Stake Baptisms

A member of the Stake Presidency or an assigned High Councilor plan (prayer, music, talk on Baptism etc…) and conduct this meeting.  He may ask Stake Primary leaders to help with the planning of the meeting. The family of a baptismal candidate does not plan the meeting. The meeting will begin with all candidates and family and friends in the chapel unless otherwise designated.  After each of the baptismal candidates have been introduced and a talk given on Baptism the candidates will be excused one by one, in a pre-determined order, and will individually proceed to the baptistry along with their family and invited ward members and leaders where the ordinance of the baptism will be performed.  After a candidate proceeds to the baptistry to be baptized the other candidates who are waiting to be baptized along with family and friends and ward members remain in the chapel.  Appropriate church music can be played or church videos regarding baptism watched in the chapel in order to maintain a reverent and reflective atmosphere. 

After the baptism the candidates and ward members will gather in pre-assigned rooms (Relief Society room, Primary room, High Council room, etc...).  If a ward has more than one child being baptized, then the family and invited ward members as well as ward leaders will gather as a ward in the same room.  The Bishop or member of the Bishopric will plan this portion of the service.  He may ask a ward primary leader to assist him with planning.  The family of the candidate should not plan this part of the meeting.  Interlude music can be played while the newly baptized children are changing clothes in order to maintain a reverent spirit.  A talk on the Holy Ghost will be given and the bishop or a member of the Bishopric will preside over the ordinance of the confirmation and the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  The Primary President or leader can be asked to give a brief testimony.  The Bishop or member of the bishopric may give some brief closing remarks.  A closing song and closing prayer should be given.  Postlude music can be played. 

The Stake Baptisms have already been scheduled for the last Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. for 2023. The assigned High Councilor will arrive by 9:15 a.m. to help set up at the Stake Center.  Candidates and those who are planning on baptizing them need to be at the baptistry room in the stake center for a mandatory “Orientation for Candidates” meeting at 9:40 a.m. An assigned member of the High Council will instruct the candidate and the priesthood holder who will be performing the baptism the proper procedure and wording of the prayer in association with this ordinance.  The best practice will be for the candidate and the priesthood holder performing the ordinance to have practiced ahead of time so that the child understands and is not too nervous.  Since the Bishop holds the keys for the performing of the ordinance of baptism, the person who will be performing the baptism for the child must have received permission from the Bishop, must hold the office of Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood and must be determined by the Bishop to be in good standing in that office.  Preferably, the Bishop will have met with the candidate and the priesthood holder several weeks in advance of the Baptism to make this determination. The person who performs the confirmation and laying of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost must be a worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holder.  This must be verified ahead of time.  If a person outside the stake will be performing this part of the ordinance, he must present an active temple recommend to the Bishop or member of the Bishopric who presides at this part of the meeting.

Since baptism and the laying on of hands is one of the Saving ordinances of the Gospel, Sunday dress is most appropriate.  The Primary President will let you know the details of your baptism 3 weeks before the baptism.   A member of the Stake Primary will contact you 3 weeks before to make sure that the appropriate size Baptismal clothing for your child is available and inform you what to expect.  The baptismal candidates need to bring an extra pair of dry underwear, a towel to dry off with and a comb or brush.

The baptismal services cannot be recorded but the ordinance can be live streamed so that members of family who are unable to attend can be able to watch the service virtually.  No photography is allowed in the chapel or in the baptistry.

If the family of a baptismal candidate wants to reserve and use the Cultural Hall or Kitchen for a family gathering after the baptismal service they need to use the building scheduler and verify that they are available (first come first serve basis).  But these families will be responsible to make sure that the serving area and cultural hall have been cleaned up, chairs and tables put away and that the building is locked up after.

If the Stake Baptism date on the month when your child turns 8 and is eligible to be baptized doesn’t work for your child or your family that is OK.  We have baptisms once a month, so it is very easy to move to the next month.  Just talk with your Primary President and let her know what month works best for your child and your family and she will let the Stake Primary leaders know.