On February 1, 2009, South Mountain Friends Fellowship, in Maryland Correctional Institution, Hagerstown, celebrated its fifth year of meeting as a worship group. South Mountain Friends Fellowship began as a conversation between two inmates, Richard and Joe, about their experiences with Quakers at Patuxent Institution. In the spring of 2003, Richard contacted Patapsco Friends to request that a meeting be started at MCI-H. Susan Rose, member of Ministry and Oversight, took the request to her heart and it became her leading to bring Friends together at MCI-H each week in silent worship. Silent worship began in the prison in 2005, with two Patapsco Friends traveling to Hagerstown each Saturday morning. Susan Rose was often one of the two.

Susan Rose's passing on April 1, 2009, led to a heartfelt sadness in our Fellowship. She will be missed for her constant support and love, wisdom of her years and depth of spirit. Our grief led us to write remembrances of her which became a summer 2009 issue of Patapsco Meeting's journal, “Quaker Heron.”

A lengthy lock-down in July canceled several weeks of meetings. Lock-downs and other prison events continue to occasionally prevent our Saturday morning meetings. We continue to meet each Saturday morning at 9:30, meeting with one Patapsco Friend each week. One member of Herndon Meeting has also attended South Mountain Friends on occasion. Our Meetings begin with silent worship, then “rounds,” when each attender gives a short report on personal and prison events in the past week. A discussion of a topic of interest follows. In the fall, we began to read the 1988 Baltimore Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice as our curriculum.

South Mountain Friends Fellowship looks to a future of weekly meetings, and welcomes others in Baltimore Yearly Meeting to join us.

Submitted by members, South Mountain Friends Fellowship

Stardust to Stardust is such a short span of time in the realm of the Great Mystery. Could it be that humankind's greatest struggle comes from the fact that maybe we lost sight that we are spiritual beings temporarily flesh and earth bound?

The earliest Christians have written testimonies of miracles of biblical proportions. New Year's Day, 2005, three inmates met in a side hallway for discussion, prayer and worship in the manner of Quakers. This act of faith and practice was the birth of South Mount Friends Fellowship (SMFF) which is under the care and guidance of Patapsco Friends Meeting (PFM), Ellicott City, Maryland. There are a total of nine volunteers from Patapsco Meeting and they travel two at a time weekly to Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown, Maryland (MCI-H.) It is a prison regulation that at least one member of PFM be present so that SMFF can hold regular weekly Meeting.

We were delighted when two new attenders joined our circle. Now we are eight.

Each week as this dedicated group forms a circle and enters into the silence of expectation and worship, the clamor of prison existence fades. There is that of God in all people and all things. We have become convinced the ultimate answer is the Light of God within.

There more than 2000 inmates housed at MCI-H on any given day. It is a dangerous environment and daily situations can become explosively violent instantly. In the midst of this draconian backdrop you may hear a voice filled with hope, faith and love giving some small amount of consolation and comfort with a blessing. There are other voices of broken children in adult bodies raging and cursing. You may hear anguished cries of, “... where is God now?” Our convinced members strive to answer that cry for divine help as we meet as George Fox advised. We are seekers of awareness, understanding, redemption and forgiveness as we try to follow the teachings of Jesus. We are learning to love ourselves and God so that we may truly love our neighbors as ourselves. We strive to do no harm and to forgive our enemies. It is no small task to live the “peace testimony” in prison.

Through leadings, faith and practice, SMFF has become a safe haven of worship and is a thriving Quaker Service. Remarkable? Not really. We are just another recorded miracle and SMFF is a gift from God. Our members are living testimonials to the foundations of beliefs of the Society of Friends. We are a new community in the Garden and we ask to be held in the Light as we continue to hold all God's communities in the Light. We thank Patapsco Friends for helping to establish SMFF and for their continued support. We thank the Quaker Community at large. We thank God for sending us these ambassadors of hope and love.

Peace

SMFF Attenders

For three continuous years South Mountain Friends Fellowship has provided a source of Light for both those imprisoned at the Maryland Correctional Institution of Hagerstown (MCIH), and for those visitors who attend SMFF at this Maryland state prison located in Washington County, Maryland. This is the third Annual Report by South Mountain Friends Fellowship.

