The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1904-12-07
Baptisms Contrasted.

Spartanburg, Nov. 16.-As one re-
suit Of the protracted meeting in the
Baptist Church here several persons,
after confession Of faith, were ac-
cepted as proper candidates for bap-
tism. Last night the pastcr preached
forcible sermon on the Fundamental
doctrines and principals of the church,
after which the rite Of baptism was
administered. 1t was the first time
the new baptismal pool was used. 1t
is beautiful in design and most artis-
tically arranged, so that baptismal
scene is quite attractive. A large au-
dience attended last night to see the
first baptism in the new church.
These Baptists are wonderfully pro-
gressive. They believe in keeping up
with the procession. It has not been
fifty years since candidates for baptism
went from the church in town out to
Whites Mill, nearly two miles, and
were baptized in the creek. That was
the style in the old days. Seventy
five years ago three-fourths Of the
population affiliated with that church.
All houses of worship were in the
country. When the day for baptizing
came it was usual after the sermon for
the congregation to adjourn to the
nearest creek or mill pond. At Prov
idence, near Gaffney, they went about
two miles out to Clark's pond on Cher
okee. Some times accidents would
happen, as was the case in mill pond
in the country. On account Of a race
having been dug before the pond was
flooded there was sudden depression
of about four feet. Preacher and
candidate both suddenly stepped off
and went under. They were rescued
by the assistance of friends. When
persona were baptiged in the winter,
fires were built near the creek or pond
so that the people might warm after
the immersion. But great step for
ward has been made from performing
the rite in pond, after breaking the
ice, to baptismal font elegantly made
out Of plate glass and marble, and the
water warmed to the right tempera-
ture, With wei! heated dressing rooms
close at hand.
It is very different from scene in
Clark's mill pond. Two or three per
sons were to be baptized on certain
Sunday in the winter. It was one of
those days that gets colder and colder.
When the congregation reached the
pond ice was forming. One of the
baptized was woman. After getting
on dry clothes they started homeward
on horseback. After riding three or
four miles in driving wind they
were forced to stop at house. The
woman was 30 cold and stiff she had
to be assisted to get in the house.
With food, FIRE and stinulants they
were warmed and sent on their way
home. The suffered no evil results.
But after all the elegance, comforts
Of modern methods, and baptismal
robes prepared with utmost skill,
somehow the old method strikes us as
being more solemn and impressive. It
was never spectacular show, but reli
gious ceremony that commanded the
respect of the unbelieving and silenced
those who were disposed to sooff at
any religious ceremony. The sturdy
pioneers were in earnest in religious
matters as they were in clearing the
forests and subduing nature. When
their faith or emotions prompted them
to join the church they were ready
for baptism whether it was cold or