Apiti's First Wedding.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 88, 8 October 1894, Page 2

Apiti's First Wedding.

[FBOH OUE OWN COBBKSPONDIKT.] It was quite a gala day in Apition Wednesday last, and in spite of the showery weather the little church was crowded to witness the marriage of Mr Frederick Charles Babbage to Miss Mary Laird Rankin, daughter of the blacksmith. The Rev Mr Richards was the officiating clergyman, and Mrs Buckman presided at the organ, playing the usual wedding music in good style. At the conclusion of the marriage ceremony the Rev Mr Riohards i announced that Mr Guy had a presentation to make to the happy couple on behalf of the Trustees of the Church. Mr Guy said it was ths custom throughout all the Wesleyan Churches to present the first couple who were married iv the church with a bible and a Wesleyan hymn book. The Trustees had been wondering who would be the first to get their presentation but that was settled now, and he had much pleasure in presenting Mr and Mrs Babbage with the Bible and Hymn book on behalf of the Trustees of the Apiti Church. Mr Babbage suitably replied, and the wedding party then left the church amidst hearty good wishes and showers of rice. The numerous, guests were invited to partake of the wedding breakfast, which was laid out at the residence of the bride's parents, and view the wedding presorts, whioh were useful and numerous* In the afternoon there was an, entertainment j u Mr Guy's Hall for the children, who thoroughly enjoyed the games etc., and there was plenty o£ good things as well for them. In the evening Mr and Mrs Babbage- invitee! their friends to a social a.nd dance iDthe same building ar^d almost all who were invited came. light refreshments were supplied aud dancing and singing wa.s kept up tiil daybreak when the company dispersed highly satisfied wifcb, the. first wedding in Apiti. [This rwprt ww d* layed in transmission^