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Encyclopedia of Religion entry for

Baptistery

The name of a place or building specially set apart for the performance of Christian baptism. In ancient times it was a separate building attached to Cathedral churches. The baptistery was circular or polygonal with a bath in the middle, which in the West was called " piscina." There is a specimen at Ravenna in Italy belonging to about A.D. 430. The baptistery is now only a name for part of a church. " According to the Roman Rituale, it should be railed off, it should have a gate fastened by a lock, and be adorned, if possible, with a picture of Christ‘s baptism by St. John " (Addis and Arnold). See W. R. W. Stephens, Common Prayer, 1901.

citations: Encyc. of Rel., Canney

article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12

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