Communion Table Baptistries
PRISON CHAPLAINS: See how you can receive a sponsored baptistry.
ARM’s communion-table baptistries are handcrafted of durable oak and are finished and stained by skilled craftsmen. Each unit contains a molded fiberglass tank with a seat that holds 150 gallons of water that can be filled and drained with a garden hose.
Three styles are available ‒ the original, the flat panel and the raised panel ‒ as well as a separate fiberglass tub with no cabinet. A number of additional options are available including a factory-installed heater, steps designed to be stored inside the baptistry, factory-installed casters for ease of movement, and a table-top lectern stained to match the baptistry.
Each baptistry is custom-built to your specifications requiring a three- to six-week production schedule. Shipping is by commercial truck line and usually takes two to five days. Two inscriptions are available ‒ IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME or REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED ‒ or you can select no inscription. You also can select from ARM’s most popular medium oak finish or some 30 different stains ‒ ranging from clear to black ‒ available from Sherwin Williams. Or you can send in a stain sample or brochure from your local paint store for us to match.
Each unit is lightweight enough to be moved from one location to another by two men, and a locking lid safeguards from accidental entry when the unit is not in use.
COMMUNION TABLE BAPTISTRY STYLES
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“The Original”
Communion Table Baptistry
Furniture Quality Oak
(74 L x 34 1/2 W x 39 H)
$2,000 -
“The Flat Panel”
Communion Table Baptistry
Oak Hardwood Construction
(74 L x 34 1/2 W x 39 H)
$2,400 -
“The Raised Panel”
Communion Table Baptistry
Solid Oak Hardwood Oak
(74 L x 34 1/2 W x 39 H)
$2,700 -
Fiberglass Tub
Fiberglass TUB ONLY
(No cabinet)
$1,000
Stain Color Options
We design our baptistries to come in a variety of stain color options to fit your specific need.
Frequently Asked Baptistry Questions
Q: How long will it take to receive our baptistry?
A: On average, it takes three to six weeks to construct and ship once an order is received. However, depending on work load, that time frame can be as little as one week or as much as eight weeks. We will notify you of your anticipated shipping date when your completed order is received.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: You may pay by cash, check or e-check, and we also accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards.
Q: How much does the baptistry weigh?
A: An unfilled original baptistry weighs about 225 pounds, and can be moved easily by two people, or by one person if casters are installed. Options may add some weight, including the water heater (10 pounds), the steps (30 pounds) and the casters (15 pounds). Once fully filled with about 140 gallons of water, the total weight increases to about 1,450 pounds. (A Flat Panel Baptistry weighs about 45 pounds more than an Original and a Raised Panel Baptistry weighs about 80 pounds more than an Original).
Q: Can water be left in the baptistry for extended periods?
A: We do not recommend it. However, if you need to leave the baptistry filled, please leave the lid off the unit, especially if the heater is on as it will warp the wood, and make sure you use a water treatment chemical to keep the water fresh.
Q: How does the 120 volt, 1.5 kW heater work?
A: The 1.5 kw heater does not contain a pump. It uses convection heating to warm the water by passing it back and forth through the upper and lower drains. A 120 volt, 1.5 kW unit will raise the temperature about 20 degrees in four to six hours.
You should not leave the wooden lid on the unit while the heater is operating as it will warp the wood. If you want a cover to help retain the heat, we recommend the material used for solar swimming pool covers.
Q: How does the 240 volt, 6kW heater work?
A: The 6 kw heater does come with a pump. When the heater is on, the pump will circulate the water to keep the water temperature uniform. A 240 volt, 6kW unit will raise the temperature about 20 degrees in one to two hours.
You should not leave the wooden lid on the unit while the heater is operating as it will warp the wood. If you want a cover to help retain the heat, we recommend the material used for solar swimming pool covers.
Q: What are the benefits of installing casters?
A: Casters will allow one person to move the unfilled unit. The factory-installed casters are three-inch, heavy-duty casters that are attached to the baptistry’s frame. They are recessed inside the “kick panel,” so they only raise the overall height of the unit by about ¾ inch. We recommend that you DO NOT attempt to move a fully filled unit, especially on carpet.
Q: Are external steps necessary?
