Baptismal font liner, Greyfriars Church, Dumfries, 1953

This silver plated bowl would have fitted into a stone font at the back of the church.  It was donated to Greyfriars Church in memory of a member of the congregation. Baptism, also known as christening, is a central practice in most Christian denominations, exceptions being Quakers, Salvation Army and Unitarians.  It involves being immersed in or sprinkled with water that has been blessed.  Baptism is one of the earliest Christian rites and is found in the Bible where John the Baptist baptises Jesus in the River Jordan.