Friends from Patapsco Friends Meeting at Mt. Hebron House, Ellicott City, Md., (PFM), were led to establish a place of Quaker Worship & Fellowship at MCIH based on a request by a prisoner confined at the prison. Now three years later PFM continuously provides the support, care and guidance required for the meeting to exist, which is held every seventh day (Saturday) from 9:30 - 11 AM. A viable place of Quaker Worship & Fellowship has sprung forth in this prison of over 2100 men.

As South Mountain Friends Fellowship entered 2007 discussions focused on an agenda (goals) for the year. Some members proposed that the meeting allot specific time for reading Biblical scripture while the majority was moved to designate at portion of the meeting to read and review a segment from the Religious Society of Friends Faith and Practice each weak. The experience has proven to be beneficial, enabling the members at MCIH to be more knowledgeable and identify with the ways of the larger Quaker (Friends) community. Many of the prisoners who attend SMFF seek to know more about the Quaker (Friends) community and combined with the reading and follow-up dialog with those Friends from PFM, this is being accomplished as these visitors bring an extensive wealth of knowledge. The reading and reviewing of the Faith and Practice will continue through this calendar year. Some members have expressed interest in forwarding input to the Faith & Practice revision committee in reference to the Queries, Advises and Listening for consideration. South Mountain does accommodate and welcomes biblical scripture and/or passages as members are lead to share. An equal opportunity remains available for discussion of issues and topics important to the meeting. One such lingering query is if SMFF attenders could become recognized members of PFM, or other meetings.

During the Summer of this past year SMFF was unable to assemble from mid-June through July due to a combination of a lockdown of the prison following disturbances on the compound and residual concerns for security by the Warden. Each individual had to endure the lengthy lockdown and struggle with the absence of meeting to which all have become accustomed to for their spiritual growth. The lockdown and suspension of meeting for SMFF also affected those from PFM. Fortunately, SMFF worship resumed and everyone shared their own experiences which facilitated a time to heal and permitted the inner light to shine.

As a diverse group in this prison environment, SMFF members attempt to make a better community with their daily lives and contributions. Support for activities and interest include, Meeting on seventh day (Saturday) for SMFF, Prisoners Against Teen Tragedy, (a youth diversion and community education program), Recycling, Teaching others via the Luabach Literacy Tutoring program, the Jaycees, A.V.P., and the Veterans group at MCIH. In addition, each man maintains a prison job assignment some-where within the prison compound.

On February 2, 2008, in recognition of the 3rd Anniversary a celebration was held at the prison. Once again the prison administration permitted everyone to assemble for this special gathering. In attendance were six visiting Friends from Patapsco Meeting, one visiting Friend from Deer Creek, and seven men from the prison who regularly attend. Silent worship, AVP based activities, singing and the availability of refreshments made for a memorable celebration.

As the fourth year gets underway here behind the imposing stone walls of this prison, surrounded by miles of chain-linked fences topped with razor wire, we hope that SMFF is able to provide a prominent beacon for others. The journey is one of enlightenment and can indeed be life changing for all those who are able to experience Quaker worship and fellowship.

And finally, closing out 2007, SMFF would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all who help to make this experience possible at the Maryland Correctional institution of Hagerstown.

Thank You.
South Mountain Friends Fellowship Attenders
March 15th, 2008.

This report marks the two year anniversary for the South Mountain Friends Fellowship here within the Maryland Correctional Institution of Hagerstown, (MCIH), a Maryland state prison located in Washington Co., Maryland. Friends from the Patapsco Friends Meeting, at Mt. Hebron House, Ellicott City, Maryland, continue to provide the needed guidance and care that makes our weekly fellowship possible.

South Mountain is the largest geographical landmark in this region and is easily recognized by those visiting and those imprisoned here at MCIH. A year ago, in Quaker fashion, we collectively requested to be acknowledged as South Mountain Friends Fellowship and subsequently Patapsco Friends approved with a minute forwarded to the Baltimore Yearly Meeting. A listing regularly appears in Friends Journal. During the past twelve months our membership (attenders) reached nine, three times the number from two years ago. The SMFF is supported by nine members of the Patapsco Friends Prison Ministry. Current prison policy only permits two Patapsco Friends to visit on any given Saturday.

