FIRST WEDDING 1898
JOHNSON-JESTER
Article from the Evening Chronicle
Thursday, February 17, 1898
(Original spelling and text)
RAINBOW WEDDING
THE NEW METHODIST CHURCH
BUILDING CROWDED TO OVERFLOWING
The JOHNSON-JESTER NUPTIALS--THE
MOST BRILLIANT WEDDING
EVER SEEN IN CORSICANA
Beautiful and Impressive Ceremony Made More
Attractive by the Charms of Music
Most truly do "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth His handiwork." The beautiful sunshine of yesterday forenoon was dimmed later by a gathering of storm-threatening clouds, but with the fading of twilight came the hushed winds, and the stars shed their mellow beams upon all around as a token of the beautiful rainbow which was to be exemplified that night by a most brilliant union of hearts, hands and destinies.
The new Methodist Church building, although far from being completed, was, in its interior, transformed by deft hands into a veritable bower of flowers and plants, most elegantly supplemented by a profusion of lace hangings, artistically draped so as to conceal the condition of the unfinished walls. These elaborate decorations evidenced the skill and good taste of the members of the Literary and Young Ladies Aid societies of the church in honor of the wedding of Dr. Clay Johnson and Miss Alice Bates Jester, which was duly solemnized at 8 o'clock last evening by Rev. M. Hotchkiss, in the presence of (illegible) ever assembled in Corsicana on a similar occasion, and being the first wedding ever celebrated in the magnificent church edifice.
Previous to the arrival of the wedding parry the "Oil City" orchestra, under the leadership of Prof. Ameringer, played several beautiful selections, and then came the sweet melody of Mendelssohn's Wedding March, rendered by the master touch of Mrs. L. L. Jester, and which announced the entrance of the bridal cortege. Miss Rose Blair sweetly sang "Love's Serenade," and Miss Louise Pace sang most tenderly the vocal solo, "Call Me Thine Own." A lovely quartette, "The Voice that Breathed o'er Eden, was sung by Mesdames L. L. Jester and Percy Townsend, Messrs. Will Beeson and Walter Burgess, after which the marriage ceremonies were begun.
Miss Jester approached the sacred altar leaning on the arm of her father, and Dr. Johnson was escorted by Mr. Claud Jester, his "best man," and brother of the bride-elect.
The couple, passing under a large gilded horse-shoe, met and joined hands under two suspended hearts of flowers in front of the officiating minister, who, after prayer and a most touching and beautiful address, solemnly pronounced the "twain one flesh"-- ---"whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
While the bride and groom were kneeling upon the white satin pillow in front the altar, the sweet notes of Handel's Largo-
"Trust in the Lord, softly broke upon the listening ear, so exquisitely rendered by Mrs. L. L. Jester that angels seemed to echo the prayer that was breathed in the beautiful song, and the large throng of charmed spectators was hushed to solemn silence by the sweet grandeur of the melody.
COSTUMES AND ATTENDANTS
The bride was richly gowned in white brocaded satin, court tram, superb duchess lace--ornaments of pearl, and presented a picture of natural beauty and loveliness that pen cannot describe. The handsome, manly groom appeared in faultless apparel, and as he stood erect before the vast crowd of witnesses to assume the sacred responsibilities of a new life, and took upon himself the vows of true devotion as long as life shall last, he seemed the embodiment of all that was noble and pure in man; and there went up to the throne of heavenly grace in his behalf, secret prayers from loving hearts, tenderly imploring the Father ... to soon unite him to his dear wife by the eternal ties of a Savior's love--Amen.
Miss Mabel Lockard of Navarro, was the lovely Maid of Honor, gowned. in white Paris muslin. Mrs. Mann Trice, of Dallas, also in white, was the stately and very stylish Matron of Honor. The five lady attendants, all attired *in Paris muslin, were Misses Lela Barry, of Dallas, yellow; Benna Allyn, Blue; Ella Townsend, Nile green; Isa Polk, pink and Tillie Gulick, lavender--all demi-train, decollete'. Each of these ladies carried an arm bouquet of loose flowers to match the shade of her gown, representing various rainbow colors beautifully blended.
The five gentlemen attendants (in addition to the "best man") were Messrs. Lee Jester; Wm. Peck of Fairfield; Lee Hamilton of Houston; C. P. Pinkston and J. Elmer Butler. Ushers--Homcr Jester, Jno. Daffan, J. L. Halbert and El. Gibson.
The white ribbons were opened by Lila Jester and Charlie Jester, May Fleming and Hugh Jester. The little misses were daintily costumed in white Brussels net, over fight blue and pink taffeta silk.
Bright little Beauford Jester, the bride's "baby- brother" was a cute little page, dressed in cream suit and pale blue silk blouse; he gallantly bore the tray containing the wedding ring. Following him and preceding the bride marched the flower girls--Rhoda. Revare, Margaret Johnson and Susie Bell West, in white thule with laps full of rose petals which they strewed in the path of the bride.
AT THE HOME
Upon leaving the church the bridal party repaired to the palatial home of Lieut. Governor and Mrs. George T Jester, the bride's parents, where a reception was held. The parlor and halls were tastefully decorated *in Smilax. The wedding presents were numerous and very handsome--many being of cut glass and hand-painted china. The bride's traveling dress was of blue broad-cloth.
At 9:30 o'clock the "gentle good-bye" was spoken and amidst the warmest wishes for a pleasant journey and safe return, the wedded pair left for the Cotton Belt depot where they boarded the cast bound train for their tour to New York where they will remain until the last of March, providence permitting.
The visiting guests at the house were the following:
Dr. and Mrs. McReynolds, Mr. and Mrs. Royal Ferris, Mr. and Mrs. Mann Trice, of Dallas; Mr. and Mrs. Cullen Thomas, Mrs. Henry Miller, Miss Margery Miller of Waco; Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Jester, Mrs. Lem Stanley, Mr. and Mrs. Cone Johnson of Tyler, Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Groce of Waxahachie; Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Daffan of Ennis.
This wedding was by far the most beautiful and brilliant occasion of the kind ever witnessed in the city. No expense, time or trouble was spared to make it a pleasant and notable event and the successful outcome was pronounced. May the prominence given it be typical of a high and noble station in life for these dear young friends, and may the God of love, of peace, of enduring mercy and everlasting joy bless their fives with happiness, and finally give them a crown of eternal bliss in the mansions above where "saints immortal shall forever dwell."
