“There was a font...for the baptism of the dead, the healing of the sick and other purposes.” — Brigham Young¹

Joseph Smith taught in Nauvoo that baptisms could be performed for the purpose of healing.² Wilford Woodruff first reported these baptisms on November 21, 1841.^3,4 These rites, sometimes involving multiple immersions, were performed in the Nauvoo Temple and other locations. The practice may have been inspired by the story of Naaman immersing himself in the Jordan River seven times.² The font, which was constructed of wood, was also used for baptisms for the living and the dead.^1,3

1. Brigham Young, “An Epistle of the Twelve, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the World,” Times and Seasons January 15, 1845, catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org

2. “Rebaptism,” churchofjesuschrist.org

3. Jonathan A. Stapley and Kristine Wright, “‘They Shall Be Made Whole’: A History Of Baptism For Health” The Journal of Mormon History Vol. 38, No. 4, Fall 2008, 69-112;

4. Journal (January 1, 1841 – December 31, 1842), November 21, 1841, 116, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org