BAPTISED IN THE SEA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3652, 12 October 1912, Page 4

BAPTISED IN THE SEA.

STRAXGE KITES OF A FREAK

SECT. Remarkable scenes characterised the sea-baptism at New Quay, Cardiganshire, of two converts to the sect known as Pentecostal Dancers, whose proceedings at Camberwell some years ago aroused considerable public interest.

Airs Davies, one of the converts, is familiarly known as “Mona,” and was formerly a Methodist. On the morning of the baptism a meeting was held at her residence. Curious persons who peered in through the windows saw men and -women in transports of religious enthusiasm, some prostrate on the floor, and others crying out loud hallelujahs. At three o’clock a procession made for the beach, which was thronged with visitors. While the Pentecostal. Dancers'wer singing hymns, Rhonda Yalley colliers joined in the procession singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Follow.”

Hundreds of people watched the ceremony from a natural amphitheatre formed by the cliffs above the beach. After about two hours hymnsinging, dancing, and declamation, Brother Williams, leading Airs Davies by tlie hand, waded knee-deep into the water.

“Aloiiia” was dressed entirely in white, and stood bareheaded while the officiating “minister,” who normally carries on the trade of a tailor at Abcrayron, harangued the audience. Then, divesting himself of his coat, Brother Williams proceeded to the business of the day. As the time for immersion arrived, “Alona” grew more and more ecstatic, smiling her triumph upon all and sundry, and ultimately breaking forth into loud paeans of praise. Resting against the arm of her leader she sank beneath the waves, and emerged again a dripping but happy member of the Pentecostal Order, while ironic clieers broke from the onlookers. Another novice, a pale young man, unknown in the district, was also baptised, after which the procession was reformed, and the dripping converts were escorted home in triumph.