A Christian Scientist was enjoying a friendly dinner meeting of persons concerned with the rehabilitation of inmates at a large state prison in Monterey County, California. Before too long, he began to realize—with unfeigned surprise—that he was the honored guest.
The Scientist, a Chaplain for the Christian Science Committee on Institutional Work in California, has visited inmates at the prison for twelve years, holding Christian Science services and giving counsel and healing treatment through prayer upon request. The sponsors of the dinner were professors from nearby colleges, as well as some of the correctional institution's executives. Called the "Program Advisory' Council," the group studies ways and means of improving the correction program and of supporting the inmates' return to society.
Among the reasons the Council decided to give their first annual award to the Christian Science Chaplain were his contributions to the spiritual growth of numerous inmates, vastly improving their rehabilitation prospects and forwarding the group's goal of preserving and safeguarding community life while providing for the offender's welfare.
