Potter's Electric News

MARRIAGE OF MISS PHILIPPS, OF PICTON CASTLE, AND MR FISHER, OF LONDON. The marriage of Miss Mary Philippa Philipps, eldest surviving daughter of the Rev J. H. A. Philipps, of Picton Castle, and Mr Charles Edward Gregg Fisher, of the Middle Temple, London, eldest sou of Mr Edvard Fisher, of Spring Dale House, Huddersfield, was solemnized at Slebech Church on Thursday. The oc- casion was one of great rejoicing, and evoked a demon- stration of feeling throughout the whole surrounding district of the most hearty and gratifying character. The high estimation in which Mr Philipps (who we deeply regret to 3tate was unable through illness to take any part in the interesting proceedings) is held, drew together a vast concourse of people, who strove in every possible way to render honour to him and his family, from whose mansion it has been truly observed hospi. tality was never exiled,' and who, sprung from along line of honourable ancestry, are distinguished in an eminent degree for their kindness and benevolence, and for the ex- ercise of those noble qualities which are not supplied by wealth or conferred by titles.' But before we detail the proceedings in connection with the marriage celebration, it is necessary we should give our readers a brief account of some of the ceremonies that preceded it. which testify in the strongest manner to the good feeling with which the tenantry and others not in any way connected with the estate, regarded an event of so much interest to the House of Picton. On Monday, two deputation", each bearing an address of congratulation and a valuable pre- sent, waited upon the bride elect, who from her comiec- I tion as a teacher with the Church Sunday Schools, was personally known by every class of the community, and had won for herself golden opinions from all sorts of people.' One of the deputations was from the numerous tenantry of the estate, and was composed of Mr James, of Woodson Mr B. Jenkins, of Uztnaston Mr Griffiths, of Penally Court Mr Gibbon, Broadway; Mr Scale, of Acnikel; Mr R. Ellis, of Merlin's Bridge; Mr Tucker, Crcamson; Mr Collins, of Arnold's Down; and Mr Lewis, of Blaencilcoed. The respected head of the house being confined to his room from the causes already men- tioned, the deputation was very cordially received by Mrs Philipps,, the bride elect, Miss Amy Philipps, and the Misses Fisher. A member of the deputation, Mr James, of Woodson, prefacing the special business with a few words of explanation, then read the following address:- 4 TO MISS PHILIFPS OF PICTCN CASTLE. Ma(lim We, on behalf of the Tenants of the Picton Castle Estates, approach you with feelings of the deepest respect, and offer you, on the auspicions event of your marriage, our most heartfelt wishes for your future hap- pin.'S- 1 The privileges we enjoy on the Estate of your most estimable father, the Rev James Henrv Alexander Philipps; his condescension, kindness, and goodness, have won for himself and his family the love, esteem, and regard of all who know him. As his tenants we would wish to show to his daughter a mark of our esteem for him and her, and to express our fondest hopes that her married life may be a long and a happy one. We therefore beg your acceptance of this small tribute of respect, trusting that the connection now existing between the tenants of the estate and yourself may be a long and lasting one. We cannot close our address without expressing our deep sorrow at the illness of our respected landlord, our jov at his partial recovery, and our sincere hopes and prayers that his health may be quickly and permanently restored, and his life spared to us for many years to come.' The present was exceedingly handsome, and was greatly admired by ail who had an opportunity of in- specting it. It consisted of a suite of diamonds, including brooches, earrings, and bracelet, which were enclosed in a beautiful morocco case, bearing the following inscrip- tion Presenteci to Miss Philipps by the tenantry of the Picton Castle Estates on the occasion of her marriage, as a token of respect. June, 1868.' Miss Philipps, who seemed touched by the allusions to her beloved parent and the kind wishes expressed for her personal welfare, read the following reply with very great effect:—'Gentlemen,—Words cannot express to you as warmiy as I could wish the thankfulness I feel towards my father's tenantry for this splendid present. It will ever recall to my mind the happiest recollection of your love, esteem, and good wishes, which I hope never to forget. Your kind expression of deep concern for my father's illness, and wishes for his recovery, demand my warmest thanks. The happiness of this day would, indeed, be complete if he was but present to thank you in person for the honour yon have shown his daughter, and for your kind expressions of regard for himself. Agiiin and again I thank you, and assure you of my lasting interest and good wishes for the welfare of each and all of you, and of the good tenantry which you are here to represent.' The other deputation was from the Trade of Haver- fordwest, of which the family of Picton Castle have been most liberal patrons. The deputation consisted of Mr R. Greenish, Market Street, Mr John Brown, Market Street, Mr Stephen Green, and Mr T.J. White. Mr Greenish, in introducing the business of the deputation, said: "Miss Philipps, Madam,—We have much plea- sure, as a deputation from the Trade of Haverfordwest, in presenting you with this salver as a token of our