More than 1,200 people gathered on Bournemouth Beach to watch 43 people being baptised on Sunday.
Churches from across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole joined together for the service on the sand, which marked the first of 2 planned beach baptism events being held on consecutive weekends this year.
A total of 14 churches are involved through the BCP Church collective, with organisers expanding the event after last year’s inaugural gathering attracted more than 1,300 people and saw 92 people baptised during one morning.
Among those taking part this weekend was Bournemouth resident Val Simon, who said she felt the event was the right opportunity to be baptised.
She said: “When I learnt of the baptisms on the beach, I knew this was absolutely the right thing for me.”
Val added that she hoped the occasion would encourage others, saying it was “never too late to commit and be baptised”.
Tim Matthews, Senior Leader at Lovechurch, said the gathering offered “a sign of great hope for everyone in BCP”, adding that many people were finding new life through faith in Jesus.
Chris Sinkinson, Minister at Lansdowne Church, said the event brought together Christians from different church backgrounds to celebrate what they have in common.
A second set of beach baptisms is due to take place next Sunday, with organisers expecting another large crowd.
Share us with your friends on social media, and have a listen to Bournemouth One online and on DAB for all your local news, traffic, jobs, weather, coastal info and more.
Register below for free regular updates via email.
