How to Build a Baptismal Font

Christians initiate the faithful using a practice that symbolizes the cleansing power of faith that dates back before the Christian era to Jewish laws concerning proselytes, or converts. Christians adapted the practice by anointing the head and upper body or immersion in a body of water. Modern Christians practice baptism in various forms from full immersion to a simple sprinkling of an infant with sanctified water. The vessels for the water used in baptism are called baptismal fonts, a term which recalls the running water of the Jordan used by John the Baptist. Building one is fairly simple but some details will be dictated by the practice and theological tenets of your denomination.

Things You'll Need

• Wood, stone or metal
• Working and joinery materials and tools
• Stainless steel or other non-corrosive material for lining

Instructions

1. 

   Explore tradition. Traditional fonts were stone or metal receptacles, housed in circular or octagonal (never hexagonal) structures standing on a base that was tall enough for the celebrant and communicant to stand next to. The receptacle would be covered with a protective cover, often with a cross atop it. In immersion fonts, the receptacles had to be large enough to receive the body, either seated or reclining (again, depending on denominational practice), of the communicant. Such a baptismal would have three steps descending into a pool of no more than three feet of depth and might also have a, actual font with running water cascading from above into the pool.

2. 

   Determine the size of the font. If it is to be used for immersion, it will need considerably more space than aspersion (sprinkling) or effusion (pouring over the head and shoulders). Design the receptacle and any necessary plumbing based on the type of baptism practiced in the church for which it is to be built.

3. 

   Determine the style of the font. Fonts can be very abstract and contemporary or very elaborate, keeping in mind the dictates of the denomination, the style of the church building and the desires of the congregation. Any symbolism used as decoration should be consistent with the specifications given by the congregation or church council.

4. Build the support framework for the receptacle. This may be as simple as a circular or octagonal pedestal or you may need to build a tub support for an immersion tank. Install any supply and drain lines and insert the tank or bowl in the supports. The receptacle frame should sit atop the base and be slightly wider than the base to accommodate the bowl that holds the water. A running water font above an immersion tub should not be so high as to pose a drowning risk from water falling from too high a source.

5. 

   Add decorative elements. Wainscoting, columns, Christian symbols and floral motifs are common. The descending dove is used in many churches as a symbol of heavenly love descending to earth and the dove is often used in decorative motifs on or near the baptismal font.

6. Insert the stone or metal bowl into the receptacle frame. Stainless steel is most often used metal because of its easy-to-clean and non-corrosive properties. Stone, fiberglass or vitreous bowls can also be used. Fiberglass is often used for immersion tubs because it can be molded and dyed to resemble wood, stone or tile.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that the base you build is sturdy enough to support the receptacle. It can be weighted if necessary to add stability to withstand the occasional, unplanned, jostling of the small children and young families that often are called upon to stand around them during ceremonies.

• Decks and other surfaces where water will sit or splash should be water-resistant and easily-cleaned. Steps in immersion tubs should have sanded or non-slip treads.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Baptismal font history
• Frauenkirche Dresden