Huntington Beach, California, has just witnessed an unprecedented spiritual milestone as more than 7,750 individuals were baptized in the Pacific Ocean, marking the largest single-day baptism in U.S. history.

Organized by Oceans Church and led by Pastor Mark Francey, the event, dubbed “Baptize California,” drew approximately 30,000 attendees from over 300 churches across the state, uniting people of all ages in a public profession of faith.

The mass baptism, held along the shores of Huntington Beach, saw participants baptized either in the ocean or in portable baptisteries set up along the beach.

The event, now in its second year, surpassed the previous year’s turnout of 6,000 baptisms, reflecting a growing movement.

Pastor Francey, addressing the crowd, celebrated the historic moment, saying, “You were part of the largest water baptism in American history.”

Among the first to be baptized was a 71-year-old woman named Joanne, who, after 40 years of contemplation, finally took the step to publicly declare her faith.

Francey’s vision for the event began two years ago during a time of prayer, when he felt called to promote baptism as a way to strengthen local churches.

“I think that when God wants to do something, he kind of creates the right atmosphere and ecosystem for it to happen,” Francey shared in an interview with The Christian Post.

The event’s success is seen as a catalyst for an even larger initiative, “Baptize America,” planned for June 8, 2025, on Pentecost Sunday.

This nationwide effort aims to unite thousands of churches in what organizers describe as “the largest synchronized baptism in history.”

Baptize California brought together diverse congregations under a shared commitment to the Great Commission, emphasizing the public profession of faith through water baptism.

Organizers highlighted the event’s ability to bridge doctrinal differences, noting that it united churches around a core tenet of Christianity.

“We’re going to flood local churches in every single one of our states, and we’re going to see a mass water baptism across our land,” Francey declared, rallying attendees to envision a broader impact.

The event’s scale and enthusiasm have drawn comparisons to biblical accounts of mass conversions, with stories of transformation emerging from the day.

From spontaneous baptisms to heartfelt testimonies, participants described encounters with faith that transcended the act of baptism itself.

The inclusivity of the event, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds, underscored its message of unity and renewal.