A: Yes. The candidate needs to step over the edge of the baptistry and into the shallow end requiring some sort of steps on the outside of the unit. ARM’s factory-made steps, which can be stored inside the baptistry and are stained to match the color, are available for a small additional cost. You also may build steps or use existing ones. ARM will provide steps at no cost for prison baptistries.
Q: What about Sales Tax?
A: ARM is a tax-exempt organization, therefore, we do not charge sales tax.
Q: How much setup is required?
A: If you order a heater, you will need a local electrician to attach a power cord to the unit. ARM does not include a power cord due to the many different state and local code requirements. Other than that, your baptistry is ready to fill and use.
Q: How will my unit be shipped and what do I need to know?
A: Your baptistry will be shipped “Standard Delivery” by common carrier. This provides delivery to the driveway of the home or business. It is not the driver’s responsibility to unload the unit, but we have the found that the driver is usually willing to help if needed. Drivers do not assist with unpacking, setup or cleanup.
The carrier usually will call in advance to notify you of delivery, which will be made during normal business hours. Extraordinary delivery requirements may create additional charges.
A signature is required for delivery. However, before accepting and/or signing for your delivery, please inspect your unit thoroughly. If the packaging appears to be damaged in any way, please note the damage on the freight bill or refuse the delivery as damaged. If you discover hidden damage or internal damage after your unit is unpacked, please contact us as soon as possible. Digital photos may be helpful to document any damages.
ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO ORDER COMMUNION TABLE BAPTISTRIES
ARM’s communion-table baptistries can be ordered online or by printing out and mailing or faxing an order form. Please fully complete all required information even if a purchase order will be provided. Your order cannot be processed without a completed order form. See information below for specifics on costs, ordering and shipping.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
A minimum $1,000 deposit is required at the time the order is placed (unless the order is for a prison or the military – no down required), or you may pay any amount over the minimum (ie. pay half, pay in full, etc.). Once your order is received, ARM will send you a confirmation letter or email with an invoice for any remaining balance (including shipping cost) that is due before your baptistry is shipped. Orders for a fiberglass tub or water heater require payment in full at the time the order is placed.
Delivery is by commercial truck line and they must deliver to a physical location so make sure shipping information is complete and includes an accurate street address. Please include a contact name and phone number for the individual responsible for accepting delivery of the unit. ARM will notify them by phone when the baptistry is shipped.
Important: When your baptistry is delivered, please inspect your baptistry for any shipping damages before you sign the delivery papers and while the delivery driver is there. Should there be any damage, please report it immediately to the driver so he can note it on the delivery papers. Then report it to ARM and Email pictures of the damage to bblair@arm.org. ARM will be happy to provide information or assistance if repairs are necessary. If the damage is not reported to the driver and noted on the delivery papers, we will have very little chance to collect for damages from the freight company.
PRISON CHAPLAINS
Basic baptistries are free of charge to prisons and jails and no deposit is required. The institution only pays for shipping and any add-ons such as water heaters, table-top lecterns, casters, etc. The unit must be shipped to the correctional facility and will be shipped prepaid. ARM will invoice you at time of shipment for delivery and optional add-on charges and payment is due within 30 days.
Along with the order form please provide a letter on the institution’s letterhead from a person in authority stating that you will accept the baptistry as a gift from ARM Prison Outreach and will be responsible for shipping charges.
MILITARY CHAPLAINS
The military unit is required to purchase the baptistry, but no deposit is required. The military must arrange for transport outside the United States. ARM will invoice you at time of shipment for any balance due, and payment is due within 30 days.
OVERSEAS MISSIONS
The mission work is required to purchase the baptistry, and pay for all delivery costs. ARM will invoice you at time of shipment for any balance due, as well as shipping charges, and payment is due within 30 days.
AMERICAN CHURCHES
Churches must purchase the baptistry with a minimum $1,000 down payment, although you may pay any amount over that with your order, if you desire. ARM will invoice you for freight charges at the time the order is processed, and will notify you when your order is ready to be shipped. Any remaining balance must be paid in full before your order is shipped.
Ordering Baptistries
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Printable Order Form
Click here for printable order form
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Ordern Online
Click here to Order Online