SALVATION WEDDING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5986, 22 July 1887, Page 3

SALVATION WEDDING.

This Day.

This morning the first " state wedding " in this district under the ceremonies of the Salvation Army was celebrated at the Sydenhara Barracks, the parties being " Captain " Thomas Hawkins Lane, of Sydenham, and " Lieutenant" Charlotte Tricklebanb, of Palmerston North, who, however, gained her commission at Napier. The Barrack Hall was thronged come time before 11 o'clock, lasses being in the majority, and the greetings and ejaculations of the soldiers as they met were of a more than usually effusive nature. After devotional exercises in the side room, the officers entered the large Hall, to the music of a detachment of the band, and the soldiers were called to take their position on the platform, which they did with many pious ejaculations. The spectators had meantime risen to their feet, but Captain Msthews hinted that they might get excited if they remained standing, and asked them to sit down. Tho only decoration was an arch over the side door by which the bridal party entered and left the hall. At a quarter past eleven the approach of the principal parties was heralded by a jubilant Gong being raised, and as they entered and came to the centre of the platform, the band and soldiers struck up n, song, " I'm glad I'm so happy." The bride and bridegroom knelt for a minute, after which hymn 98, " There's a golden day," was sung most enthusiastically. The bride was attired in the U3ual blue uniform of the Army, with the addition of a white satin sash over, her shoulder, and a bunch of orange blossoms at her throat, and carried a small bouquet. Sho was attended by one bridesmaid, who was dressed in the conventional fashion of ordinary weddings. The bridegroom was in uniform. After the hymn, prayer for the young couple was made by one of the female officers ; and after another couple of verses of ■an Army song 1 and chorus, prayer was offered by the Rev IV. Iteady (Bible Christian.) Captain Young then sang a solo," Sinner, there's salvation for you," with chorus. Major Barritt then introduced the Eev W. Orchard (Bible Christian) who was to perform the ceremony. "God bless him! (Amen)." The Eev Mr Orchard made a few prefatory remarks on the joyfulness and the solemnity of tho occasion, and proceeded to read passages of scripture bearing on marriage. He next read the declarations and obligations of the Army marriage eervice from the " order book," to which the bride and bridegroom gave their assent ; and then proceeded with the service according to the ritual of the army, of which the most conspicuous point was the pledge of fidelity to the army, which, ■was exacted from both parties. On the ring being placed upon the bride's finger a volley was fired 5 and when the couple were declared married by the minister the volley was several times renewed. Major Barritt then called for all those who wished the newly married pair a long and happy life, to hold up thoir right hands and say " Amen," which was vociferously responded to. The Major conveyed the congratulations of all present to Captain and Lieutenant Lane, and then announced that there was a condition attached to the permission for this marriage : there was to be a collection. They had seen a eight that was worth a pound, and a collection would be taken, which would be applied to the payment of the travelling expenses of their newly-wedded comrades to their new scene of labour on the "West Coast, among the miners. The collection was fairly liberal. The Eev Mr Orchard prayed for a blessing on the newly -mado man and wife.

Major Barritt Eaid it wa3 a rule of the Army that the husband and wife should say a few words to the meeting. Mrs Lane timidly said a few words, expressing her devotion to God and her husband. Captain Lane was not troubled with timidity, and declared his resolves in true Army manner. Cap Sain Patchett, the Rev Mr Eeady, and Adjutant Spratt made short, appropriate speeches ; and then Major Barritt gave a ebrong testimony to Captain Lane's faithfulness and usefulness. Captain Lane, Lieut. Grinling, and Major Barritt praj'ed, the latter closing the proceedings with the Benediction, and the happy pair left amidst a shower of rice, though Major Barritt recommended the throwers to keep it for puddings.