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E-1 [This
wedding ceremony by Brother William Marrion Branham, took place at a house in
Tucson, Arizona, Saturday evening at 7:00, January 16, 1965. The pianist plays
I LOVE YOU TRULY and the WEDDING MARCH: and the minister, the groom and his
attendants come forward; the BRIDAL CHORUS is now played as the bride's attendants
come, followed by the bride--Ed.]
Who will I ask for, for this woman to be bride to this man?
[The bride's father answers, "I, her father."--Ed.]
Dearly beloved, we have gathered here in the face of this company, in the Presence
of God, to join together in holy matrimony, this man and this woman, which is
honorable, as declared by Saint Paul among all men. It is therefore not by any
to be entered into unadvisably or lightly, but reverently, discreetfully, advisably,
soberly, and in the fear of God.
Into this holy state these two persons present come now to be joined. If there's
anyone here that can show a just cause why they should not be lawful joined
in this holy matrimony, let them now speak or forever hold their peace.
E-2 I will require and
will charge you both, as you will surely answer at the day of judgment when
the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any
impediment why you should not be lawful joined together in this holy matrimony,
do you now confess it, for be it assured unto you that any persons that are
joined otherwise than God's Word does allow, their marriage is not lawful.
But believing that you have duly considered this solemn obligation that you
are about to assume, that you have prepared to enter upon the same, reverently,
discreetfully, wisely, and in the fear of God, I shall propose to you the marriage
covenant. You will declare the same as you join your right hands.
[The groom and bride join their right hands together--Ed.]
E-3 Will you take this
woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together in this holy state of
matrimony; do you promise to love, honor and cherish, in sickness and health,
riches or poverty, and will forsake all others and cleave thee only unto her
as long as you both live?
[The groom answers, "I will."]
Will you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together in
this holy matrimony; do you promise to love, honor, cherish, in sickness and
health, riches or poverty, and will forsake all others and cleave thee only
unto him as long as you both live?
[The bride answers, "I will."]
I will require a token of you, that this covenant betwixt you, that's been made,
will always be kept.
[Two rings are placed on the minister's Bible, then
offered to the groom for the bride, then to the bride for the groom.]
Now, will you join your right hands together again, upon the Word of God.
Let us bow our head.
E-4 Almighty God, Who
married the first man and woman in the garden of Eden, joining together Your
own creation, we do realize today that this commission has been carried out
down through the ages until this very wedding. And, Father, Thou art the only
One Who can join hearts one to the other. And we pray, dear heavenly Father,
as this has been done by Your wise counsel, that You have brought this young
Christian boy and Christian girl together, to unite in this holy ceremony today,
to be husband and wife to each other throughout life's journey, we pray that
You will bless them, and bless their home. Make them an example, Lord, in the
neighborhood to where they will make their home.
In this day that we live, when the divorce courts are so crowded and overrun
with divorces, may it never be so with this young man and this young woman.
God, grant that they'll be happy, healthy. Make them fruitful, Lord, and multiply
to replenish the earth, as Thou did commission us to do at the beginning. And
as Thou did bless Isaac and Rebekah, and they brought forth their faithful children,
may it be so with this couple also, Father. Bless them, we pray.
E-5 And now, by the
power of my commission given to me by Almighty God, to be His servant, and ministered
to me by an Angel, I pronounce this man and this woman, husband and wife, in
the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
God bless you. You're married.
[The couple kiss, then face the congregation. The
pianist begins playing the Wedding March--Ed.]
Whatsoever God joins together, let no man put asunder.
[The groom, the bride, and the attendants leave.]
Let us bow our heads.
Dear God, as we have witnessed today, that two hearts can still beat as one,
and we have just performed this ceremony, and sent a young man and a young woman
from their homes to go make a home of their own, we are minded, O God, of another
great procession there will be someday, when Jesus comes to receive His Bride.
And as we witnessed the little lady standing spotless in her bridal gown, O
God, may we keep our souls unspotted from the things of the world, that we might
be loved by Him Who is our Lover, when we come to that hour. Grant it, Lord.
And we pray that Your blessings will be with each of us, and may we live for
that time when we'll take part in the great event that this symbolizes. In Jesus'
Name we pray. Amen.
Lord bless you.
E-6 Sister Simpson,
I want to congratulate you for a fine son-in-law. It's like a wonderful man.
And you too, Brother Simpson. The Lord bless you. Is the boy's mother here or
father, one? Oh, fine. And I guess the children stand in congratulations...?...
our brother-in-law said. Well, it looks like we should just continue and have
church, doesn't it? All--all assembled and this would be a good time to preach
(Wouldn't it?) after their marriage? Well, I--I just got to start off to Phoenix
now and go up there to start some of it. Service is continued at the Westward
Ho ballroom tomorrow afternoon. Ha-ha. Until then, the Lord bless you all.
Brother Dauch, it's really good seeing you again. Nice seeing you down. Where's
sister? Is she in? Well, that's fine. Oh, yes, looking right straight at you.
How are you?