Another Episcopal presence inside a correctional facility

Submitted by The Rev. Sandra C.  Mayer, Rector, St. John’s, Monroeville;
Chaplain, Life Tech Transition Center

The sprawling 93 acres offer a haven to over 250 men who are in the throes of finding their way back into the free world after a stint in an Alabama prison. It’s called Life-Tech Transition Center and it’s located in Thomasville, Alabama, a small southern community in mid-Alabama. It’s a program of the Alabama Pardon and Parole Board and its mission is to provide a transition time for men who have been paroled from an Alabama prison or who are on probation. For most of them, this is their last chance to learn the skills that will ensure success when they are released back into the free world.

Life-Tech’s story came to the attention of  The Rev. Sandra Mayer, rector of  St. John’s – Monroeville,  over a year ago as a result of her involvement with former governor Bob Riley’s Commission for Prisoner Re-entry program. The governor had created this program in an effort to reduce Alabama’s recidivism rate which is one of the highest in the nation. His plan was to involve faith communities throughout Alabama to sponsor inmates who had been paroled, and finding a support network that would help them make a successful transition to the free world. Life Tech was part of that effort. At their parole hearing the inmate would be recommended for Life Tech and if paroled, he would be transferred there to begin the six month program.

The ministry at Life Tech began when David Martinie, executive director for Life Tech called Sandra saying he had a resident who was about to graduate the program and was in need of a home plan that included a home, employment and a viable support network. The resident, William Tucker, had been a member of the St. Dismas community at Fountain Correctional Center, so they knew each other from Sandra’s ministry there. Arrangements were made with members of St. John’s to provide housing and employment for Mr. Tucker; his apartment was furnished with furniture, appliances, linens and food. Since his arrival in Monroeville, he has been a mainstay at St. John’s serving as a lay reader and acolyte. He finished his first year of EFM in May. He is also part of the team that goes to Life Tech twice a month. And he bakes a mean German chocolate cake!

On the 2^nd & 4^th Sundays of most months, a team from St. John’s travels to Monroeville to conduct services at the Life Tech chapel. There’s a wonderful story about the chapel…last year about this time Sandra and Rev. Bob Graves were visiting Life Tech. Martinie gave a tour of the 93 acres that was originally built as a Air Force Radar  base. Later, it was used by Alabama Mental health department for over 25 years. In 2006 it was renovated to accommodate the Life Tech program. In the course of the tour, Martinie pointed out there was a free-standing chapel, but it lacked air conditioning and heating. The old unit had given out, and there were no funds to replace it. Sandra and Bob gave each other knowing glances – this was a doable project! After receiving a bid to replace the broken unit, they went to work and raised the necessary funds. In May of this year, the chapel was cool and ready for use. When the St. John’s team arrived on that first Sunday after the unit was installed, they were met with a delightful surprise. The men had taken it upon themselves to refurbish the chapel by replacing the sheetrock, applying new paint, cleaning the carpet, and renovating the two restrooms. The chapel was lovely…a testament to the men who had taken ownership of this wonderful place and made it their own.

At the first service held in Building 308 last year, 26 men attended. On May 22, 2011 57 men participated in the service. Most received communion with others receiving a blessing. Not wanting to lose the Episcopal presence, but also mindful that the majority of the men are of different traditions, the format of the time is divided among celebrating the Eucharist, a healing service and Bible study. Music for services is provided by a resident who is proficient in playing the keyboard. Following the service, there is good fellowship with refreshments provided by members of St. John’s. The chapel has received two cases of Bibles, a gift from Monroeville Presbyterian Church, and from St. Mary’s Church, Evergreen (which is no longer active) candles, BCPs and hymnals that have now found a home.

The ministry at Life – Tech is a special one. The men come from many different traditions – some are unchurched. And the intention is to bring the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to them and then let the Holy Spirit work in their lives. It’s been said that many of the men attending were just there for the food. A few cookies, cokes and coffee, and enough chicken-salad, piemento cheese and tuna salad sandwiches to feed them all. It’s been stated by members of the team that “we need to feed their bodies before we can feed their souls.” Bruce Ulmer, one of the St. John’s team that ministers to Life Tech shared the following thoughts about the ministry: “ Another Episcopal presence inside a correctional facility. Who knows where the Holy Spirit will lead us next. Could another mission church be founded? Can we really assist people who have been locked up for so long a time to a return to normalcy in our society? Could we change the miserable lack of success of returnees back to prison who have in the past had nothing with which to gain a toe hold? If the Holy Spirit is involved, I think anything is possible.”

The Commission on Prison Ministry of our diocese supports and affirms this ministry. Anyone who is interested in learning more about Life Tech and other prison ministries, and how their congregation can support the work done in the prisons, please contact any member of the Commission.