PRISONERS RENEW VOWS.

Shannon News, 4 December 1925, Page 3

PRISONERS RENEW VOWS.

AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY. An unusual and interesting service took place in the New Plymouth prison last week, when the great call that lias been made throughout ,the past centuries was au-;wcred by eight men, who, in their weakness, had transgressed the Divine laws, and for their own sakes and for tlie protection of their fellows are serving a span of their mortal life behird iron bars and stone walls. Of their own free will eight prisoners, befoio a congregation of fellow-prisoners, gaol officials and a few visitors, renewed the vow made in their name at baptism. Not unique, it is nevertheless' exceedingly rare that a confirmation service is held in prison. Impressive as such services are, the one in question was even more so than usual.

"It takes more than a passing thought to indues'men to turn a bare prison assembly room into a chapel, v " says, the Taranaki Daily News, "toerect there an aitar and to garnish it with the virgin l.lies and white azaleas symbolical of the purity of a Christian life. Lip service would not make men go down on their knees on the concrete to recite the Lord's Prayer and to receive the blessing at the close of the service, nor would it allow them to stand with hends erect to proclaim their intention to 'fight the good fight.' " The Primate, Archbishop Avenll, conducted the Vvvice, and it was of that practical side of Christ's life in calling to men. knowing full well what they were and of their possibilities, that he spoke. Tie reminded his hearers that Christ had called men to Him. He knew perfectly well what they were. But He did not call them for what they were, but for what He would make them. Jle did not want them .merely for companions, but so that He '"could' strengthen them and send them out into the world to strengthen others.