The Baptismal Font
GOD’S GIFT OF WATER
The scriptures are filled with images of water and baptism. Think of the Spirit dwelling over the waters of creation in Genesis (Gn. 1:2). Think of the waters of the flood over which Noah was saved (Gn. 7:11). Recall the waters of the Jordan at Jesus’ own baptism (Mark 1:9), or the water flowing from the side of Christ when he was pierced on the cross (Jn. 19:34). The baptismal fonts in our churches emulate the deep waters through which the baptized die and rise to new life in the Paschal Mystery of Christ.
THE FIRST FONTS
The first Christian churches were homes converted into places of worship. Dining rooms were made into places to celebrate the Eucharist, and the bath was converted into a place for baptism. As buildings were constructed for the growing Church, baptistries were created housing large fonts, almost the size of a home swimming pool. Why so big? Remember, there were a large number of adults being baptized in those days. The method of baptism was immersion, literally going into the water. These baptistries were typically in separate buildings from the church. Examples of these still stand in Florence, Milan, and Pisa. Baptistries we often called the womb of the Church.
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION
As time moved on, more and more people were being baptized as infants and there were fewer adults to baptize (because they were already baptized as babies). So baptismal fonts shrunk in size because less water was needed for an infant and the typical method had moved from immersion to pouring water over the child’s head.
But still the place of baptism was distinct from the main church. Baptistries were special rooms off the church. They were often octagonal in shape, the walls forming eight sides. Why eight? The early Christians called the Day of the Resurrection the eighth day. Meaning it was beyond the normal week. It was a day of new life and new beginnings. Through baptism, we share in Christ’s death and resurrection and become a new creation. These special rooms were often decorated with water themes and images. An example of this is at Saint Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg. The baptistry is located to the right of the altar. Behind its gates are three steps that lead to the font. Why three? The Holy Trinity. We are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
LET THE SYMBOL SPEAK
Today, baptismal fonts take different forms and shapes. Some are built for the options of both immersion and pouring. Placements vary as well. But there is always a connection to the altar and the ambo. We are formed in God’s Word at the ambo that leads us to baptism. Once baptized, we are able to dine at the Table of the Eucharist. This connection is expressed both in placement and design. Similar textiles connect the altar, ambo, and font together.
NOW IS THE TIME
As part of our Refurbishment and Renewal efforts next summer to celebrate our parish’s 75th anniversary and our church’s 50th anniversary, we will move our baptismal font to where the tabernacle currently is. As the tabernacle moves to the center, we want to place something of significance where it was. The font will be designed to match the altar and ambo to show its connection to them. Special plumbing allows the blessed water from the font to drain directly into the earth. A Good Shepherd Shrine will be placed at the font’s current location.
UP NEXT
Next week, we will look at the organ and choir loft.