The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-12-29

An unique celebration was held last
night In the Welsh Congregatio
church. when Mr.. and Mrs. Thomas Il.
Williams were given u pleasant SUR
prise, it being the occasion of their
fiftieth wedding anniversary. The
church was well filed with friends of
the happy couple. who had gathered
to tender their congratulations on the
safe arrival of Mr.. and Mrs. Williams
at this far milestone in their life's
journey.
AT o'clock, as Mr.. and Mrs. Will
Jams entered the church. they were
greeted with the pleasing strains of an
organ voluntary. played by the church
organist. Mrs. William Bevan. After
they were seated upon the pulpit plat
form. the reading desk having been re-
moved. the entire congregation sang
the "Doxology" and afterwards the
Coronation"
The church was prettily decorated
with evergreens and gold" above the
heads of the couple being the large
figures lS50-1900. The ushers, walters
and members of the committee of ar
rangements wore yellow flowers and
neckties. AS the couple, accompanied
by the pastor and his wife, passed up
the aisles they were welcomed by the
deacons and deaconesses of the church.
Daniel Price opened the meeting by
stating the object of the assemblage
and Offering his congratulations to the
bridal couple. After a solo by Miss
Blodwin Thomas, the pastor spoke of
Lit, t~lx~
to attend Il golden wedding, and es-
pecially so when the persons involved
We're two of his most active church
workers. During the prayer that he
offered at the close of his remarks, Mr..
and Mrs. Williams stood with their
hands clasped.
After duet by Mr.. and Mrs. Evan
Gabriel. short addresses We're made by
Messrs. Daniel Price, John Il. Evans
and John Grier, who have known and
have been associated with the FORUM
ate couple during the greater part of
their residence in this place. They
have. also, for many years been asso-
ciated with Mr.. Williams as deacons
of the church. These addresses. and
those made by local bards, We're inter-
spersed with solos by Henry Htchings.
Mrs. d. d. Lewis Miss Elizabeth Eli
cOtt. Joshua John. Esau Price and John
l.. Evans. Also by selections by the
orchestra. led by Reese Davis.
During the exercises a purse of gold
was presented to Mr.. Williams by
William Simmons, the oldest male
member of the church, and to Mrs.
Williams by Mrs. Sarah Richards.
After a light lunch had been served by
the ladies of the church. all present
gladly shook hands with the happy
couple and rendered their congra tula-
tions.
Mr.. and Mrs. Williams are we'll
known in this part of the city. having
lived here the greater part of their
married lives. Born in Breconshire,
South Wales, in 1927. they emigrated
about thirty-fve years ago. After
working in the mines, Mr.. Williams
clerk, and was well-known figure
behind the counter for more than a
quarter of century. For the past
three Or four years he has been lead
ing retired life.
For the past thirty-five years the
couple have been actively connected
with the church, Mr. Williams having
continuously been a deacon. trustee
and treasurer. During this time the
church has not only been rebuilt. hut
has had several additions made to it.
He has also been active in other
branches Of the church work. at one
time being chorister and also accom-
panying the singing with his claronet,
on which instrument he is yet skilled
player. He has also filled many other
offices in the church and Sunday school
at various times. 1t was because of
the intense interest that he took in
church work that this innovation was
given by the church members.