The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-02-21
Wedding in Colored High Life.
BRILLIANT DISPLAY AND IMPOSING CEREMONIES
lFrom the St. Louis Times, February 1871

From the st. Louis Times, February 49,
The marriage service was performed yester-
day at st. Vincent's church, IN q style OF mag.
nifcence that has never been surpassed in the
city, and which those who Witnessed 1t Will
never forget. The altar was illuminated and
deckei in its richest ornaments. The most
splendid vestments belonging to the church
were used, and the whole edifice wore the ap-
pearance OF grand festival. Carpets were
spread down the aisles Of the church, and ex-
tended out on the sidewalk even to the curb
stone. In the sanctuary six clergymen were
assembled, surrounded by eighteen attendants,
dressed IN the most gorgeous manner. The
rite was performed according to the ceremo'
nial Of the Catholic church, with all the splen-
dor and impreasivenesc If Its grand ceremJ-
nial. In the body Of the church every pew was
flied, and around the railing Of the sanctuary
every foot OF standing r )om was occupied. The
spectators were not unworthy the occasion, Tor
the wealth and fashion of the city were present,
among whom the event has been the subject OF
daily conversation for the past two months.
At o'clock the bridal party arrived. AS they
entered the church the full organ gave forth
its swelling volume Of music till the windows
toward the parties as two by two they walked
slowly up the middle aisle, and e1clamations
Of wonder and surprise st the brilliant pageant
we're heard on all sides. When they the bridal
party reached the railing of the sanctuary
they stood for moment, then genuHected to-
gether, and the bride and bridegroom each
knelt on beautifully worked prize D,eu,
which was placed at the foot of the steps.
The ministers then came forward, and the
bridal party advanced to the railing. Rev.
Father Burke, C. NJ, assisted by Rev. Fathers
Hennessey, C. NJ, and Koop, G. NJ, performed
the service. During this interesting ceremony,
profound stiffness reigned throughout the
church, and every ear was strained to catch
the responses. They were given In clear,
audible voice, the parties knowing what they
were doing, and evidencing no hesitation. The
bride was dressed in most exquisite style and
taste. She wore heavy satin dress, with long
train turned with pointlace, carried bouquet OF
beautiful wax flowers in her hand, and over
her head and reaching almost to the floor, was
thrown magnificent lace veil OF poam Gp-
plique. This one item alone cost $500. Her
iewery was diamonds, the earrings being OF
exquisite workmanship, and costing s50OO.
The material alone OF her dress cost S140O.
The gr- r-om also was dressed with perfect taste.
There was two bridesmaids and groomsmen,
all OF whom were arTayed in manner scarcely
inferior to- the contracting parties. James
p, Thompson, the groom, is rnulatto, and
has resided in st. LOUIS for number Of years.
He isla partner of Clamorgan, whose baths are
well known. and is the owner of several shaving
saloouSiR this city. Hels reported TO be I'M
mensely wealthy, and on yesterday presented
his bride with. a check tor $4,000. He is q
man of good education, and has travelled con-
siderably in Europe. The bride, Antoineltes
Rutger, is- also mulatto, and native OF
st. Louis. Her wealth, in cash and real
estate, is between three and four hundred
thousand dollars. She is an only child, and
has been an orphan for some time. She is
very highly esteemed by all her acquaintances,
and is known to use her wealth IN manner
beneficial to all around her. She is very chari-
table, and the foremost in every enterprise
looking toward the assistance Of the needy
and has for long time been the sole support
of several poor persons. Many Of those who
have been the objects of her charity were in
the church yesterday, and offered their good
wishes tor her happiness. The bride was at
tended by Miss Brfttania Kump and Miss Julia
sabadie. The groom was accompanied by Mr.
O. L. de Randanlie and Mr.. George Ran
dolph. As the bridal party retired from the
church, the full choir sang the "Gloria" from
Mozart's imr ortal Twelfth Mass" and in con-
clusion the ''Wedding March" was given in
splendid style. The party intend starring at
once for Europe. and Will make protracted
to1r on the contln ent.