Jean and Robert Bayard's Wedding Vows and Service
Jean saved a copy of their wedding vows and the minister's service as well as a program in an unmarked envelope in her desk.
Below is the text from the vows and minister's speech, followed by a photo of the papers (click here for the "Letters from a gushing war-time bride:
Jean Bayard, 1945").
MATRIMONY
We are gathered together at the request of this man and this woman who are united in spirit, and by this service wish to declare publicly that they are one in spirit and in fact.
Love is a peculiar and mighty power that moves in ways we can not always understand.
It defies definition.
But this we know:--that where love is there is also the divine.
This marriage service, this outward ceremony, is but a symbol of that which is within:- a sacred union of hearts that men bless, and the state make legal-but that neither can create or annul.
Marriage is not the culmination of love - it is a milepost along the way towards a larger life, a fuller character, a nobler service to society and man; and, therefore, it is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisely; but reverently, discreetly and soberly.
And to you, dear friends, may I say a few words.
Though you have known each other for several years, though you hope no shadow of sorrow shall cross your lives; you will meet sorrow and you will experience pain.
But like steel that is tempered in fire, you and your love will come through finer and nobler than before, - and you will come to know your wife--more intimately, more fully, than before.
And so I say to you: - through sunshine and rain, through sorrow and pain, let love be your guide never forgetting the rights of the other, never profaning the sacredness of your love.
And now, though you are already united in spirit, it is my duty and my privilege, as your minister, and your friend, and by the customs of noble men and women of all ages, and the legal usages of the state to ask you to make known your vows.
To the Man:
Do you offer yourself to this woman, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy so long as you both shall live?
I do.
Repeat the question to the woman.
I do.
By the custom of ages, a token is given and received to symbolize the union of two hearts.
The token chosen by these two persons is a ring, symbolic in itself of their endless devotion to each other.
(Then the man shall say as he places the ring on the finger of the left hand-_
With this ring I thee wed, and pledge my love.
The woman shall say:
In accepting this ring, I thee wed and pledge my love.
Prayer:
O eternal spirit, good giver of the gift of life, creator and preserver of all mankind; send thy blessing upon these thy servants, whom we love, and whom we bless.
Enable them to perform the covenant which they have made that the relation in which they stand to each other may be a state of holiness and comfort;
May they live together in peace and love; and wilt though, the God of peace and love, be with them now and always. Amen
Forasmuch, as Jean and Robert are united in spirit, and have given and pledged themselves each to the other and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring; I do, in the spirit of the Divinity in Man, and by the authority invested in me by the State, pronounce them husband and wife.
And now may love and peace continue to dwell in them, and in all that we may live noble, joyous lives in the service of the truth.
Amen
The church program explained that during the service, the congregation ordained and installed Mr. Paul Franklin Bliss in the Unitarian Ministry.
The cover of the program said:
WESTMINSTER UNITARIAN CHURCH
PROVIDENCE, R. I.
February 25, 1945.
"Angry?
Anybody can become angry--that is
easy; but to be angry with the
right person, and to the right
degree, and at the right time, and
for the right purpose, and in the
right way--it is not easy.
Ministry of Music
Gertude Arnold Soprano
Dorthy Horan Contralto
Frederick Very Organist
Minister, Richard W. F. Seebode
Church service program
Wedding vows ("MATRIMONY" was typewritten on the other side)
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