respect. We only regret that our respected and much- beliJved VioAr is pI evented by indisposition from being present on this occasion, and we sincerely hope that his health will in a few days be completely restored." Mr John Brown then read the address which had been drawn up by him on behalf of the tradesmen it was as fûllow8 "TO MISS PHILIPPS, OF PICTON CASTLE. Madam,—We, the undersigned tradesmen of Haver- fordwest, beg to present you on the occasion of your marriage with this silver salver, and beg your acceptance of it in token alike of our feeling of respect for your family, and earnest and sincere good wishes for your fu- ture happiness. In the near approach of an event so auspicious to your ancient and honourable house, it is impossible that the inhabitants of the town of Haverfordwest, whose history has been so long and so closely connected therewith, should not feel a more than ordinary interest. Nearly two centuries have passed over without allowing the remembrance of the Good Sir John,' whose tomb in the old Church of St Mary, bears a just record of his virtues, to fade from the unwritten memories of ouc neighbour- hood, and his successors down to the present generation have well and worthily worn the honours of their race. It is our earnest wish that the inscription engraved on this salver may hand down to future generations the record that your distinguished house, in the person of its present reverend and beloved head, found in this tribute from the trade of Haverfordwest, a proof that time has not impaired, or changes weakened, the connection which has so long and so honourably existed between them." Miss Philipps, on receiving the salver, said:—Gentle- men,—I beg to tbank you very much for the beautiful and handsome wedding present you have made me, and for the good wishes expressed in the address you have now read. You have referred to the 'Good Sir John,' and the honourable and kindly connections which, in his time, existed between the owners of, Picton Castle and the trade of the town of Haverfordwest. I find from the records in the archives of this fine old Castle, that such good feelings have for centuries existed between them. That it now exists, you have, by your kind present, as- sured me. I sincerely hope, with you, that time and its many changes will in no way lessen our mutual feelings of good will. I once more thank you with all my heart. The salver was of a very massive character, and bore the following inscription Presented to Miss Philipps, of Picton Castle, by the tradesmen of Haverfordwest, on the occasion of her marriage, with best wishes for her future welfare. June, 1868." The inscription was very finely engraved, and the workmanship on all parts of the valuable gift was of a very superior order. This present and also the gift of the tenantry were supplied by Mr T. J. White, who enjoys a well-deserved reputa- tion as a manufacturer of articles adapted for presenta- tions. In proof of the value set by Miss Philipps on the gift of the tenantry, we may mention that it formed part of the ornaments she wore on her wedding day. This fact, we are sure, will be read with pleasure by the tenantry, by whom she is greatly respected and bel ived. The addresses were beautifully engrossed on vellum.-a work which was executed in the offices of Mr H. P. Goode, the agent of the estate, to whose excellent* arrangements and unremitting attention may be ascribed the complete success which marked the whole week's proceedings. After these interesting ceremonies were concluded, both deputations were entertertained with great hospitality. Mr Goode presided at the luncheon table with his accustomed ability, while Mr T. Rule Owen performed the duties of vice-chairman. The health cf the bride-elect was pledged with great enthusiasm, as was also the health of the Vicar, Mra Philipps, Mis3 Amy Philipps, the bridogroomrelect, the chairman, and yice- chairman. When the Vicar's health was proposed, the heartiest wishes were expressed for his speedy recovery, and a reference was made, amid strong manifestations of ap- probation, to the liberality with which he patronized tha trade of Haverfordwest, and to the fact that the reV. gentleman obtained in his own locality every article he required. During the luncheon, Dr. E. P. Phillips, the medical attendant of the Vicar, announced that there was a great improvement in his patient's health, and that he had been requested to convey to the assembly a message of most gratcfal and loving thanks. Dr. Phillips's statement respecting the convalescence of th& Vicar, was received with great sheering. On Wednesday Miss Philipps received the gift of the teachers and scholars of the St. Mary's Church Sunday Schools, which was conveyed to her hy three of the scholars The present consisted of an elegant silver card case, which was so formed as to serve the double purpose of a memorandum book and card case. It contained also a silver pencil case, and had an outer case of morocco, Oil one of the covers of which was a silver shield, with tbe inscriptionPresented to Miss Philipps, of Picton Castle, by the Teachers xnd Scholars of St. Mary's Church Sunday Schools on the occasion of her marriage, 1868." This handsome present was, we believe, also obtained at the establishment of Mr T. J. White. The children of the schools at Picton, who daily receive instruction in a building, which is at once an ornament to the locality and an enduring monument of the generosity ot the head of the Picton