Beach H. Beard to Josephine A. Mathews

Beach H. Beard to  Josephine A. Mathews

submitted by Lorna Marks

BRILLIANT WEDDING

     On Tuesday, the 31st ult., at 5 o’clock P. M., a large and brilliant assembly of relatives and friends witnessed at the Presbyterian church of this village, the solemn ceremonies which united in the holy bonds of wedlock Mr. Beach H. Beard and Miss Josie A. Mathews.
     The pulpit and platform and the organ loft were profusely decorated with ferns, plants and flowers, arranged in a tasteful and artistic manner, making that portion of this otherwise beautiful church look like a scene from fairy land.  The effect of these floral decorations, brought out in full relief by the rich dark back-ground, was striking in the extreme, and called forth admiring comments from every beholder.
     The duties of usher were performed by Messrs. Augustus Armstrong and Paul I. Wells who quietly seated the large audience which completely filled every part of the auditorium and gallery.
     As the wedding party entered the vestibule of the church the inspiring notes of Mendelssohn’s wedding march burst forth from the organ and bride and groom preceded by the groomsmen, Messrs. Ira Beard and Fred C. Beard marched slowly up the center isle and were met by the officiating clergyman Rev. S. J. Rowland, who in choice and appropriate language, conducted the beautiful and impressive service, and pronounced with words that made the contracting parties one until death do part.
     During the ceremony the organist played the Swedish Wedding March and as the bridal party turned and slowly marched down the aisle, their path was strewn with roses by two little misses arrayed in white, Florence Bishop and Edith Peck, and the organ rolled out with full tones the Wagner Tanhauser March.  As they passed out of the church to enter their carriage showers of rice were scattered over them by the groomsmen, the carriage rolled away and the audience slowly dispersed.
     Thus ended one of the most beautiful and effective wedding ceremonies it has been our lot to witness.
     Miss Louise Cameron presided at the organ and contributed much to the enjoyment of the occasion by her faultless rendering of the elaborate and well selected musical programme.
     We are informed that Mr. And Mrs. Beard will be absent on their wedding tour about a month and will visit among other places, Niagara Falls, Thousand Islands, (several words illegible) and Saratoga.  The best wishes of their many friends will go with them, and they will receive a cordial welcome when they return to Fayetteville society.  “May they live long and prosper.”
 



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30 April 1999