Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1891-04-20
AN INrEREsrIkG SERVICE.

Dedication of the New Chapel at the
Jail-Dr. Smyth, Mr.. John G. North |
and Ladies Address the Prisoners |
Beautiful Solo, Duet and Quartette |
Singing. .--.
A very interesting dedication service of
the new chapel in the jail was held at
o'clock yesterday morning in the presence
of all the prisoners. It was addressed by
DIR. Newman Smyth and Mr.. John 6.
North, and several of the ladies. Quite
number of young men and ladies attended.
After hymn and prayer by Mr.. North,
DR.. Smyth spoke, being introduced by
Mr.. Snow. He could speak but few
words, as he had service to attend in
Center church. He said to the prisoners:
81 don't know what right 1 or anyone
else have to speak to you unless
we help you when you get out of
here; but at any rate the son of. man is
always ready to help any one that
will help himself Whenever any man
whatever is willing to stand up and say he
will take him for his help, then the great
God whose sight is in the whole heavens is
willing to help him. If any man here
don't believe it just try it. I see some of
you are very young, and there is no reason
why You shouldn't learn to live we'll and
make yourself and others happy. I re-
member man who enlisted in the army,
hopeless drunkard, a poor, miserable
man; no one ever said any good of. One
time we had to march out into the coun-
try, about forty miles, in mud and slush,
and we got out of bareback. That man
came up to me with two hard-tacks, one in
each hand, and said: you take that one
or I'll throw it down in the mud and.
stamp on it. I learned then that God
might be in the heart of any man, if there
is only something for God to get hold of.
make the best of. o, men, be true to the
truest in your own selves. You have
made a mistake; you haven't had will
enough to steer you right. just take
Jesus Christ into your heart and let him
steer you; he will do it for every man.
And so hope that some day in some better
world we may meet and be able to say,
for we are all sinners: Thank God, for
he saved me and brought me out of drunk
enness and SIM God bless you ALL"
Mrs. Atwater then sang for the men,
and after another lynn Mr.. Snow spoke
somewhat thus: "This is our first meet
ing in the chapel and we ought to be very
thankful to have such beautiful place.
We don't want solemn dedicatory services,
but to meet together like brothers. We
want to have this place for the worship of
God and to find out what ne wants of US. ,"
He then read the ten commandments
from Elk. Xxx, and then duet hymn was
given by Misses Mary and Jessie Dryer.
Mr.. North then gave the prisoners an ex-
cellent address, of which we append few
words:
"We are nearer to the eternal home to-
seen those here last Sunday who are now
| in enternity. Now what Pm here for to-
| day is to help you nearer that home. I've
| prayed and longed for this place for years.
l want to show you the contrast between
| now and fifty years ago. Do you want to
hear about my first Sunday in jails Put
up your hand if you do" Great show of
hands. ''Mr. Bryan was jailer, and he
wanted me and others, such as Deacon
| Amos Townsend, Deacon Charles Bost-
| wick, Deacon Isaac Thompson and Phile-
| mon Hoadley, to go to jail. The prison
ers were divided into classes of from one
to three men. They were all kept in the
cells or else chained to the foor-they
never let them meet together as they do
now"
Mr.. North then told story of a prodi-
| gal son whom he there met. He also told
| his ''hog story" which saved one man he
I knew and was received with much inter
| est. He spoke much about the danger of
| the "frst drop" referring to the young
man not twenty-five years old brought to
the gallows here by it only last spring.
His talk was long, but he held the atten-
ton of his audience from beginning to
end, and no congregation ever behaved
| better. Another beautiful hymn was sung
| by the Misses Dwyer, and then Mr.. North
| called on all those who wanted to be
soldiers of the cross to stand up. One af-
ter one they rose, till the majority were on
their feet.
| Several of the ladies also addressed
them, and a number of hymns were sung;
also quartette organized for the occasion
sung. The music by the young ladies and
Mrs. Atwater was very sweet and inspir-