Why is our fellowship called Baptist and what does it mean?

The word ‘baptist’ is a reference to the practice of only baptising believers. Baptism by immersion is practised, that is the person goes underwater and then rises up out of it, which is symbolic of their new life in Christ. The word ‘baptist’ is a reference to the practice of only baptising believers. Baptism by immersion is practised, that is the person goes underwater and then rises up out of it, which is symbolic of their new life in Christ. 

It does not make someone a Christian.  The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.  Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast   So the new life is a gift called being “born again” John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. The Baptists have been in Ireland since the 1600s. Many left for America when they were no longer free to worship with liberty and many Irish baptists laid the foundations for the powerful nation that developed.  Marks of a baptist church would include – the Bible is its final authority.  Evangelical — emphasising the necessity of the new birth and consequent holiness of life; and Baptist — arguing that baptism should follow an individual’s profession of faith.