Project: Mission SDA Church (Eng. trans), Mission, TX Date initiated: October 9, 2003	Design Consultant: R Powell Proj. #: SS0310TXMISSION
Introduction: The following pictures give you an idea of some of the options you have addressing the issues with the baptismal area. I have also included some of the possible advantages and disadvantages to each. Some of these may not, in fact, be "pros" or "cons" in your particular situation (such as construction costs). Also, there may be other issues that I may not have taken into consideration or be aware of which may make some options more advantageous than others or may prevent some from being implemented (such as a support beam in the middle of the platform wall). Some options may require a professional contractor. Remember that these images only give an idea of what the finished product could look like. You might choose to try a variation of one of these, or, in your discussions, could come up with another idea altogether after seeing what kind of options you have. The images procede, with some exceptions, from more to less "complex", though not necessarily less expensive (e.g. a stage curtain may cost more to install than a partial wall, especially if the cost of labor is low). These pictures have been sized to be best viewed at a screen resolution of 800 x 600 or higher. To copy these pictures to your computer (if you are involved with this project--others please read copyright notice below), place your cursor over the image and, if a "save" icon (a diskette) does not automatically appear, "right click" your mouse and choose "Save Picture As…" from the pop-up menu and save it to a place you can find later. You can also place your cursor over a picture and press and hold the left mouse button and "drag" it to a folder or your desktop. To print from the website, you will need to select the landscape mode. Unfortunately, the pictures and notes will not completely print on the same page. You may contact me for questions or additional information at support@spiritualspaces.com.
Please give pictures time to load (8 total) All pictures © R Powell and Spiritual Spaces/Complete Design Consulting and may not be copied, duplicated, printed, altered, transmited, linked or framed except by the intended client for the purposes of reviewing, pricing, and implementing the designated project, or for making referrals.

Baptismal window in existing wall
Pro: Good privacy for baptism participants Added height will improve visibility to those seated farther back Common, traditional, and familiar--should be widely accepted* (* depending on the level of support for the current setup)	Con: Cost/disruption of construction Cost of new baptistry (probably just under $1000 +S/H) Locating a baptistry that will fit in the available area Possible obstructed view for those seated in front corners
Comments: This is a fairly common arrangement that I believe most members would be comfortable with and unlikely to protest unless, as I mention, there is wide support for the current "ground level" baptistry. Participants would be able to enter and exit the baptismal tank with very little exposure to the congregation. Though slightly farther back, the increased height should improve visibility to the pews. It is possible that a pre-moulded baptistry will not fit the narrow room--the smallest double-entry (which would probably be needed) I found was 11'1"x3'4" (though also one of the less expensive--around $1000). Though there would be some construction involved, it should not be too complicated. Also, in this option, the existing baptistry could remain untouched. Visual interest could also be added as in the following pictures (though there are even more possibilities).
Baptismal window in existing wall with mural
Pro: Same as above plus added visual interest of mural	Con: Same as above plus added expense of mural
Comments: This shows what a mural could look like in a baptismal opening. Pre-printed murals are available, but a custom painted one would probably look better, though a qualified mural painter would need to be found. It's possible there is a member or other local that could do this, perhaps at no or a minimal charge, but it would need to be demonstrated that he or she could do an acceptable job, and care would need to be taking to avoid offending the would-be artists in the congregation with rejection.
Arched window in existing wall
Pro: Same as above plus added archetectural interest	Con: Same as above plus added construction cost/difficulty
Comments: What interested me in this was how it reflected the curve in the stairs leading to the platform. Though the arch is not unique to Spanish architecture, it also, to me anyway, adds a little "Latin" flair. A mural, etc. could also be used in conjunction with an arched window, or it might have enough visual interest to stand on its own.
Baptismal window in new wall
Pro: Excellent privacy for participants* (* back room could be divided into segregated changing areas) Greater visibility from pews-especially those seated farther back Probably more baptistry options and easier installation	Con: Cost/disruption of construction (more than other options) Existing "in ground" baptistry would need to be filled Cost of new baptistry Possible obstructed view for those seated in front corners Loss of floorspace that could be used for other temp. purposes
Comments: This option provides the best privacy to baptism participants. Not only is their visibility largely limited to the baptismal tank, but the existing back room could be divided into mens' and womens' changing rooms, so it would not be necessary for the participants to walk around the church to change. But this would also involve the most construction. A particular obstacle would be that the existing baptismal would have to be filled, though perhaps not "permanently", as with loose concrete block, but sufficiently to support the weight of another baptismal filled with water sitting on top of it. The baptism itself would be closer to the congregation and should be easier for them to see, especially those sitting near the back, (but it is possible that those sitting in the front corners could have their view partially obscured, depending on the angle). There should still be ample room for the pulpit, communion table, etc., but, unlike the current arrangement, the floor space around baptistry would not be usable. I have illustrated it with a mural backdrop, but it could be done without, with an arched opening, a curtain, doors or shutters, etc.
Solid partial, stepped partition
Pro: Offers some privacy without major changes to sanctuary Floor space could still be used by choir, band, etc.	Con: Privacy not sufficient without added cover, such as plants Could appear to be an afterthought or "add-on" (though it is)
Comments: This option would keep the existing "in-ground" baptismal, but still give the participants a little privacy, however, extra "cover", like plants, would probably be necessary (the plants used in the picture are what I had available, so, with other plants, it might look better in "real life"). This option would also leave the area of the baptismal usable, such as for a choir, and more open than a full-height partition. However, it would have to be well-planned so that it wouldn't appear to be "added on"--which it would be, but shouldn't look like it.
Stepped balustrade divider
Pro: Offers a little privacy without major construction Floor space could still be used by choir, band, etc.	Con: Privacy not sufficient without added cover, such as plants
Comments: This option would require even less construction than the previous one, but could look even more like an add-on. It would also close off this space even less, but still break up the view a little. In fact, even with plants added, it wouldn't give the participants a lot of privacy, but perhaps enough for them to feel more comfortable.
Stage curtains - two-thirds closed
Pro: Easily and quickly installed (by a professional) Control over level of privacy--completely opened or closed Could be used for drama or other performances	Con: Cost of curtain (not necessarily inexpensive) Closing enough to provide privacy might obscure view to some
Comments: I chose a red curtain, because your pew cushions are red, but it could be any color, like one that matched the wall paint or carpet. A stage curtain could be added easily and with minimal impact on the rest of the sanctuary, but might require professional installation. Also, a curtain could cost several hundred dollars, especially with any motorized operations. Unlike a permanent wall, you would have complete control over the level of privacy, but it is also possible that to provide sufficient cover, it would have to be closed enough to block the view of those in the front corners. A curtain could also be used in theatrical, musical, or other performances, making it more versatile than a stationary divider.
Stage curtains - open
Comments: This is how the curtains might be kept on a regular basis. Alternately, you may choose to keep them closed.
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