"I Have"

What should a minister do when, on the eve of a large formal wedding at which he has agreed to officiate, he learns that the couple are already secretly married? Should he decline to proceed, thus acutely embarrassing the bride's parents, who are members in good standing of his flock? Or should he connive at a deception, assist at a mockery of a sacred ceremony?

Such a dilemma confronted Rev. J. Fred Johnson of Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tenn. last fortnight when a deacon informed him that Mary Katherine Prince and Frank Otto Cotton Jr. had been married--properly, by a Georgia clergyman--for two years. They had kept it secret from all but a handful of friends and Preacher Johnson had to break the news to the bride's mother. Thinking of the 500 engraved invitations, the church decorations, the reception at her home, Mother Prince fainted. When she revived, she discussed the matter with Preacher Johnson until near dawn.

Three evenings later the wedding guests in Cumberland Church heard Minister Johnson invoke the usual blessings upon all the assembled. Whispers ran through the pews when he said: "We are gathered together for the announcement of the wedding of this man and this woman." Surprise, bewilderment, and finally the relief of comprehension followed as those not in on the secret listened to the following:

Preacher Johnson: "Mary Katherine, have you taken this man to be your wedded husband? Have you loved, honored and obeyed him?"

Mrs. Cotton: "I have."

Preacher Johnson: "Frank, have you taken this woman as your lawful wedded wife? Have you bestowed upon her your worldly goods?"

Mr. Cotton: "I have."

Preacher Johnson: "Let us pray."

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