of the chapel. Services are held at nine a. m.,
previous to which time each prisoner is asked by his guard whether or not
he wishes to attend.
A great many people think that, as a rule, prisoners are hardened sinners,
not susceptible to the refining influence of the Gospel. But the facts do
not justify this belief, for there are as many Christians in the
Stillwater penitentiary, per population, as can be found anywhere. Many of
the prisoners attend church every Sunday and are better inmates for the
imbibing of moral instruction.
The law strictly forbids the teaching of sectarian doctrines and visiting
clergymen are instructed to observe this rule.
The prison orchestra and choir, consisting of inmates, furnish the
instrumental and vocal music for the services. Any inmate who wishes to
consult the chaplain of the prison or the pastor of his particular
denomination in regard to spiritual matters is always accorded the utmost
liberty to do so. The chaplains also attend the sick in the prison
hospital and conduct the burial services of the unfortunates who die in
prison. Upon entering the chapel the men take their places on the benches
and must remain seated, with their arms folded and eyes to the front. When
it is necessary to arise the deputy warden gives a signal and also when to
be seated. The benches contain hymn books, and all prisoners are permitted
the privilege of joining in the singing.