Arlington church honors long-married couples

ARLINGTON—First Baptist Church in Arlington recently played host to about 4,000 years of cumulative marital experience when the church honored couples who have been married more than 50 years.

More than 70 couples participated in a renewal of vows ceremony at First Baptist Church in Arlington.Of the 70-plus couples who participated, 22 have been married more than 60 years, eight reached more than 65 years, and the couple with the longest marriage reached the 70-year milestone.

The Sunday night event highlighted those whose wedding day was long ago, but it inspired the entire church, said Larry Link, minister to senior adults. In addition to providing important recognition of a milestone reached by the couples, it also encouraged many younger people in attendance.

“I’ve heard from so many of our younger couples that they just bawled their eyes out during this ceremony,” Link added.

A reception followed the renewal of vows ceremony.Pastor Dennis Wiles agreed. “Our church is a diverse place with growing numbers of members ranging from newborns to those approaching 100 years old. This wonderful event gives us the opportunity to celebrate some very precious church members and not only honor their relationships, but also the lessons they continue to teach all of our families,” he said.

The evening began with a video montage that featured a wedding photo and a current photo of each couple. Wiles followed with a sermon extolling perseverance, faithfulness and commitment, as well as the solidarity of a marriage founded on Christ.

After the sermon, the couples joined hands and repeated their marriage vows. A reception followed.

“We value all age groups and what they have to offer, and especially this group for what they already have given,” Link said. “They have paved the way for what we have the opportunity to enjoy here.”