Marion Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, Iowa is where the wedding took place. John had told me that he was no cook or housekeeper. His first wife, Nellie, had passed away quite suddenly two years ago. He sold his home in Washington, Iowa and moved to Burlington, Iowa to be near his daughter Heidi Cranston and her husband Pastor Brad and their family. John learned to operate most all of the household gadgets, but he was not satisfied. John told me he had to make different arrangements. I did not catch on he didn't tell me that he had a lady friend whose husband had died some years ago. They were farmers. Her son has bought the property and is farming it now.
John has three children and his wife Marilyn has four children. Pastor Terry Anglea, John's son-in-law is married to Joyce, John's daughter. They live outside of Chicago. Another minister was Pastor Richard O. Hedger, brother of the bride. Wedding coordinator was Patricia Warren, friend of the bride. Marcel Dunbar was the organist, friend of the couple. Heidi Cranston was the pianist, daughter of the groom. Sally Christner, daughter-in-law of the groom and Joseph Brown, friend of the bride were vocalists. John Christner's lady friend sent me an invitation to their wedding. I don't drive anymore, so I called John's sister, Eudora Mullet. I said, "Do you have room for me to ride with you folks?" "Yes," she said. I took my walker into the church and rode the elevator with Eudora to the Sanctuary where the wedding ceremony was held. I got to sit with the family up front, quite an honor.
The best man was Dean Luers, friend of the groom. Maid of honor was Linda VonWiesenthal, daughter of the bride, Marcia O. Wagner, daughter of the bride was a bridesmaid. The groomsman was jack DeCoser, friend of the groom. Flower girl was Joanna Cranston and ring bearer was Jacob Cranston. They are twins of Pastor Brad and Heidi Cranston son-in-law and daughter of the groom. Vocalist Sally Christner, wife of Pastor Steve Christner, live in Maine where he is a minter. I enjoyed your solos, Sally. The personal attendant to her mother Marilyn was her daughter Margaret Schneider.
As the men stood on stage I wondered where John was. The fellow standing center stage was smiling form ear to ear. I did not recognize him at first. It had to be my friend John. They were a nice looking group. Then Marilyn and her attendants made their entrance, a beautiful sight. The bride to be took her place beside the groom.
Now after the marriage vows were spoken and the rings were placed on his and her fingers, the bride and groom embraced, a touching scene. Then the minster asked John's son, Steve, to stand and introduce his family. John's two daughters were to stand and introduce their families. All standing as well. Now the bride was to introduce each of her children and their spouses and families. When all were on their feet, the church was half full of close relatives of the couple.
After all were seated again, Brother Joseph Brown repeated the Lord's Prayer. Pastor Larry Brown then presented the newlyweds to the congregation. The couple left the stage and their friends and relatives followed them out to congratulate the couple. After that was accomplished, Eudora and I, with my walker got into the elevator and went downstairs where we met Eudora's husband Henry. We found chairs to sit on, where we could visit with friends and family of the couple. It was a long time until the line of well-wishers made it downstairs. We could not have refreshments until the honored couple made an appearance. Cake and punch were served.
The bride threw her bouquet to the waiting young girls. John then threw his garter out to be a keepsake for the person catching it. What an interesting afternoon that was. Thank you lovebirds.
The end.
A new beginning for each of you - - Enjoy.
Thank you for the invitation.
Your Friend,
Jess Grout
Kalona