The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Baptism Pond

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor and Publisher

25 April 2001

It was very quite as guests gathered at the edge of the former Rodney Little pond west of La Harpe Saturday afternoon where my husband farms.

The weather warmed into the 80s and creatures of nature as well as friends, neighbors and church family had hushed as if in anticipation of what was about to happen.

A foursome from the Peoria area were draped in white cloth as if in Biblical times.

The audience watched from the south bank as the foursome and a preacher made their way down the steep incline of a pond to the water.

Neighbors along this short stretch of road off the Fountain Green blacktop in Hancock County were invited to a celebration feast and a "born again" Baptism Service. I was told that this road of families is the shortest stretch of road with the most houses along it than any other of rural Hancock County.

I positioned myself down the side of the pond and close to the water to witness and take pictures of my first outdoor baptism.

I knew several in attendance, but many were from the small Peoria area church where Gary and Rhonda Graham would soon be moving from after retiring from Caterpillar. Having purchased 22 acres here from the Rodney Littles who were moving, the Grahams had chosen to be baptized near the spot where they plan to build a home.

I met most of the people along this unique stretch of the road next to my husband's farm including the Kevin Davis family who had just moved in, the Brian and Larry Mynatt families, Joe Sparrows. Pastor Bruce Goettche and his family were also there.

The Grahams had not always been Christians but wanted to mark their change in life-styles in a significant way. Two friends had chosen to join them, and all watched and waited.

Some worried about the clay or if there were snakes. Others wondered if the water would be cold or maybe too muddy or deep. So, they watched in anticipation.

Then Hosea Randolph made his way into the water struggling, but helped by his friends. After a prayer he was baptized and helped from the water. Then their minister placed a cross around his neck and hugged him. At that very moment, the silence was broken. Hundreds of frogs sang at that exact moment as if directed by God.

Frogs were in and near the water. I saw them on floating sticks as they remained singing, throughout the baptisms.