The New York herald., 1878-10-14
A PRISON ALTAR.
SERVICES AT THE KINGS COUNTY PENIrEN-
TIARY-oNE HUNDRED CoNvICTs REcEIvE

SERVICES AT THE KINGS COUNTY PENIrEN-
TIARY-oSE HUNDRED coNvIcrs RECEIVE
HOLY COMMUNION.
Services OF a most interesting character were held
in the chapel OF the Kings County Penieniiary yes
terday in presence Of large number oi officials and
prom ncnt citizsns of Brooklyn and vicinity,
among whom were many ladies. The occa-
sion tho blessing Of new and handsome
altar which has just been erected ~ that
institution, and which was resplendent with lights
natural flowers tastcuy arranged by the vile OF
Warden Shsvliu. When the services we're begun,
shortly before eleven O'Clock, there were present
Mayor Howell, Comptroller Burrsil Justices Of the
Peace Riley, Semler and Walsh, ex-Police Com
missioner Pyburn. Supervisors Byrne. Sexton, Still
WE'LL Gubner, Williamson, Heuck, Clark and
Snyder. General De Lacey and the members OF
the State Prison COMMITTEES resident OF Kings
county A choir rendered Giorges' mass in
most excellent manner. After the blessing Of the
altar a solemn high mass was celebrated by Rev.
Michael Hokie chaplain OF the Penitsniiary, assisted
oy Rev. l. F. Toner, ofst Mary's star OF the Sea,
deacon, and Rev Father O'Brisn, Of St Stephens,
as sub-deacon.
and ST. Paul, Williamsburg, ascended the altar
and preached sermon, taking for his text Mathew,
tleinan said that he had expected large
gathering of prominent ctizens were present
upon this OCCASION Yet IT was pleasing evidence OF
tue interest manifested in services OF this kind. not
alone by those who OF the Catholic faith, but by
many who had come thcre 10 ipdorss The moral
and religious influence OF the Church.
You assiau0d TO this prison, said the reverend
father addressing himself TO the convicts, sat-
isHed Tor good II is the privilege OF the law
to hear and 10 know the truth. speak plainly and
In truth you that you may profit by my words now
in order that In the future you may, when released
from this prison, became good citizens and worthy
members OF the Church OF God. Every person
accused Of crime against the law s tried by jury
OF hts fellow ctizens, and there s scarce cxcep-
tional where man not guilty is punished. But
dsprives you Of dearest OF boons lfe's liberty,
would even here deprive you OF happiness.
For they say 10 you whom you have
served your we win forgive and forget
The community which you will 90 alter leaving
here, Catholic and Protestant alike, is . noble
needy and TO the weak. The characteristics OF
the eyes ol the world, 10 too much
mercy. Then respect ana obey the laws OF the land
that you enjoy the heritage IN which tho provi
dencc OF God has SO happily cast your lot In lifc
The reverend speaker dwelt tho evils of In.
TEN perance, which IL SO productive OF crime To
such sensitive after leaving prison he urged
them 10 20 wherc they known. The coun-
Try Is vast and he would advise them to 60 among
strangers and there, with fidelity to their Church,
the Of the state and aitnfulness and truth In
their intercourse with tneir fellow men, they would
begin life and would enjoy the blessings which
truth virtue and industry accord 10 all who would
love and serve God. Such the blessing he wished
all the prisoners h 0t.
One hundred male and female convicis received
Holy Communion, and at the close OF the services
they marched 10 their cells and tho srsga-
tion dismissed. In the afternoon Rev. Job Bass,
chaplain the Psntentinry, ociated be.
tore the Protestant csnvicts.