Baptism Performed at Mississippi College’s Alumni Pool

Mississippi College lifeguard Benjamin Jenkins, 22, of Stringer joins MC student Meghan Bunch, 20, of Vicksburg in late April on the Clinton campus

Water aerobics, volleyball, scuba diving and swimming laps are typical activities at Mississippi College’s Alumni Pool.

Since the pool opened in the Baptist institution’s Alumni Hall in 1926, the facility gets heavily utilized by faculty, staff and students. Year-round, it’s the go-to place to cool off, burn calories, and have a little fun. Hanging overhead are decorative flags of more than two dozen nations where Mississippi College students call home.

In late April, the pool’s shallow end became the scene for an MC student to be Baptized. Delighted classmates looked on and captured the moment on their cell phone cameras. They cheered on April 20 as Meghan Bunch celebrated the important occasion in her life as a Christian believer.

“It was a first for me at Alumni Pool,” says pool director Ellen Noble. “I was glad to offer it up as an opportunity for the students to share and witness their commitment to Christ with their peers.”

No matter the season, Alumni Pool attracts many MC family members, from teens to senior citizens, as a terrific place to stay in shape. It’s also proven to be a wonderful spot for students to build their faith.

“It provides a safe and clean environment, on campus to declare their faith with the spiritual support of their friends,” Noble said.

Alumni Pool lifeguard Benjamin Jenkins of Stringer, MS was thrilled to lead the baptism and help Meghan Bunch solidify her public decision to follow Jesus Christ.

“I had never before had the honor of helping someone publically make a profession of faith in Jesus in this way,” Jenkins said. “But I was humbled beyond words to get to do it.”

This is a “step of obedience to the teachings of Jesus,” added Jenkins, a Jones County senior who serves as this year’s Mr. MC. “I’m so glad we got to celebrate Meghan’s decision to follow Him.”

Leading the student in baptism is a truly extraordinary moment that Jenkins will carry with him long after his MC graduation on May 6. The next stop for the Spanish major will be working at a Christian camp this summer, and later a trip to Europe. Ben will move to Spain to pursue a career teaching English as a second language.

Meghan Bunch, 20, of Vicksburg is thankful her Kissimee Social Tribe sisters could join her at Alumni Pool. The Kissimee women remain passionate about their pink and their elephants. But more importantly, they love the Lord.

Getting Baptized by the Alumni Pool lifeguard and friend was incredibly special for the future first-grade teacher. A Blue & Gold mentor and senior beaux of the Kissimee Social Tribe, Ben serves as the chaplain of Shawreth, a men’s civic club on campus.

Ben Jenkins “has been a brother, a friend, a spiritual leader and a constant example of the Gospel since I’ve been at MC,” Meghan Bunch said. “Being Baptized by him with all of my KT sisters there was beautiful and encouraging.”

The elementary education major is glad to have so many supportive Mississippi College friends “that constantly show me Christ and his love.”

Founded in 1826, Mississippi College marks its 191^st anniversary this year. MC remains America’s second oldest Baptist college. The school first became affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention in 1850.

Last year, on a different spot on the Clinton campus, several Mississippi College student-athletes were Baptized. One by one, they entered a large container of water in the outfield on the Lady Choctaws softball diamond. Members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Baptist Student Union, sports teams and other school supporters were overjoyed as they served as witnesses.