"The Penitentiary Itself is a Lie": Texas and Alabama Prison Chaplaincy, 1880–1950 Open Access
Fletcher, Megan (Spring 2025)
Abstract
This thesis examines the history of prison chaplaincy in Texas and Alabama roughly from Reconstruction to the end of World War II. It draws on the historiography of American prisons, the death penalty, religion, and chaplaincy, as well as archival newspapers and prison documents, to argue that prison chaplains both inside and outside of death row settings continued to be in a precarious position. Because there were so few chaplains in either state at any given time, this thesis focuses on the approaches of individual chaplains. Situated between the demands of the state, prisoners, and religion, individual chaplains had to make decisions about how to approach their jobs. It ultimately argues that chaplains’ distinct approaches — some in the form of buying into the logic of the prison, others in attempting to advocate for better conditions for prisoners — were products of their positions within southern prison systems. It concludes that prison chaplaincy is a historical phenomenon that requires additional attention and study from historians and scholars of religion alike.
Table of Contents
Introduction: 1
Chapter 1: Historical Setting: 7
Chapter 2: Alabama: 19
Chapter 3: Texas: 38
Conclusion: 63
Bibliography: 68
About this Master's Thesis
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"The Penitentiary Itself is a Lie": Texas and Alabama Prison Chaplaincy, 1880–1950 () | 2025-05-05 09:56:39 -0400 |
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