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In the heart of the temple, is a full-immersion baptistry, where members will be able to baptize their dead ancestors by proxy in a ceremony.

“Surely you’re not suggesting using the baptistry,” said Mrs. Larkin, a staunch Baptist and lifelong member of the First Baptist Church.

In the early 1900s, the church baptized members in the Lackawanna River - a tradition Widenor is happy ended after the congregation built its existing sanctuary, which includes a baptistry tub.

“That’s the baptistry there,” he said, pointing to the heated pool where the pastor, wearing waders under his robe, would immerse new believers, including, one Sunday, Larry himself.

Prior to the shop’s 80-year tenure, it was the Cathedral’s baptistry.