How to Build Baptismal Changing Rooms

Changing rooms for baptisms allows for more comfort.

Pastors in churches have been "baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" since God instituted the ordinance of baptism. To baptize a new believer, you typically fill a baptismal pool, wade in waist deep, and lower the new convert under and bring him back up, signifying the event of his conversion. Accommodating this event by providing a pleasant changing room eases the mind of the new Christian and improves the experience.

Things You'll Need

• 6 to 8 sheets of drywall with installation supplies
• Drywall nails
• 64 to 80 standard 8-foot 2-by-4s for a 16-by-16 room
• Drop ceiling material
• 300 square feet of carpet or other floor covering
• Electrical materials
• Lights
• Door
• Mirror
• Vanity (optional)
• Paint or wall coverings
• Other fasteners
• Roofing materials (if applicable)
• Trim and finishing products
• Insulation

Instructions

1. Measure all dimensions for your room. Allow for an entry point and for ceiling uniformity with the existing structure, if applicable.

2. Frame 8-foot sections of your wall, allowing 16 inches between vertical boards. It will take seven vertical 2-by-4s and a top and bottom one to make these 8-foot sections.

3. Produce eight of these sections, for example, to build a complete 16-by-16 room, or six if you are adding on to an existing building. They will be joined, so use your best boards at the ends.

4. Install these modules to the floor and ceiling joists using 4-inch nails. You may have to add boards to the ceiling if you can't place the module directly below ceiling joists. Secure them end to end as well.

5. Wire electrical outlets as per local code. Place one outlet with a Ground Fault Interrupter, or GFI, near an area set aside for a vanity to accommodate a hair dryer. Insulate between each stud.

6. Install drywall sheets. Tape, mud or putty and sand all joints. Cut outlet and switch holes.

7. Install drop ceiling to match the rest of the structure. If the building uses drywall ceilings, install it to ceiling joists. Wire and install lights.

8. Paint or apply wall coverings. Finish walls with outlet and switch covers.

9. Install floor coverings. Finish the room with thresholds and trim.

10. Add furniture, mirrors and the vanity. Include an area to sit for counseling. Set aside one area to change clothes. This may require framing a small closet area with a mirror inside or installing a curtain area in a corner.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow for a sitting area and a private changing area, so others can be in the room.

• Set aside an area for a bookshelf to place reference books.

• Consider genders. You may want two interior private areas to accommodate private clothing changing areas by gender.

• Outdoor baptism rooms, perhaps near a local river, will require a much smaller size, as counseling will occur before you arrive.

• Protect and respect privacy.

• Follow local building codes and acquire any necessary permits before building this or any structure or room.

• Because the changing room or rooms will be located near the baptismal, check sound levels to verify the hair dryer will not interrupt. Insulate as needed.

• For Lutheran, Presbyterian and other baby-baptizing churches, include a baby changing table.

References

• Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry: Baptism Verses With Responses
• Do it Yourself: Framing an Interior Wall
• This Old House: Framing
• Hyper Physics: Ground Fault Interrupter

Resources

• The Family Handyman: DIY
• Northside Baptist Church: Floor Plan