Spanish-speaking church in Norwich baptizes 16 new members

Jessica Ventura felt like a brand new person on Sunday.

Ventura, of Norwich, was one of 16 people baptized into Iglesia Las Buenas Nuevas, a Spanish-speaking church, Sunday afternoon.

I feel different. I feel great, said Ventura, after taking her turn in the baptismal pool at First Baptist Church of Norwich.

Iglesia Las Buenas Nuevas began meeting nearly six years ago at the First Baptist Church on West Main Street. Since then, the Spanish-speaking Baptist congregation has grown from a handful of members to 74.

We have 58 members, but we add 16 more today, said the Rev. Jorge Morales. The church draws members not only from Norwich but also from nearby towns, including Groton and New London, where Morales is from. Morales said members hail from Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and other Central and South American countries.

We want to reach as much of the community as we can, Morales explained. Although most of the services are in Spanish, the church provides a translator and individual listening devices so non-Spanish speakers can follow the service in English.

On Sunday, nearly 100 people spent several hours singing and worshipping. Many were there to see the main event of the day the baptisms of 16 new members.

Today is a very special day, said Morales, whose wife, Wanda, also helps lead services. Today, we celebrate something that doesnt occur all year long.

The 16 new members donned white gowns and sandals and took turns stepping into the pool to be baptized. Some wept and some smiled. For husband and wife Cesar and Alicia Santini, baptism was something they experienced as a couple.

My whole family is baptized, Alicia said. My husband wanted me to marry him again, and I said it had to be in the church.

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Spanish-speaking church in Norwich baptizes 16 new members