When God created man, He said it was not good for him to be alone. He therefore made woman that she might be his companion and helpmate. She was not taken from his head to rule over him, nor from his feet to be trampled by him, but from his side that she might be his equal; from under his arm that she might receive his protection, from near his heart that she might receive his love.

The relation of husband and wife is a sacred one when it is of "Two souls with but a single thought and two hearts that beat as one." It is the blending of two lives into one; the amalgamation of two natures. In it each loses and hides itself in the other. And thus they learn to live for each other.

I am now, vested with the proper authority, to consummate the solemn rite of matrimony between Edward Thomas Townsend Jr. and Thelma Maye Blezard, the parties now before me.

(To him) You, Edward, are about to take upon yourself a solemn obligation incurring grave responsibilities. The girl of your choice is now to become the wife of your bosom. In no other way could she give so strong an evidence of the love, confidence, and trust she reposes in you. She leaves all other earthly ties - the companionship of loved ones true and tried - and goes to make her home with you and to share with you the joys and sorrows of life. Dovelike she flies to your arms for protection; nestles in your embrace for shelter; and looks to your heart for the lodgment and reciprocation of woman's love.

A good wife is heaven's best and last gift to man - his angel of mercy. In you will she abide and for you only will she live. Then be to her faults a little blind, but to her virtues ever kind.

(To her) You, too, Thelma Maye, are about to assume a solemn responsibility, a grave and lasting obligation. You are now to become the wife of a new household. He whom you are about to wed will look to you for comfort in the hours of distress, for solace in the time of trouble. Your voice should be his sweetest music, your smiles his brightest days, your kisses the guardians of his innocence, your industry his wealth, your economy his safest steward, your lips his faithful counselors, your bosom his softest pillow and your prayers his ablest advocate at Heaven's court. Home is what you make it. Your love and smiles can soften the cares, smooth the frowns, dispel the sorrows, and bring happiness as an abiding guest around your own hearth stone.

(Ring ceremony) You will now, according to ancient usage, further witness your fidelity and love by the use of the ring. The never ending circle of this ring is an emblem of Eternity. Its precious material is a type of the bright, pure affection which should mark the relations of holy wedlock. It will be worn as a gold band of ornament and grace, ever signifying your devotion to each other, and with this ring you do each other wed.

Now, do each of you accept the other as your lawful and wedded husband and wife, and promise to love, cherish and protect each other as long as you both shall live? If so, make it known by joining right hands and repeating, each of you after me, " I do". This is a fit symbol for the union of hearts.

I, now, by the authority vested in me by the laws of this state and by the sanction of God's Holy Word, pronounce you husband and wife.

"And now the curtain downward drops and angels hovering near, drop, methinks, a silent tear, o'er the loveliest thing in life, a happy husband and a happy wife."

(Prayer)

Service: Rev. James M. Anderson
Witness: Mrs E. T. Townsend
Witness: Geo. L. Dyer