May & June 2006
Bride and groom depart on white horse following festivities.
by Lee Ann Gerhart
Hands down, the wedding of Tischaria Buckingham and Joshua Hale was the most beautiful and meaningful I have ever witnessed. It was held on March 11th, an outdoor wedding, on a glorious, brilliant Alaskan day, everything clean and white from a recent snowfall, surrounded by the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains, and everyone bundled in their arctic gear against the 5 degree cold. Everyone but the Buckinghams and Hales. . .
Hands down, the wedding of Tischaria Buckingham and Joshua Hale was the most beautiful and meaningful I have ever witnessed. It was held on March 11th, an outdoor wedding, on a glorious, brilliant Alaskan day, everything clean and white from a recent snowfall, surrounded by the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains, and everyone bundled in their arctic gear against the 5 degree cold. Everyone but the Buckinghams and Hales. . .
The wedding took place on the Buckingham's porch with Tischaria’s father Jim presiding. His wife Martha later quipped that they shouldn't have let him wear a sweater as he warmed to the subject of grace and had quite a lot to say about it. Meanwhile, the rest of the family was dressed in matching burgundy and black outfits and the effect would have been spoiled by additional outer wear. (continued on page 6)
The thirteen Buckingham/ Hale women and girls were on the left side of the porch, along with the youngest boys in their mothers' laps, and the eleven men and boys stood on the right. During the first half hour, while Jim spoke to us clearly, plainly, beautifully about God's grace, the bride and groom were absent.
Then suddenly, a trumpet blast and Joshua came galloping out of the woods on horseback towards the cabin, looking dashing in an ivory shirt and sheepskin vest. The bride, dressed in a beautiful ivory gown, rushed out of the house towards him and all joined her to meet the bridegroom. The couple was escorted to the center of the porch under a beautiful rose-bedecked archway and all resumed their places. Jim continued the ceremony.
Jim emphasized the holiness of this union, their hearts knit together by God for a purpose. Jim told Joshua that as husband, he was to love Tischaria as Christ loved the church, giving everyday examples like keeping wood in the fireplace, tenderly caring for his bride. Then he spoke to Tischaria about her role as wife, that she was to obey her husband in all circumstances except two—if asked to do something that God forbids or if told to forebear from doing something that God commands. In all other things, she is to obey. In that way, Joshua would become the leader that God would have him to be. Their roles did not include conforming the other to Christ's image—God would take care of that himself.
Jim shared with us that Joshua and Tischaria's relationships started on the clear understanding that this was God's will, and that He had put His love in each of their hearts for the other. They are purposed to be clean and pure before God and man, and desired that this be expressed as clearly as possible before marriage through no physical contact. He then placed Tischaria's hand in Joshua's, their first touch witnessed by us all. (continued in full version)
A truly Alaskan Wedding!
Grandmother’s Chicken Salad
Grandmother Mary Sweatte
2 cans chicken, chopped
6 eggs, boiled and finely grated
1 cup cracker barrel white cheese, finely grated
green onion scallions, finely chopped
1—2 stalks celery, finely chopped
½ cup sweet pickle relish, drained
pecans, toasted and finely chopped
curry, just a sprinkle
onion powder
garlic powder
pepper
½ cup mayonnaise
salt
Mix together. This is not an exact recipe, so you will just have to do it to taste and consistency. It is supposed to have a light taste… not real spicy. You can eat it as a dip with crackers, chips, or vegetables, or on bread as a sandwich. To make it pretty when you serve it, you can garnish it with a little paprika.
Grandmother Mary Sweatte
2 cans chicken, chopped
6 eggs, boiled and finely grated
1 cup cracker barrel white cheese, finely grated
green onion scallions, finely chopped
1—2 stalks celery, finely chopped
½ cup sweet pickle relish, drained
pecans, toasted and finely chopped
curry, just a sprinkle
onion powder
garlic powder
pepper
½ cup mayonnaise
salt
Mix together. This is not an exact recipe, so you will just have to do it to taste and consistency. It is supposed to have a light taste… not real spicy. You can eat it as a dip with crackers, chips, or vegetables, or on bread as a sandwich. To make it pretty when you serve it, you can garnish it with a little paprika.