This past February 3rd, 2007, the Warden and the prison administration did permit us to hold another special gathering in similar fashion to the year before. For this occasion five Friends from PFM were able to attend, which made for a memorable opportunity for Quaker silent worship, worship sharing, learning, song, celebration and the inclusion of some fun Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) activities.

Our regular weekly meetings for silent worship, worship sharing, and fellowship provide for a unique setting for those who are led to attend. A spirit-filled atmosphere of peace and tranquility survives in a state prison system that remains classified as one of the most dangerous in the nation. Since our last report a second correctional officer was senselessly killed, as were numerous prisoners across the state. The high level of violence, the increasing gang activity, and the accumulating frustration felt by most of the prison population continue to reflect a system in crisis.

How does a man in the dark prison environment follow his leadings, adhere to the foundations of his faith and live in the Light? Queries such as these are what bring men to Quaker worship. Queries such as these provide guides as we seek for to find our way. The men at South Mountain Friends Fellowship are grateful for the path that has remained lit for us, and for others to follow.

Several of our attenders have found opportunities to help build community in the prison, teaching English as a Second Language, working with the CAP-Jaycees, participating in AVP, and counseling at-risk youngsters through the Prisoners Against Teen Tragedy program.

Taking us into our third year is a leading to focus more of our time on the Religious Society of Friends' Faith and Practice. Our valued Elders and the information contained in Faith and Practice provide us with a practical and historical perspective. The experience enables us to be more knowledgeable and feel as if we are a part of the much larger Quaker community.

One of the most profound lessons learned that continue to resonate came in the aftermath of the tragedy at Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, in October 2006, when, after losing five children to gun violence, that community forgave the assailant.

As is so poignantly presented in Faith and Practice, under (11),(c) Fellowship and Community (With Other Religious Bodies and Persons), "We are aware that we have much to learn from the religious experiences of other groups . . . In sharing that experience with persons from other backgrounds through common worship and shared service we enrich our sense of community."

This Community,
The larger community,
The infinite universal community.
Thank you.

Having recently passed a milestone, our one year anniversary for meeting at what is now recognized as South Mountain Friends Fellowship (SMFF), we are well beyond a belief held earlier that, "We can't do this." Through leadings, listening, divine calling and the dedicated action of a number of us imprisoned at this Maryland state correctional facility and by a number of members from Patapsco Friends Meeting (PFM), SMFF has become a truly viable and inspiring place of Quaker worship within the Maryland Correctional Institution of Hagerstown, (MCI-H).

Our journey began in discussions among prisoners at MCI-H who once attended Quaker worship at another prison and Friends from Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting who visited us as religious clergy and counsel. All knew of the need and desire to have a meeting at MCI-H. All perceived a difficulty in getting such a meeting established.

By coincidence in early 2004, Richard Sutton, who had been at the same prison but had not attended meeting there happened upon a newspaper with the word "Patapsco" in bold print. He had grown up in a town on the banks of the Patapso River and he was drawn to read further. The words turned out to be an address for Patapsco Friends Meeting in Ellicott City, Maryland. He experienced a leading to write. In May of 2004, PFM received his request to help organize and hold Quaker services at MCI-H. Admittedly, the Ministry and Care Committee thought this request to be impossible. Hagerstown is more than an hour’s drive from Ellicott City. Later, however, in the months that followed, a Friend was reached by the weight of the request and the opportunity it offered to remember those closed in behind high walls of stone, concrete, steel and—forgetfulness.

Negotiations with the Administration began in September 2004. Quaker service was added to the list of approved religious services beginning in January 2005. A number of Patapsco Friends spontaneously volunteered to join this effort and have proven to be very instrumental in the development and success of SMFF. Inadvertent scheduling allowed three prisoners, Rick Sutton, Joe Evans and Jeff Bitzel, to meet together, without a prison visitor from PFM, for prayer, worship and discussion on New Years Day, 2005, for the very first Quaker meeting at this prison in simply too many years.

