From the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Richmond County, September 7, 1922
One of the most unique baptisms that every took place in
America was that of a Cleveland county woman, Mrs. Susie Pruett, aged 105
years, who at the advanced age professed religion for the first time and
although crippled and unable to walk as a result of a fall sustained four
months ago, was baptized a few days ago by her friend, Rev. J.F. Weathers, who
is pastor of the Pisgah and other Baptist churches.
Around a thousand people were present at the unique event,
which took place in Cascar.
The baptizing itself was a most remarkable scene and
required unusual preparations. The aged convert, having professed religion,
stated that she wanted to be baptized by immersion. Her son, Mr. Joe Pruett,
with whom she lives, and other relatives and friends protested that it might
mean her death, as she was confined to her bed with a broken leg, badly
swollen, following her fall of a few months ago.
Mrs. Pruitt said she wanted to be baptized, even if it meant
her death and she should be taken from the pool a corpse. Rev. Weathers was in
quandary at her request, but determined to carry out her wishes.
Workmen constructed a square wooden vat. This was placed on
a truck and carried to Peeler’s mill pond, where the vat was filled with water.
When the vat was brought to the front steps of the Pruett home, hot water was
procured in pots and used to warm up the baptismal fount.
Then six strong men picked up Mrs. Pruitt in a sheet and
slowly lowered her into the pool. When her head was almost submerged, Mr.
Weathers performed the ceremony of baptism and the aged lady came out of the
water smiling and rejoicing at her experience, and none the worse for her
ordeal.
“Aunt” Susie Pruett was born in August, 1817. She is four
years older than Mr. Enoch Parkey, the county’s oldest man. She was married at
18, lived with her husband, David Pruett, over 43 years, and he has been dead
something over 43 years. Figure her age up for yourself.
She lived 105 years without joining any church, but after
her conversion and baptism last week, she was on Sunday afternoon admitted to
membership in Pisgah church, which adjourned to her home and admitted her into
full fellowship there.
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