The Soque River at Pitts Park has become more than a scenic backdrop this summer; it has become a sanctuary. On Saturday, Bethesda Fellowship Church gathered at the river for its third baptism service of the season, a holy rhythm of water, worship, and renewal.
Living water, living faith
Bethesda church leaders baptized twelve people in the Soque on August 16, including several couples. Most were local, but one person traveled 90 miles from Greenville, South Carolina, to Clarkesville to be baptized.
This summer of open-air baptisms has been transformational for those led by the Spirit into the Soque. The river’s current has carried away their tears, burdens, and doubts, leaving behind a peace many said they had never felt before.
For some, the decision was spontaneous. Weeks earlier, a young woman saw the “Open Baptisms” sign at Pitts Park and stepped into the river without a change of clothes but with a willing heart. For others, like Ginger and T.J. Chappell, the step came through sorrow and perseverance. After losing their son to an overdose, the couple returned not only to the river but to each other, emerging hand in hand and testifying that grief had not taken their hope.
Nicole Moore, who helped lead the baptisms, reflected afterward, “God definitely received glory today.”
Beyond church walls
Bethesda Fellowship Church has made a point of stepping outside the church to minister to others. Pastor John Graham summed it up: “Organized religion has put God in a box, and he was never supposed to be there.”
“This is what we’re supposed to be doing,” added longtime church member Bonnie Dillashaw, watching families gather near the riverbank in July. “It’s about time Jesus left the building.”
Praise in the Park
The momentum continues next month. On Saturday, September 27, from 4–8 p.m., Bethesda Fellowship will host Praise in the Park at Pitts Park. The event will feature worship led by the church’s music team, interpretive dance, testimonies, food, games, and open baptisms.
Other churches will join in, not as spectators but as partners, coming together to “love on our community,” Moore said. The event reflects what has been happening all summer: faith moving beyond church walls, meeting people where they are.
