Jump Start # 3939
Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
Throwback Thursday: an article written from the past
Baptisms in Greener’s Creek
Folks down at the country church thought it would be good if I told you all about the time of the big baptizing we had. Well, it all happened when preacher James, from the big city church, came to visit us here at the country church. He held us a mighty fine meeting and many of the old-timers tell us that more were baptized that week than in the whole history of this congregation. I’ve only been a member here myself some 42 years and don’t know all that took place in the early days.
Well, preacher James had been working hard all week long. He even brough some of those fancy charts and diagrams. The last night of the meeting, it was a Friday night, Mary Elizabeth came down the isle at the invitation and asked preacher James if he would baptize her. Our hearts were all rejoicing. Being a small country church like we are, we have just never gotten around to putting in a baptistery, not that we are opposed to it or anything cause we have talked about it off and on in our business meetings ever since I can remember. So we all met down at Greener’s Creek, our usual spot for a baptism, unless it’s the rainy season, then we go over to Bro. Griffith’s farm pond.
After several wonderful songs were sung, Mary Elizabeth and preacher James went out to the middle of the creek. The preacher talked about the beauty of being a Christian and then he baptized Mary Elizabeth. Before they could come up to the creek bank, someone let out a yell that could have reached Heaven itself. Then a woman jumped in the creek and shouted, “Save me.” Right away, preacher James baptized her (I’m not sure what her name was, she never came back after that). Another woman jumped in, then another and another. Preacher James immersed them all. Some of the men were jumping in as well. Even some of the leading members of our congregation. That didn’t bother preacher James. He dunked everyone of them. Such a sight to see. He even baptized his own wife, who had pushed aside an old man just to get into the water. All told, some 27 folks were baptized that evening. Preacher James himself, was wet from head to toe, in his nice city suit and all.
Little Tommy Benson saved the day though. He was the one who finally caught that black snake up on the creek bank. He took it home and said he’d bring it back at our next baptism.
The men of the congregation have been in a stew ever since that day. They can’t figure out who to add to the church records and who not to. When talk came up again about a baptistery at our monthly business meeting, Bro. Jennings wrote a check right then and there for the whole amount. He claimed the snake had a hold of him and wouldn’t let go.
And, preacher James, well he left right after the snake was found and was heard saying that his schedule is just too full to ever come back again to our country church.
Well, the folks here thought you might like this story and maybe find something good in it as well.
Roger
August, 1991