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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to Weddings page.
30 April 1999