Thousands Baptized in Ocean Rite : Religion: Church officials say the ceremony is the largest in memory. The event climaxed a weeklong crusade in Costa Mesa.

Thousands of people seeking spiritual purification walked into the sea Friday evening in what church officials said was the largest baptism in memory.

The converts entered the surging surf, some singly, others holding hands with spouses and children, and were greeted by pastors who asked them if they were ready to accept Jesus Christ in their lives.

The mass baptism sponsored by more than 100 Southern California churches was the climax of the weeklong Summer Harvest Crusade at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa--five nights of speeches and Christian rock concerts.

As the converts nodded or whispered their affirmation, they were dunked under the water. Most emerged smiling. Others hugged a pastor or began to weep.

“I feel loved,” said Mark Contreras, 27, who came to the baptismal with his girlfriend and two young daughters from Riverside. “It’s just a feeling in your heart. I can’t explain it but you know it.”

Darlene Reyna, a 31-year-old dental assistant from El Monte, said, “I was waiting for this (baptism) for a long time. Now I won’t feel empty anymore. Now I feel like I have a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s wonderful.”

Crusade officials had expected more than 5,000 people to show up for the baptisms, which were to be held in the waters off Pirate’s Cove. But so many people came that the baptism was moved to a larger section of Corona del Mar State Beach.

An hour after the ceremonies began at 7 p.m., thousands of people still waited their turn on the shore or were stuck in traffic.

Ed Steele, a spokesman for the crusade, said he had no way of estimating how many people actually turned out to be baptized.

“We, as Christians, depend on the Holy Spirit to move people, and He has moved people in a big way,” said Jack Acuff, a member of a Christian advertising agency in Orange that promoted the crusade.

Many of those who watched the event had already been baptized. They said they wanted to be there to share the joy with people who would become like them.

“It’s a blessing for me to see others accept the faith,” said Lisa Foley, 32, of Lakewood. “I can walk up to any one of these people and they are my brother and sister.”