Baby baptized in cutter's bell

Coast Guard Magazine, Jan, 2005 by Mariette C. Millson

HONOLULU, Nov. 21 -- The CGC Jarvis served as the location for a baptismal ceremony.

Family, friends and crewmembers gathered on the gun deck for the christening of Jack David Baker, son of the Jarvis Engineer Officer, Lt. Jonathan Baker, and his wife, Aimee. In keeping with nautical tradition, Jack was baptized in the ship's bell.

The practice of baptizing infants in the bell of their father's ship dates back to the 17th century British Royal navy. Using the ship's bell as a bowl to hold christening water is said to bring the ship good luck while underway.

The 14th District chaplain, Lt. Judy Malana, blessed water from the Jarvis and christened Jack. After the ceremony, Jack's name was etched in the inside of the bell to record the momentous occasion.

Ensign Mariette C. Millson, 14th Dist.