The Portland daily press., 1866-06-26
Silver Wedding.


A very pleasant and beautiful celebration of
a silver wedding came off at the Reception
Hall and adjacent rooms Of the City Hall, on
Saturday evening. 1t was the twensy-fifth an
niversary of the welded life of Rev. William
d. Hayden and his wife, daughter Of the late
Professor Woods, of Audover1. Ea
As Mr.. Hayden is Minister of the New Je-
rusalem Church of this city, the celebration
naturally partook of the Swedenborgian style,
which style, by the way, is always OF the most
agreeable kind. eulU
1t was strictly parish affair. There we're
several hundred persons present, members OF
the congregation. Flowers prevailed every
where in the utmost profusion. Over the
southern gallery was the year "1841 !" with
silver and gold hands interlocked; then 1896"
with two silver hearts intertw:ned; between
both hovered white dove bearing bridal
flowers. af s31 4iHi
AS the couple entered the room the Sunday
School children sang in charming style beau
tiful song of welcome, written by Mrs. Mar
clan Seavey. Passages from the Word were
then read, and the Lords prayer offered, af-
ter which Mr.. Hayden placed upon his wife's
finger bridal ring composed of silver and
gold, explaining its symbolism and the high
uses of true marriage. When this interesting
part of the ceremony was concluded, the chii-
dren said, ''May the Divine blessing be upon
you." A number of little girls then approach
ed and gave the bride and bridegroom gifts of
flowers, during which pretty little cupid came
with his charming present. Some young la
dies addressed them in poetical recitations,
with excellent taste, each closing with more
flowers. IG 9Ii " N 3 9l l1iS
After these ceremonies, Judge KiDgsbuIy
addressed Mr.. Hayden and his wife. He said
it had been made his agreeable duty by the
Church, the Congregation and the Sabbath
School, over which Mr.. Hayden presided as
Minister, to tender their warm congratulations
upon the advent of this interesting occasion
and this, not as mere formal expression, call
ed out by the ordinary courtesies Of the time,
but as the warm and loving sentiment of those
whom he represented. They remembered
that more than fifteen years of the past twen-
ty-fve had been given to their service-and
that, to this service, their pastor had brought
the best efforts of his clear and able intellect,
and both had furnished the example of lie
consistent with the heavenly doctrines he had
inculcated. After some other remarks, Judge
Kingsbury, in behalf of the society, presented
an elegant silver tea service, study chair for
Mr.. Hayden, and various other articles oil
beauty and value.
Mr.. Hayden most fittingly responded. He
referred to his long and pleasant connection
with the society, and the satisfaction that he
and his companion had experienced during
that connection. He also alluded to the i'm
mediate occasion, its uses, and the right rela-
tons Of married life. His remarks were list
ened to with intense interest.
At the conclusion, there was general rush
towards them of the whole company, to shake
hands with. their beloved pastor ard wife, and
tender their affectionate good wishes, during
which the Wedding March was played. The
children then sang another song of greeting
written by Mrs. Seavey. E9a a ae
Next came most bountiful feast in the ad-
joining room, which was decorated elegantly.
The table was loaded with wedding cake,
strawberries, ices and other luxuries. The ar
rangements were admirably made throughout,
so that, though there was very large crowd,
there was no confusion. st.s hl
After supper the company returned to the
Reception Room, and listened to the song OF
"John Anderson my Joe," sung by Mrs,
Louise Mitchell, splendidly. The 14th anthem
in the new Church Book of Worship was
chanted by the choir, beginning, "Thou wilt
show me the path of life" when the company
retired at the seasonable hour of half past 1C
O'Clock. -,
There were two ladies present who witness
ed the marriage OF the parties twenty-five
years ago-Mr. Hayden's mother, and Mrs.
Smith, widow Of Rev. Mr.. Smith, formerly Of
this city, sister of Mrs. Hayden. zsl s. J
1t was rare, beautiful and unique celebra-
ton, and carried out, in all its details, with ad-
mirable taste and appropriateness. Our Swe-
denborgian friends will, we have no doubt,
treasure it among their most pleasant memo
ries. No people seem to have more limo
Gently enjoyable gift than they for such occa-
siOns. alris gail7trt t-5f tar no3d rd "a