Somerset County resident Shirley Brown was eagerly anticipating  Saturday, July 8, the day she would step into the pool located behind the Crownsville Assembly Hall auditorium to get baptized.

“I am so excited and thrilled for the big day!” said Shirley, who studied the Bible for four years before making this decision. Now 65, Shirley has overcome addiction, family opposition and discouragement to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “It’s the best decision I could make in my life!”

Thousands will look on as Shirley joins other congregants who will also be fully immersed in the baptismal pool, highlighting the second day of the three day “Exercise Patience”! Regional Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The morning session began at 9:20 a.m. and culminated with a talk preceding the baptism event.

Another highlight of the convention’s second day was the first of a two-part prerecorded feature Bible drama.

“The Saturday program at our large annual conventions is always highly anticipated!” said Kenneth Evans Jr., spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The significance of the baptism and the practical, compelling drama powerfully impact all those who attend.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world for more than 100 years prior to April 2020, when the organization canceled all their in-person events around the world.

After resuming smaller in-person meetings and their public ministry during 2022, the summer of 2023 marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events around the world.

The convention is open to the public and no collection is taken. For more information on the program or to find other convention locations and dates, go to jw.org and navigate to the “About Us” tab.