By Tom Smith
In the early years of the First Freewill Baptist Church of New Hampton, (now known as the Dana
Meeting House,) there are records of many conversions and baptisms.
Legends past down by ancestors of the original families of the Meeting House have indicated that some of these baptisms were performed at a natural formed pool in a brook near the Hollow Road.
The Baptismal Pool is located in a tranquil spot a number of yards off the Hollow Road, where wild flowers grow and the birds sing. The land was not as forested as it is today. Records indicate that many of the services held in the 1800’s lasted the entire day, it is assumed that these baptisms were held at these times. It is not known if they walked to the location or traveled by horse and wagon, as the location is approximately 3⁄4 mile from the Meeting House.
The baptism pool
The baptism pool
Is not a pond
Not a lake
Not a man made stone
It is a stream
To a vernal pond
Not more then a puddle deep in the woods
But for the faith of the people before it would not exist.
Clara Peschel
Class of 26