The morning call., 1891-03-22
A SPIRITUAL WEDDING.
Mrs. Whitney Unites a Couple at
the Hotel Van Ness.

A rather peculiar marriage ceremony took
place at the Hotel Van Ness, on Market street,
last evening. the contracting parties being James
E. Sutton of Victoria, b. c., and Miss Ada Belle
Walters OF Los Gatos. The officiating minister
was Mrs. j. j. Whitney, spiritual medium, who
is recognized as the leading exponent OF spirltu-
allsm from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast
Mrs. Whitney was ordained as minister OF the
gospel of spiritualism by the Society of Pro-
gressiye Spiritnalists OF San Francisco 10 July,
1887 and this was the tweHty-third wedding she
has officated at.
hotel which were handsomely decorated for the
occasion. a marriage bell composed OF La
France roses. tube roses, pinks, cloth of gold
and white v0lets hung over the embrasrre
formed by the bay-windows, the chandelier was
twined with smilaX aud bank OF flowers was
in front of the marble mantelpiece, which was
adorned with floral pieces ana p0tted plants. On
a sidebOard was displayed a number of hand
some presents tor the bride, consisting of silver
ware, perfumery and toilet articles OF value and
variety.
Shortly after o'clock Mrs. Whitney, the off,
catiDg minister, who wore costume or black
lace aud diamond ornaments, with a large soli-
taire diamond sparkling In her hair, and wearing
a corsage bouquet of white violets and Made en-
hair fern, took her stand under the marriage
bell and then the wedding party entered. First
came the bride. leaning on the arm OF her father
then the maid OF honor. Miss Lessie Maud
Rainey; the bridegroom. Miss Ida Beggs and
Miss Hannah Becker OF San Jose. bridr smaids,
aud Messrs Harry and Benjamin Walters,
groomsmen. The bride was dressed IN white
satin, trimmed with point lace, and had d tmOnd
ornaments. The maid of honor was dressed in
pale pink silk and the bridesmaids In white.
Tie ceremony was brief and solemn, AS coon
as the contracting parties had taken their places
under the marriage-bel and after lew words
regarding the marriage ceremony, Mrs. Whitney
said 10 the groom: "Wilt thou have this woman
to be thy welded wife, to live together in the
holy estate OF matrimony, 10 love her. cherish
her, comfort and keep her, In sickness ana in
health, fOrsakng all other, and keep thee unto
her only AS long as you both shall live" The
groom whispered very softlyI.I WILL" Mrs.
Whitney then prOpounded the same question to
the bride. with The exception. that instead of
saying Ito Keep herr she said to 'bs with him."
and the bride answered in clear ringing voice
81 Wiz"
AfIei they had pledged their truth the BRIDE
groom and bIide joined hands and the officiating
mini ster said: "By this act of joining hands
you take upon yourselves the relation of hus-
band and wife, and S0lemniy promise the spirits
and their witnesses present TO love, honor, cher
isb and comfort each Other long you both
shall live" Then Mrs. Whitney added solemnly:
"By The laws OF the State of California here
by pronounce you Man and wife, and whom God
splits nor mortals put asunder." The groom
then placed ring Ou the finger OF the bride
with the words. with this ring 1 thee wed and
with all my worldly goods L thee eudow In the
name OF God and of the spirits. Amen" A few
words of advice from Mrs. Whitney and the
ceremony was over. The bridegroom is mill
man of Victoria and he and his bride, after pay
iug brief visit to Victoria, will make g tour TO
EurOpe