The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-08-09
SUNDAY At THE RIPPLE
WATCH THE BAPTIsMAI,
SERVICE OF THE PENTECOsTERs.
interruption by Rowdics, Who Were
Arrested-CIose CaH for Men
in Swimming.


Throngs Of curious people stood on the
high bank of White river at Broad Ripple
Park late yesterday afternoon watching
the rite Of baptism administered to thir-
teen candidates, members Of the Pentecost
band. Rev. T. II. Nelson immersed the
candidates after crossing the river with
them in boats. 1t had been the plan to i'm
merse the candidates in the pool at the
bath house, but there was a large crowd
of bathers yesterday afternoon who would
not give way. Mr.. Nelson found that 1t
was impractIcable to conduct the baptismal
service at the boat landing, as there is
scarcely any beach and no place for those
VINO wished to witness the ceremony. At
the last moment he decided to cross the
river Two boats were procured. Mr. Nelson
TOOK his place at the oars in one Five
young women, all bareheaded, entered aft
er him and young man then took the seat
at the stern of the boat. In the other boat
were seven young men Mr. Nelson pulled
away, proving himself to be as good an
oarsman as he is minister.
Sing something brethren, sing" Mr..
Nelson called as he pulled into the stream.
The Pentecosters sang Shall we gather
at the river" as the boats crossed over.
Mr.. Nelson landed with skill, but the Sec
ond boat moved across slowly, its course
being interrupted by a score of craft that
came from all directions. After time it
landed by Mr.. Nelson's boat and was
hauled up on the beach. Mr.. Nelson and the
candidates We're directly opposite the boat
landing, standing on the bank beneath a
great vine covered tree. One or two boats
INSTRUCTED the view.
Pull those boats out of the way"
shouted several in the crowd. Some pulled
up stream a few feet and others drifted
down. leaving an open space revealing the
pastor and the candidates. He lifted his
hand and asked for silence. A hush fell on
the assembled crowd. Men who had been
swimming and splashing in the water ST.
lently swan ashore, while the boatmen
rested on their oars A band back in the
park was playing Sweet Rosie OGrady,"
the preacher and the candidates krelt
to pray He lifted his voice and was dis
tinctly heard across the river. The thrOng
seemed impressed with the occasion. After
the prayer the Pentecosters on the park
side of the river sang a verse as Mr.. Mel
son advanced into the water leading a
young man by the hand: When the verse
was ended, he placed his hand on the
young mans head, saying;
II baptize thee in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen"
at the same time pushing him backwards
into the water gently.
II must have the Savior with me, for
dare not walk alone,
Everywhere that Jesus leads me will fol-
low on"
sang the Pentecosters as the pastor raised
the young man and wiped the water from
his face. This was repeated several times
the Pentecosters breaking into song after
each candidate was immersed. The best of
order was observed on the park side of
the river, but over where the rite was per-
formed were TWO young men who acted
and talked like hoodlums. Mr.. Nelson had
Just immersed q young woman when enc
of them yelled out at the highest pitch in
a derisive tone:
"Hallelujah! Glory to God, Brother Jake"
HOODLUMS LOCKED UP.
His companion answered in like words.
Mr.. Nelson was compelled to pause to adj
minister rebuke to the fellows. They
were quiet for a few moments, when the
same words were repeated. Secretary
Hines, of the Broad Ripple line. heard the
hoodums. He was on the river rowing
with his sister and another couple. He
rapidly rowed to the fellows and ordered
them to be silent That settled them for
minute or two but one of them stood Well
up on the bank in his bathing suit, where
everybody on the opposite bank could see
him, and diVed into the river, shouting the
words again He was followed by his
companion. Each got a plank and splashed
and shouted the same offensive way
"Hallelujah! Glory to God!'
Band was Mortified. She regarded the young
men as blasphemers.
Il would be afraid God would strike me
dead If | acted so awful" she declared.
The young men were not struck dead,
but an officer called them out of the water,
made them dress and took them to the
Broad Ripple town JAIL where they Were
locked up. Both will be prosecuted for dis
turbing religious meeting. Secretary
Hines was unable to give their names, but
said that he understood they were sons of
respectable families. People who entertain
different religious views TO the Pentecost-
ers and people who entertain no religious
views at all but regard the opinions OF
others, expressed a good deal of contempt
for the scoffers. In the weeks that the
Park there has been nothing OF this kind
TO annoy them and MIR. Nelson expressed
much regret at the occurrence yesterday.
Few of the crowd knew that the young
men were arrested and the Pentecosters
went on with the service though MOTH
they marched back into the park and be-
gan their characteristic ring services in
TWO or three different places. After Mr..
Nelson and the candidates had attired
themselves in dry clothing they Joined in
the ring services which lasted until almost
time for the salvation service of the
evening. The sacrament of the Lords
supper was postponed until some night
this week to be announced later.
1t the intention 10 close the camp
meeting with last nights service, but Mr..
Nelson was urged to continue for another
week. There will be no morning services
this week. The first will be at 2:30 in the
afternoon a ring service at O'Clock
and salvation" services at night. Thurs
day is Old Settlers day at the park. They
have been rendered and have accepted the
use of the big Pentecost tent. AT night the
regular services will be held.