March 12, 2009

In the modern era, the practice of immersion baptism is commonly performed in a baptismal pool within the church building. In years past, however, most, if not all, baptisms were conducted at a local stream or body of water. Shown here is a group of men and women from the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Glenwood (Pike County) participating in a baptismal ceremony at a local stream, circa 1950.