The Salvation Army’s First Wedding
In an era of high-society galas and grand balls, two members of Seattle’s Salvation Army quietly exchange vows in the first matrimonial alliance for the local branch.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The first matrimonial alliance in the ranks of the Salvation Army of Seattle was celebrated in a quiet way at the residence of the officiating clergyman, John F. Damon, on the evening of June 21st, and was witnessed by a few of their fellow soldiers and their friends. Mr. Edward Roberts and Miss Mary Baker have become wedded, and while they double their joys, will continue to cast their daily care and sorrow upon One who cares for them.
“While they double their joys, will continue to cast their daily care and sorrow upon One who cares for them.”
While Seattle’s 1888 society columns were dominated by wealthy socialites and grand balls, the mention of this Salvation Army wedding offers a rare, grounded look at the city's working-class religious life. It serves as a reminder that even during the Gilded Age, the 'social world' included community-focused organizations that operated outside the gilded parlors of Second Street.
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