Two Hamlet Church Couples Celebrate 50 Years of Marriage

By Visitor Staff

Members of the Hamlet church in Amelia, Ohio, recently joined in and helped Walt and Virginia Weber and Frederick and Beverley Phipps celebrate their 50th anniversaries. The first celebration was the Webers as church members invited close friends and family of the Webers. They were expecting nothing and so were totally surprised. 

"You went above and beyond the call of duty," said Virginia as she cut the first slice of cake. Randy Phipps, Hamlet church pastor, gave a brief history of what was going on in the world in March of 1959. The Webers were presented with a bouquet of roses, a plaque commemorating the day and warm smiles and hugs through out the day. After the vegetarian cuisine fellowship luncheon, the close friends started sharing stories and it turned into a “roast” of the Webers with much fun had by all. The highlight of the day was when their children, Rene with his wife, Tracy, and Brent showed up and joined them for the special presentation and church service. Walt continues to serve as head deacon and A/V operator while Virginia is the organist/pianist, treasurer, and primary division teacher.
 

Pastor Phipps had the pleasure of honoring his own parents, Fred and Beverley Phipps as they also celebrated their 50th anniversary. Over 90 friends and family took part in this celebration, which lasted into late Saturday night with a special vespers/reception. Phipps’ brother, Pastor St. Clare Phipps emceed the reception and the Phipps’ grandson Jose Rivera provided the messages for Friday evening and Saturday evening vespers. Six of the eight grandchildren came to help celebrate along with friends they hadn’t been seen in years. Roses and a plaque were presented to them also as gifts from the church. The highlight of the day came at the end of the reception as daughter, Shelly Rivera and son Fred III, presented them with a trip to Hawaii. "This has been a very good day," said Beverley as the day wound down.

“As we celebrated these special events this year, we were reminded that the holiness of marriage is still alive,” said Pastor Randy Phipps. “We thank God and praise Him for His bountiful goodness to these precious couples and others who have taken this step in life.”