A processional cross led the bridal party down the candlelit aisle. The congregation rose to sing, "In Thee Is Gladness." A deacon in dalmatic and the presider in cope stood at the altar. A groom and his groomsmen stood waiting... and singing. The arm was passed from father to groom and the Word of God was read. The rite echoed the sound of the English from the old Book of Common Prayer as promises, vows, and rings were exchanged. A nuptial Eucharist fed the newly formed husband and wife. "Now Thank We All Our God" we sang. Then blessing to the couple and benediction to the congregation and the organ sounded the festive postlude. It was not recent. It was not in Westminster Abbey. It was 33 years ago at Redeemer on Rusidill in Ft. Wayne, when the Rev. Charles Evanson, mentor and friend, spoke the life changing words, "I pronounce you husband and wife, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."
3 comments:
Congratulations on your 33rd
Wedding Anniversary, Pastor Peters.
Go for the Gold as you look forward
to your 50th Wedding Anniversary. I
met my wife in Fort Wayne, but we
were married in Michigan.
Blessings and Congratulations, Fr. and Mrs. Peters! Mary and I will celebrate 28 years this summer, which we began at Bethlehem Lutheran in Richmond, VA, a lovely gothic structure with a marvelous pipe organ in the balcony.
My bride and I celebrated our 21st Anniversary yesterday. If you and your Mrs. are like us, Pastor, you're wondering how those years could have passed so quickly. May God bless you with many more years together.
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