66th Little Brown Church marriage reunion held

By Jennifer Lantz, Nashua Reporter

Renewing your relationship on a daily basis is an important part of a long, healthy marriage.

There were many couples at the Little Brown Church last weekend who agreed with Pastor Drew McHolm’s message at the 66th Annual Marriage Reunion.

More than 100 couples showed up to renew their vows, listen to great musical talent and remember that special day when they themselves were married at the Little Brown Church.

Couples were able to join the new pastor and his wife, Jesse, during the pastor’s reception Saturday evening, Aug. 4. The crowd was able to hear the singing talent this Texas couple brings to the congregation, and to play a game testing aspects of the couples’ marriages.

Who makes the bed in the morning? Who has the best shower singing voice? Who was more stubborn?

These were just a few of the game questions Pastor McHolm enjoyed hearing the answers to while he was also answering about him and his wife. Cookies and refreshments were also served.

On the morning of Sunday, Aug. 5, the message was clear — deciding to renew a marriage everyday is a decision husbands and wives can make together.

Pastor McHolm discussed the importance of clarity, commitment and compassion. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the marriage is just as important as understanding where the marriage stands.

After all the couples renewed their vows to each other there was a picnic lunch served in the basement of the church due to the weather conditions outside. More than 20 pies along with sandwiches and salads were made to welcome all who came to the event.

Entertainment resumed outside for the afternoon after the weather cleared.

“Be good to each other,” said Geri Swenson after being asked what makes a good marriage. She knows from experience, since she and her husband, Andy, received the longest marriage award after traveling with their family from Taylor Falls, Minnesota.

They were married on May 15, 1948, and have been married for 70 years. The couple also received the award for the most family members attending and they are proud of the fact that three generations of their family has been married at the church.

The farthest traveled was 800 miles. Bonnie and Bill Boyd traveled from Reno, Pennsylvania.

The closest anniversary was Aug. 1 and the winners were April and Merle Cook from Nashua. They also won the newest marriage award since they were married four years ago.