From the Archives: The FAPC Baptismal Font

On May 12, 1946 a baptismal font was dedicated in the chapel. It was the gift of Dr. Albert Vander Veer and his two daughters in memory of Mrs. Sylvia DeMurias Vander Veer, 1888-1944.

The font was designed for the chapel where the baptisms took place. It is relatively large and imposing and was inspired by early English designs when the font was one of the most important furnishings of a church.

The font is cut from a single block of Granox pearl grey marble with a cross on three sides symbolizing the Trinity. The crown of thorns represents the promise of redemption and the circle surrounding the cross symbolizes eternity. The washing away of sins is depicted by the fleur-de-lis on the cover. The font rests on a marble base which is incised with the memorial inscription to Mrs. Vander Veer.

It was located in the alcove at the north eastern side of the chapel until the renovation of 2005 when that section of the chapel was eliminated to make room for the elevator lobby and stairway to the Christian Education Center. A library has been carved out of the remaining part of the area. With its original location gone, the Baptismal Font was moved to the closest available place – outside the library tucked in next to the water cooler. It now resides in the Narthex as a reminder of our baptisms.
Who was Mrs. Vander Veer? Why was she honored with a memorial that was an integral furnishing of the church? Dr. and Mrs. Vander Veer were married on the same date of the dedication, by Dr. Jowett in the Old Brick Church. She became a member of FAPC in 1904 and assisted at the Church School of John Hall, was a teacher of a Bible class, and President of the Girls’ and Boys’ Missionary Club.

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