BAPTISTRIES

Bringing Baptism Behind Bars

Making Baptism Possible in Every Prison

For many inmates, baptism is the turning point—a public declaration of their new life in Christ. But many correctional facilities lack the resources to offer this life-changing opportunity. That’s why we provide high-quality, portable baptistries designed specifically for use in prisons, jails, and chaplain-led ministries.


Through the generosity of our supporters, ARM has placed nearly 2,000 baptistries in correctional facilities across the country, allowing thousands of inmates to take this crucial step of faith.

A black and white icon of a chalice with a cross on it.

Communion Table Baptistries

Elegant, durable, and built for long-term use, our Communion Table Baptistries are handcrafted of solid oak with a fiberglass tank inside. Designed for churches, chapels, and prison worship areas, these units serve as both a baptistry and a communion table when not in use.

A black and white icon of a window with a handle on a white background.

Collapsible Portable Baptistries

Designed for prisons, jails, and traveling ministries, our Collapsible Portable Baptistries are lightweight, easy to store, and simple to set up. No tools required! Just unfold, fill with water, and it’s ready for use.




A wooden box that says in remembrance of me
VIEW OUR STAIN COLORS

CUSTOMIZE YOUR BAPTISTRY

We design our baptistries to come in a variety of stain color options to fit your specific need.

Communion table baptistries

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.


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 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.

our communion table baptistry options ↓ 

Frequently Asked Baptistry Questions

  • How long will it take to receive our baptistry?

    On average, it takes six to eight 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.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    You may pay by cash, check or e-check, and we also accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards.

  • How much does the baptistry weigh?

    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).

  • Can water be left in the baptistry for extended periods?

    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.

  • Are external steps necessary?

    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.

  • How will my unit be shipped and what do I need to know?

    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. 

Two speech bubbles with a question mark inside of them.

Ordering instructions

Order your Communion Table Baptistry by following these general instructions. Prisons receive baptistries free of charge (covering only shipping), while churches, military units, and missions can purchase with flexible payment options.

ordering resources

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.


A man is being baptised in a blue tub
ORDER A BAPTISTRY FREE OF CHARGE

Prison Chaplains: Receive a Sponsored Baptistry!

If you are a chaplain at a correctional facility, you may qualify for a sponsored portable baptistry. Your facility only covers shipping costs, and we’ll provide the unit at no charge.

collapsible Portable baptistries

ARM’S collapsible portable baptistry lives up to its name and is being used in churches and jails, and by missionaries all over the world. The unit collapses down to the size of a large suitcase (12” x 25” x 31”) for easy transport on a plane or in a car and weighs only 30 pounds. When not in use, it can be stored in a closet. When opened, the unit measures 70” x 24” x 24” and holds 200 gallons of water, capable of accommodating an individual up to 6’5” tall and weighing up to 300 pounds.


When ready to use, simply pull four pins securing the frame and unfold it like a lawn chair. Installation requires only minimal assembly and no tools. Eight machined custom aluminum hinges allow the frame to open and close easily. The heavy-duty, coated vinyl liner wraps around and snaps onto the one-inch square aluminum frame.

our coLLAPSIBLE PORTABLE baptistry options ↓ 

Frequently Asked Baptistry Questions

  • How does my portable baptistry hold water in?

    Seams are hot-air welded to prevent leaks, and the double-padded bottom panel guards against puncture. The liner’s tight fit, combined with the weight of the water, prevents the frame from collapsing. A two-directional plug allows the liner to be filled and drained with a simple garden hose.


  • What payment methods do you accept?

    You may pay by cash, check or e-check, and we also accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards.

  • What is the shipping process?

    UPS cannot deliver to a post office box so make sure shipping information is complete and includes a valid 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.


    Any damages should be reported directly to both ARM and UPS as soon as possible. ARM will be happy to provide information or assistance if repairs are necessary.


    See order forms for specifics on costs, ordering and shipping.

Two speech bubbles with a question mark inside of them.

Ordering instructions

Order your Portable Collapsible Baptistry by following these general instructions.

ordering resources

ARM’s collapsible portable baptistries can be ordered online or by printing out and mailing or faxing a printable order form located below. Please fully complete all required information even if a purchase order will be provided.  Your order cannot be processed without a completed order form.