Features

Joined by God

By FRANCINE BLACK, Staff Reporter

Harold (left) and Adela Strachan - francine black

WHEN ADELA AND Harold Strachan met, each had a spiritual commitment to God and it was this connection that attracted them to each other and eventually make a romantic commitment to each other.

They arrived separately in England in 1962 and met while attending the same church. However, when they met, it took only four months for the two to marry.Mr. Strachan said in addition to his wife's beauty, he was also attracted to her because of her commitment to God.

"Her spirituality was the main thing because I am a strong Christian. Apart from that, she was a good looking lady," he told THE STAR.

He said when they met, the church had strict rules about singles dating and so he went to her guardian for approval. Mrs. Strachan's guardian then sent him to the church pastor who told him that he would have to find out how she feels about him before he gives his blessing.

Mutual attraction

Fortunately, Mrs. Strachan was also attracted to her husband. The church had, however, given the couple four months within which to wed. And so, on April 24, 1965 at the New Testament Church in Lambeth Borough, England, they sealed their commitment to each other.

The wedding was also a church affair with two male members of the church designing and making Mrs. Strachan's lace wedding gown and the church mother planning the event which had more than 100 guests in attendance.

The couple said their greatest expectation going into the marriage was to achieve their goals which included owning their own home. Despite the challenges, the couple say they are happy they have managed to achieve their goals. The couple's desire to return to Jamaica was also one of their achievements which they say they have managed to accomplish. The Strachan's returned home a year ago and now reside in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

They note, however, that the marriage was not without trials as the loss of the couple's second child, who was six years old, was difficult to deal with. They say, however, that the support of friends and family and ardent prayer to God got them through the period. The loss also encouraged the couple to develop an even closer relationship with their remaining five children.

The couple both agreed that a marriage required effort and dedication. "You must be willing to give your all. You must give it your best because sometimes you have disagreement, sometimes more often than you would want, so you must be prepared to give it your all," Mr. Strachan said.

He said a strong marriage should be founded on love and also requires patience, respect, honesty and trustworthiness.

They both say although they are getting older and if one should go before the other, either would not remarry.