When was it published?

March 16, 1839 in The Connecticut Observer, And New York Congregationalist

Domestic News March 16, 1839

The Connecticut Observer, And New York Congregationalist

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Rev. Ebenezer P. Sperry, Rev. Jared Curtis, Rev. Charles Cleveland, Rev. Louis Dwight

Q: What keywords are associated?

Boston Chaplain Installation, House Of Correction, Religious Ceremony, Prison Chapel, Puritanical Induction

Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut

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What is this article about?

On February 17th, Rev. Ebenezer P. Sperry was installed as Chaplain of Boston's House of Correction in a novel ceremony attended by city officials, overseers, and about 300 prisoners. The event featured addresses, a sermon by Rev. Jared Curtis, prayers, a charge by Rev. Charles Cleveland, and fellowship by Rev. Louis Dwight, with music by prisoners.

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Installation Extraordinary. —On Sabbath afternoon, February 17th, a ceremony took place in Boston altogether novel in its character, but of a most deeply interesting and affecting kind. It seems that the Rev. Ebenezer P. Sperry had been appointed by the City authorities, Chaplain of the House of Correction, and to show to the prisoners as well as to the world, that serious matters were to be regarded in a serious light, it was judged advisable that he should be inducted into office in true puritanical style. Accordingly the Mayor of the City, with a Committee of the City Council, and the Overseers of the Institution were convened in the Chapel, with the prisoners, about 300 in number, of both sexes.

The exercises were commenced by the Mayor, who stated the object of the meeting in a short address. A pertinent Sermon followed by the Rev. Jared Curtis, Chaplain of the State prison in Charlestown. Prayer was then offered by the Chaplain of the House of Industry. The Rev. Charles Cleveland, the late Chaplain of the House of Correction, gave the Charge, and the Rev. Louis Dwight, Secretary of the Prison Discipline Society, gave the right hand of fellowship. The music was by the prisoners.— The whole occasion was one of great interest.

N. Y. Observer

What sub-type of article is it?

Appointment Religious Event

What keywords are associated?

Boston Chaplain Installation House Of Correction Religious Ceremony Prison Chapel Puritanical Induction

What entities or persons were involved?

Rev. Ebenezer P. Sperry Rev. Jared Curtis Rev. Charles Cleveland Rev. Louis Dwight

Where did it happen?

Boston

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Boston

Event Date

February 17th

Key Persons

Rev. Ebenezer P. Sperry Rev. Jared Curtis Rev. Charles Cleveland Rev. Louis Dwight

Outcome

rev. ebenezer p. sperry was inducted into office as chaplain of the house of correction in a ceremony attended by officials and 300 prisoners.

Event Details

A novel and affecting ceremony inducted Rev. Ebenezer P. Sperry as Chaplain of Boston's House of Correction. City authorities appointed him, and the induction occurred in puritanical style in the chapel with the Mayor, City Council committee, Overseers, and about 300 prisoners of both sexes present. The Mayor opened with an address, followed by a sermon from Rev. Jared Curtis, prayer by the House of Industry Chaplain, charge by Rev. Charles Cleveland, right hand of fellowship by Rev. Louis Dwight, and music performed by prisoners.