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But, true love and mutual Christian commitment blossomed on that rainy Saturday in 1951.
It was the era of President Truman, the iron curtain, conflict in Korea, and the first TV shows. It was a time before space travel, passenger jet travel, Interstate highways, and the Internet. It was a time when memory of world war was vivid and personal, it was a time before terrorism reached America’s cities.
Ben and Maria created a strong family that today includes three children and six grandchildren. They provided a sound moral foundation, diverse experiences, and excellent education. All three children earned advanced degrees and the grandchildren all show tremendous promise. Imagine how Ben and Maria’s influence will be expressed by these youngsters throughout the 21st Century!
Ben and Maria have lived as committed Christians actively engaged in their communities and churches. From Rochester’s Brighton Community Church to Utica’s Harts Hill Baptist Church to Orangeburg’s First Baptist Church, they have served in many capacities. They have contributed to their community through service clubs, parent-teacher associations, newcomer’s clubs, and many other ways.
They have been true to their marriage vows. Ben and Maria have been committed to each other in good times and difficult times. They have known richer days and poorer ones. They have supported each other in sickness and in health.
On Sunday, October 7, their family and friends will gather at the First Baptist Family Life Center to celebrate fifty years of love, devotion, and, yes, corny jokes. We will enjoy this wonderful milestone and wish them well in the years yet ahead.