Reclaimed Memories

he wedding that afforded us the most amusement was one Troy was asked to perform on July 22, 1949. I do not remember where it was we planned to drive that day, but Troy, Howard and I had some sort of a little outing planned. We decided to go with Troy and remain in the car during the ceremony, and then go on to where we had planned to go. The lady who owned, or managed, the grocery store was the one who called Troy. She told him to stop there and she would give him directions to the house. When we reached the store in the little town of Beverly, six miles south of Elkins she said, "Now, Reverend, I know Dice Leary. He is working in Clarksburg, for the gas company and he can afford to pay you. I have told him that he is to give you $10.00 for making the trip out on that muddy road to marry them. Now you tell him that is what you charge." Troy thanked her for her concern, but said whatever the young man gave him would be satisfactory.

The lady at the store explained to Troy that he would not be able to drive all the way to the bride's home. It was a dirt road and in bad condition because of the recent rains, but that she was sending her delivery truck with supplies and he could ride the rest of the way on it. We drove up Jones's Run Road as far as we could and stopped by a farmhouse. The truck was following us. Troy got out and got in by the driver and the occupants of that house came out, dressed in their best, and climbed into the bed of the truck, which contained the makings of a merry reception for the wedding guests. There were soft drinks, plenty of beer, bakery cakes and an entire stalk of bananas.

It was about two miles farther up the creek to the log home. The truck would stop in front of the scattered homes along the way and others would come out to ride in the back of the truck. By the time they reached their destination the truck was full of guests and several others from other directions had already gathered.

It was evident that the ill fitting bridal dress, which the girl was wearing, was from a mail order catalog. The two stood up proudly and obviously much in love, in front of Troy for the ceremony. After it was over the father of the bride led the line, which filed self-consciously in front of the pair to offer their congratulations. Mr. Watson's elbow was held firmly to his side and raising his hand he awkwardly gave two little shakes to the hand of the bride and then the groom with the words, "I wish you much joy."

This form of congratulations and the words expressed did not vary as the guests shook the hands of the happy pair. As Troy observed the line and heard over and over," I wish you much joy," it was difficult for him to keep his amusement to himself. After he and the driver were served a piece of cake, a banana and a soft drink, they returned to the truck. The driver went beyond the home to where he could turn and as they came back even with the house, he called out, "I wish you much joy." Then they both had a hearty laugh.

Oh, yes! I must add that this was Troy's 150th wedding. The admonition of the store owner paid off for him. The young groom handed him $15.00! He had only received that much one other time in the 149 weddings he had performed. The beautiful calligraphy Troy used in filling out wedding and baptismal certificates was always much admired by the recipients.

We knew that Marion was soon to be discharged from the navy after VJ Day and we anxiously awaited his return to our new home. He had enlisted while we were in Ohio. We seldom locked our door, even at night, and I was overjoyed one morning when I came downstairs, to find him asleep on the couch in the living room. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Nells Williams, in that same living room on July 27, 1946. On October 17th of the next year we joyfully welcomed our first grandchild, Marion Landis Brady.

After the repair of the parsonage we began to seriously promote the idea of relocating and building an entirely new church and parsonage in Elkins. It was discussed at length with individuals and in official meetings. We received quite a bit of opposition, especially from some of the older church members. The Sunday School Superintendent and his family were vocal in their protests.