By Robert Barron, Staff Writer
Faith-based classes are not a new concept in prisons, but it is a movement that is growing in Oklahoma, and former Enid pastor Joe Wilson is helping out.
Wilson is domestic coordinator of World Mission Builders, which builds chapels in many places without one. Their most recent project was constructing a chapel at Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center in Taft.
According to a letter by Wilson, Eddie Warrior chaplain Kathryn McCollum said there were more than 200 women on the waiting list for a faith-based healing program at the prison. She had adequate classes and volunteers but lacked space for them. Justin Jones, Department of Correct-ions director, and other DOC officials supported the plan to build the chapel.
They built the chapel in 12 days, although there still is some interior work to finish. They poured the floor in August, then started work in September and completed September 21. The 12 days included all installation of rough-in plumbing, electric, heating and air systems, sprinkler and insulation, baptistery and steeple.
“We had up to 35 offenders helping us every day. That was a big help,” Wilson said. “Those ladies competed for the privilege of getting to work.”
The chapel is 50-feet-wide and 96-feet-long with a small porch.
The offenders gave 100 percent, he said, including doing much of the heavy work like digging plumbing ditches, a fire line for the sprinkler and digging out a broken water line, which included baling out water from a 5-foot mud pit.
“When the walls came in, they carried them from the truck and put them up,” he said.
The project has cost about $290,000 to date, and Wilson said he needs another $75,000 to complete the work. There were $115,000 worth of goods and services donated, including cement, carpet and tile and professional services.
“It was amazing. It was the most exciting, inspirational project we’ve ever had,” Wilson said.
There are a number of ministries coming into the prison to conduct programs to reduce recidivism and they find whatever space they can. Wilson said prison and DOC officials think the chapel will be effective. There will be programs seven days a week, day and night.
“Most of these ladies are on short rotation, and they will be gone in three years and replaced with another group. Most of them have families back home and they will impact them. This may be a significant step in the right direction,” Wilson said.
Jones told Wilson there is need for about 15 chapels around the state, but Wilson said he will need between $4 million and $45 million to build them.
“We prayed for God’s favor before we started and he really favored this project,” Wilson said.