For twelve months in 2005, Meeting was held at the prison every Saturday morning between the hours of 9:30 to 11:00, an increase in the time originally allotted by the Administration as the need grew. During this period of time the number of prisoners attending doubled. During this same period of time interest and support from Patapsco Friends remained and soon others joined. They brought to our place of worship a spirit-filled atmosphere of peace, tranquility, knowledge, experience, and the direction and guidance any meeting would universally require to foster an environment of Quaker faith and practice. Perhaps Jeffrey Bitzel explains it best in his own words that were published in the FORUM section of Friends Journal (Special Issue: The Meeting Community, Oct. 2005, p.5). He wrote:

In Appreciation

I would like to tell you about a few men and women who have opened my eyes to a whole other world. I am talking about Sue Rose and Patapsco (Md.) Meeting. I am an inmate at the Maryland Correctional Institution of Hagerstown. In January 2005 Sue started a new Meeting here, "the Old Jail Meeting," with only four men in the meeting. But it was one of the things that made me look at my life. She and the others at Patapsco Meeting showed us how the Religious Society of Friends started. She told us how George Fox vigorously fought for his beliefs. She has gone out of her way to give us a meeting and to believe that we can become the men that God wants us to be. She has shown me a new life; and I just want her to know how much we appreciate all she has done for us. I need to thank the others because without them coming up every week we wouldn't have a meeting. Sue started this all and they felt led to come and teach us all about the foundation of the Quakers.

His words continue to resonate the truth.

On February 4, 2006, the prison Administration permitted a special gathering for worship sharing, celebration, song, refreshment, and Meeting for Business. Arising from this festive atmosphere came the prospect of naming our meeting and establishing the position of clerk. With the knowledge given on how meetings are typically named for geographical locations, a member was lead to suggest, "South Mountain Friends Fellowship." The Meeting approved. Subsequently, Patapsco Friends Meeting approved a Minute to Establish South Mountain Friends Fellowship under the care of Patapsco Friends Meeting.

All of the men who attend SMFF are imprisoned at MCI-H and have been convicted of a felony by the Court system of the State of Maryland, and are held by authority of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) and the Maryland Division of Corrections (DOC).

We are a diverse group of men from different communities across the state. Some have been imprisoned for decades, some for considerably less time, but we who assemble for meeting are more than stereotypical prisoners or convicts. All of us have made transitions in our lives and continue to strive for redemption, forgiveness, and understanding and to be in the Light of God, seekers of the Truth. We all believe that Meeting is the passageway. A path has been lit for us. And we are grateful.

Like Meetings in free communities we would like to draw upon our experiences, interest and leadings to become more active with our concerns and representation of our meeting. Our Meeting supports a wide array of programs within the prison, ranging from Prisoners Against Teen Tragedy (P.A.T.T.), A.V.P., recycling, literacy tutoring, rehabilitation, self-help programs, Veterans Affairs and employment by means of various job assignments. Our goal is to extend and continue to support these activities. The Meeting would also like to see the attendance increase. Another goal is to continue to promote non-violence. Recently a local Correctional Officer senselessly lost his life in a failed escape attempt and the entire meeting reaffirmed our position leading to an opportunity to hold Officer Wroten's family in the Light. The media may portray a particular image of prisoners in general but our meeting believes it is our responsibility to speak out against such, and extend our condolences to all victims of violence and their families.

The needs of South Mountain Friends Fellowship are being both revealed and addressed with every passing meeting we are able to hold. Patapsco Friends have yielded the utmost care and guidance to which our Meeting will draw upon with gratitude. We have gone from "We can't do this" to "Perhaps someone else should do this" to "WE CAN DO THIS." A viable and inspiring place of Quaker worship has been established. But the Friends of SMFF who are imprisoned have a unique need to which we call upon the "free world" for assistance. As we find our way from behind these prison walls, through the gates to freedom, (as difficult as that may be to achieve), we will always welcome any assistance with re-integration back into society. An invitation to attend Meeting in our home communities will certainly provide for us a solid foundation we can proudly stand upon as we go on to encourage the promotion of Quaker worship, faith and practice, just as we do now.

What we have in our lives now is a leading of life changing magnitude. One to be continued.

Can we do this?

We think so.

And so much more.

Thank you.

South Mountain Friends Fellowship Attenders
Approved 27th day, 5th month, 2006