Keeping Our Kids Safe (originally published September 13)

Many of you have heard the story of the young boy who drowned in a baptistry at a church of Christ in Georgia. It was reported in The Christian Chronicle several months ago and has caused many congregations to “rethink” the safety of their meeting house. [The article follows below.]

Our new auditorium is very safe when it comes to the baptistry. It is locked most of the time and there is no water in it unless someone responds wanting to put Christ on in baptism. Our balcony is also locked from one side, although it can be accessed from the back, so some children go up there from time-to-time.

However, I have another concern. After our services are over, we have many children (some very young) who go to the old building and begin playing in the halls. While there is not anything necessarily wrong with this, it concerns me because, for the most part, they are unattended. Just one wrong step on a staircase or just one wrong move in a doorway, and we could have a major tragedy on our hands.

Parents, I know you are busy trying to “meet and greet.” I also understand that you know the other children with whom your child is playing. But we need to do better in keeping an eye on these precious little ones. They sometimes run into our elderly members and nearly knock them down. Then, they just run on without apologizing.

Can we do better? Let’s keep an eye on these little ones. I know it’s fun for them to play after worship while adults are just standing around and talking. But, just one moment of not paying attention, and we could be very sorry. Parents do a great job reminding me to keep an eye on their children when we are away on trips (and, by the way, I appreciate the reminders). However, parents, I’m “returning the favor” and reminding you that tragedy could strike right here in our building. Let’s be very careful with these treasures with which God has blessed us (cf. Psalm 127:3).

Georgia church mourns, warns others after 3-year-old drowns

By Tamie Ross
For the Christian Chronicle
June 22, 2005

Child found in church’s baptistery

In the wake of the accidental drowning of a 3-year-old boy at the Fairview church, Stockbridge, Ga., the child’s parents and church members are speaking out in hopes they can help prevent a similar tragedy elsewhere.
April and Charles Sanders and their 3-year-old son, “Little Charlie,” were among those making their way to the church’s annex for a Sunday meal May 22. Charles Sanders stopped to talk for a moment with minister David Decker at the back of the auditorium, while April Sanders went to the restroom.

Upon her return, Little Charlie could not be found. After the couple and other members searched in classrooms and at the annex, April Sanders climbed the few steps into the baptistery area and saw her blond-haired little boy floating face-down in the 3-foot-deep pool.

Homer Cary, an elder at Fairview, said everyone began running toward the mother as they heard her screams and splashing water.

Church members tried to revive Little Charlie, as did emergency workers when they arrived at the building. The child was pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital.

Little Charlie was the couple’s only child, born after infertility problems and eight years into their marriage.

Despite the devastating loss, Cary told the Chronicle the Sanders’ faith has been evident, even as they’ve grieved publicly.

“They have made it clear that the name of God is still to be praised,” Cary said.

He said the church and others have helped the family financially and provided counseling, and no legal action has been mentioned.

“It was a tragic accident, but we agree that good can come of it, through education for other churches and by ministering to this family,” he said.

To that end, Cary said Charles Sanders’ sister was restored and her daughter was baptized at Fairview the Sunday following Little Charles’ funeral.