The Jamaica Star :: Life& Times :: GOLDEN KISS

GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

spaldings, clarendon

Sunday March 30 was an extra special day for Reverend Reginald Foster and his wife Hortense, at the Sanguinetti New Testament Church of God in Clarendon.

It was the occasion they used to celebrate their golden anniversary, after being together for 50 long years. Family members, church brothers and sisters and specially invited friends, filled the benches that were specially arranged, as they celebrated with the couple.

Hortense dressed in her gold colour laced dress and hat to match, and carrying a beautiful bouquet; and Reginald sporting his dark colour suit, black shoes and shirt and tie to match the colour worn by his bride, added to the splendour of the church which was decorated for the occasion.

Special seat

The couple was escorted to their special seat at the front of the church by host pastor Reverend Barrington DaCosta at 11:57 a.m., and they were all smiles. Reverend Lorna Heron, who chaired the function, after welcoming all present, asked the congregation to cheer the Fosters in congratulating them on their 50th anniversary.

She said that for them to be together for so long must have been out of love through God's guidance. Heron told the crowd that the Fosters are still in love after 50 years, and that they have started to love all over again.

Reverend DaCosta, who delivered the sermon for the day, also stated that 50 years is a long time; and he used the opportunity to congratulate the Fosters on the achievement of the special milestone. "If that is not love, then the ocean runs dry," noted the preacher.

DaCosta said 50 years of love does not come easily; as it is a fight for survival. He said the togetherness of the couple must be out of great love for each other.

Loads of smiles

Reginald places the ring on the finger of the love of his life Hortense, after 50 years of marriage. - george henry

The pastor, who spoke on the theme 'It is not good for a man to be alone', pointed out that God saw it fit for a man to have a companion, and so he gave man a wife. He called on those in the audience who were not married to touch their neighbour and repeat the theme. This brought broad smiles and loud laughter among persons.

"It was out of a sense of realising that it was not good for man to be alone, that Reverend Foster decided 50 years ago to take unto himself a wife in the person of Mrs. Foster. Sister Foster looks good, though being married for so long. Pastor Foster has been taking good care of her. They have been enjoying their marriage," said DaCosta.

Following Reverend DaCosta's sermon, Reverend and Mrs. Foster had the blessing of their new ring and the renewal of vows done. This was chaired by Bishop of the Full Truth Church of God in Jamaica, Reverend Curtis Brown.

After the ring was placed on the finger of Mrs. Foster by her husband, he was asked to kiss his wife. They were then called onto the platform and asked to dance with each other to the song 'I have got to be dreaming'. This was welcomed by the excited audience.

After all that, the couple was prayed for and anointed with Olive oil by Reverend Collis Thompson of the Fearon Full Truth Church of God in Clarendon. Family members of the Fosters were also prayed for and anointed by Thompson.

After the function, Hortense, who 18 when she got married to Reverend Foster, who was 26, said it felt good to be married to her husband for 50 years. She also pointed out that if she should relive her life, she would do so marrying and living with the same man.