The Republican journal., 1913-05-29
. REV. AND MRS. A. A. SMITH.
Pleasantly Surprised on the 18th Anniver-
sary of their Marriage.


Friday, May 3d. Rev. Ashley A. Smith of
the Universalist church. and Mrs. Smith, were
invited by DR.. F. E. Maxield to meet some
friends who were spending the evening in his
home. Rev. and Mrs. Smith accepted the
invitation. and early in the evening DR.. Max
field called for them IN his automobile. In
Park street, just opposite the Universalist
church, the car suddenly refused to bulge, its
occupants sitting uncomfortably in the drz.
zling--rain.
DR.. Maxfield got out and puttered with the
machinery, his expression indicating thoughts
unworthy of expression by good church
member in the presence OF a clergyman.
Perhaps" he suggested. after an awkward
pause, 1--WE had better step under cover, for it
may take me some little time to fix this
He led the way into the dark and silent
church. 1t was cold in the vestibule, and the
little group crossed to the massive doors lead
ing into the ves,ry. DR.. Maxfield flung them
open--and at that moment there was blaze
of welcoming light, and Mr.. and Mrs. Smith
found themselves face to face with hundreds
of their parshioners. For it was Mr. and Mrs
Smiths fifteenth wedding anniversary-their
crystal wedding-and this was their big sur
prise.
1t had been arranged and timed to nicety,
with DR.. Maxfeld chief conspirator. At a
given hour, when the automobile was due to
arrive before the church, every light had been
extinguished, and not hushed laugh
broke the silence. The opening of the vestry
door was the signal for the denouement.
AS Mr.. and Mrs. Smith stepped into the ves-
try there pealed forth the wedding march play
ed by C. Winfield Richmond, and they found
themselves standing in sort of bridal bower.
1t was a bower of white and green, and over
head a great crystal electric globe which
blazed and gittered and lighted all that part
of the vestry with its myriad twinklng points.
The music ceased; and from the groups of
parshi oners there stepped Alanson J. Merrill.
upon their happy anniversary, and ended by
presenting them fifteen gold pieces, each of
twenty dollars.
1t is always customary, in reporting such
occasions, to record that 1.-The recipient, al
though completely overcome by surprise, re-
sponded with well-chosen words of thanks -
But Mr.. Smith was not completely overcome,
great though his surprise was. and he ex-
pressed the thanks of himself and Mrs Smith
very neatly and gracefully. Then, the little
ceremony being over, the remainder of the
evening was devoted to reception.
1t was of the most elaborate social
events held in church circles for long time.
The vestries were beautifully decorated, with
a profusion of lights, flowers, and oriental rugs
and craperies, while every parshioner who
could possibly attend was there. Coffee was
served by Mrs. M. Estella PECK and Mrs
Sawyer, each being assisted by groups OF
young ladies' There was music by victrola
kindly loaned by the Steinert company, anc
the vestries had been lighted and beautifec
under the direction of W. M. Sawyer anc
George |. Mansur. 1t was late when the las
guest departed into the stormy night-Bangol
Daily News.