N.C. Department of
Correction--Correction News--May 1998
Chaplain Improves Lives of Inmates with
Music and Caring
CLINTON — Chaplain Lonnie Cook determined a long
time ago to let God sort out people’s salvation and their
religion. That was not his job. His focus, as the chaplain at
Sampson Correctional Institution, was on the inmates themselves,
not their denominations.
"Being kind, concerned and caring cuts across all
faiths," Chaplain Cook said.
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While talking to Cook in his office, the melodious
notes from a piano in the adjoining chapel reach welcome
ears. The piano, five keyboards and four guitars were
donated by Cook’s pastor, friends and neighbors who
were eager to reach out to the inmates. Two inmates who
had been housed out of state had told the chaplain how
their spirits had been lifted because of the musical
instruments that were available there. Chaplain Cook
understood, and asked Asst. Superintendent Jim Bullock
not only for the musical instruments, but for the Hooked
on Phonics program and help from a Christian group
focusing on addiction. These programs were not to
interfere with any job assignments or schooling, and
inmates who signed up for the music classes were to
remain free of any infractions.
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"Chaplain Cook has probably kept some inmates out of
trouble," Superintendent Steve Muller said. "The men
have responded positively, and there have been no write-ups so
far."
The 25 inmates in the class are serious about learning the
scales, chords and music theory, doing homework back in their
dorms. Their teacher is a fellow inmate who learned how to play
by ear in prison.
"This music class had been positive on the men’s
morale," Muller said. "Chaplain Cook is a true
non-denominational chaplain, making himself accessible to all
inmates."
Chaplain Cook graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological
Seminary in Wake Forest and was pastor of a church in
Pennsylvania for nine years. He wanted to come home to North
Carolina, and volunteered at Wake Correctional Center before
accepting the job at Sampson.
"I just do what I can to help men of all faiths,"
Cook said. u
NC DOC Correction News- May 1998
NC Department of Correction News
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