The Somerset reporter., 1886-06-09
The Presidents Wedding.

About haf-past six o'clock June 2nd the we'd
ding guests began to arrive, their carriages
rolling up to the main door OF the White house
at Washington through the great iron gates ON
PENNSYLVANIA avenue. The first arrival was Sec
rotary Lamar at 637. He was closely followed
by Rev. Dr. Sutherland and wife, and during
the next few minutes there came IN quick sue
cession PostmastcrG General Villas and wife, Mr.
Wilson S Bissell, Secretary and Mrs. Endicott
Secretary Bayard, Secretary and Mrs. Whitney
and Secretary Manning and his wife. All the
guests proceeded to the Blue Room, where they
we're received by Miss Cleveland.
For few minutes the guests chattcd gally but
conversation quickly suspended, at 40
o'clock when selected orchestra from the
Marine Band stationed in the corridor, struck
up the familiar strains of the wedding march
from Mcndelssohn's Midsummer Nights
Dream" and all eyes were turned to the door
way to catch the first glimpse of the coming
bride and groom. Starting from the western
corridor on the upperfoor the President came
slowly down the western staircase with his
bride leaning ON his arm. They were unaccon-
panied even the brides mother awaited her
with the other guests.
Passing through the Genital corridor the
bride and groom entered the Blue Room and
took position near the southern wall which
was completely hidden from sight by mass of
noddin. palms. tropical grasses and an endless
variety of choice flowers. Three crystal chan
delicrs poured food of mellow radiance upon
the scene and the colors Of massive banks of
scarlet begonas and royal jacqueminot roses,
minglng with the blue and silver tints of the
frescoed walls and ceiling gave warm and
glowing tone to the whole brilliant interior
The delicate ivory shades Of the brides we'd
ding gown found an exquisite setting IN masses
of crimson roses. Immediately beyond was the
President in full evening dress.
hush fell upon the asscmblagc as Dr.
Sutherland stepped forward To his position
fronting ,hc wedding couple, with Rev. W lillian
Cleveland the Presidents brother, at his left
hand. In a distinct tone of voice and with de
liberate uttcrance the Doctor began the simple
and beautiful wedding service. After petition |
to Almighty God To bcstow his blessings ON the |
couple and an address to the people |
upon the holiness Of the bonds of matrlmony, |
the services proceeded in the usual FORM and
at its close DIR. Sutherland said solemnly:
"For as much as Grover and Fransis have |
here agreed and coyenanted to live together |
after Gods ordinances, in the holy estate OF |
wedlock and have confirmed the same by giving |
and taking the wedding ring, now therefore III
the presence of the Father and Of the Son and Of
the Holy Ghost, pronounce and declare they |
are husband and wife, and what God has Joined
together let not man put asunder
Rev. Mr.. Cleveland then pronounced the |
bencdiction
t the conclusion of the ceremony Mrs. fol- |
som, showing traces Of deep emotion, was the
first to tender her congratulations to the newly /
married couple. She followed by Miss
Cleveland, Rev. Mr.. Cleveland and other rela-
tiyes and friends III turn. While the congratu-
atons were in progress the band performed the
bridal chorus and march from Lohengrin and
and to this music the President and his wife led /
the way into the east room. The adornments OF
his noble hall were in keeping with its MAJ Site
proportions and its ample space and brilliant
Illumination afforded opportunity for hitting
display of ladies' toilets.
From the east room the company proceeded,
,ftcr session Of promcnnrding and converse.
ion, to the family dining room Of the Mansion,
where the wedding supper was served. There
VAS no formal order observed IN the supper
Dom, but the collation. served and the
guests sat at small tables, or slowly promcnarded
he room, as they discussed the menu and chat
ed over the event Of the evening
About $50 o'clock the President and his
iride said a hasty good-bye to their friends and
eft the house through private exit from the
Red Room into the south grounds. \ closed
carriage awaited them and they entered the
'arriage il was driven directly to the Baltimore
md Ohio railroad station where special train
vas in waiting to take the President and his
ride to Deer Park