family, also made S present of the occasion. Their gift consisted ..f a Bible, handsomely bound, and beautifully printed. The cover j contained the inserifJtion-" Presented to Miss Philippe on the occasion of her marriage, by the children of the Picton Castle Day and Sunday Schools, Juno, 1868." Thursday,—the day appointed for the auspicious event—broke with a threatening aspect, and apprehen- sions were entertained that a fall of rain would interfere with some of the arrangements which had been devised for the manifestation of the popular joy. Fortunately the predictions of unfavonrableweatiler were not verified, and the preparations were carried on with great vigour and earnestness. Haverfordwest, early in the morning, exhibited indications of the interest it felt in the forth- coming event ballners andfiags were hung out at many of the houses in the principal streets, and from various parts of the church of St. Mary. Along the road leading to Picton Castle, and thence to Slebech, emblems of good. will were frequently met with, for almost every habita- tion-small and great alilce-displayed some token in proof of their participation in the general feeling of the district. At The Ros, the pite of the School established by the Vicar, the road was spanned by a beautiful arcb, bearing on one side the motto, Long life and happiness to the Hev. J. H. A. Philipps and h s lady," a. d on the other side, "Long life and bappiiuss to the wedded pair." The arch was exceedingly well constructed, and was decked out with a quantity of bunting 01 the geyest hues. Banners were also hung out at the school house, and the adjoining buildings. The L'idge Gate at the end of the same road was decorated with an arch, con- structed of evergrtens, from the centre of which was suspended a banner, bearing the Picton motto—" Ducit amor patrije," The same kindly care and skill waS observable in the decorations of the outer Lodge, whetC was erected a neat arch of evergreens, bearing a device formed of a combination of the garter and anchor, oa which was the motto—" Prosperity to the House of Picton." There were numerous other designs, of an appropriate character, all executed with groat taste, ill might nave been anticipated from the ability of the Superintendent, Mr Fletcher, the gardener at Picton Castle, whose skill in the management of flowers ana devices is too well known to need any comment. 1"e arch at The Ros, was. we believe, erected under the supervision of Mr Griffiths, who, as will be seen from what we have previously said of this decoration, dis* charged his ta>k with considerable success. The brie* space at our disposal obliges us to notice briefly the decorations on the other portion of the route from the Castle to Slebech Church. At, the latter place a fine arch was erected, bearing two mottoes, one of which was Health, wealth, peace, and joy." The church decked out in a most attractive manner: the decorations were the woik of persons who have acquired an exceH' O reputation in these matters, and who have so frequency been referred to in these columns irs connection with Christmas decorations at St. Mary's Church. decorators on this occasion were Mrs Goode, Mrs a if r T- Mrs May, Miss Meyler, Muss Maria Meyler, and the May, who performed their labour of love under t" e superintendence of MrT. J. White. In the nave were three bowers of evergreens, composed of oak lea^e8» honeysuckles, and red and white roses, the arc'ie3.fl which were formed of the stems and blossoms of the asparagus plant, whose feather-like leaves had a peclll iarly pleasing effect. The Chancel arch, and the arches of the pews of the Picton and Slebech Houses, were festooned with garlands of leaves and flowers. On each side of the Chancel arch was a shield, bearing the monograrn- "C.E.F." and M.P.P." (the initials or the bridal pair), surrounded with a border of moss and flowers. O-er the communion table was the following sentence:—"Pleas Him in body and in soul: and live together in Hoiy love until your lives' end." The letters were formed oi wool on a blue ground, enclosed in a border of wool. It was very skilfully constructed, and had a m"S pleasing effect. Springing from the centre of the aPPfS portion of the border of the text, was a semi-circie wit" a blue background, in the middle of which was the mono- gram ,l F.P," the initials of the surnames of both At the sides of the east window were shields, one wi'" the letter F" and the other with t he letter P," in sil*er» in the. old English character on a blue ground, bordered with flowers. The pulpit, the eagle-shaped lectern, afld large candlesticks were also tastefully decorated wit" leaves and flowers. The sills of the windows and the Picton and Slebech pews were decorated with garlands of flowers and leaves, and white vases containing bouquetS of flowers were placed in the same pews, and aiso Oil the communion table. The decorations were very ex- tensive, and were completed by dint of great exertion III one day—the ladies commencing the work at n'n o'clock, and continuing without intermission till at night, when the decorations presented the excell"0 appearance highly eulogized by the numbers of who visited the Church on Thursday. Eleven o'clock was the time appointed for the ceremonY, hut long before then the Church and the road leading it were thronged with people, who waited the arriv^ 0 the bridal procession with great anxiety. Those withOUt the Church kept a constant look out in the direction 01 the Castle, while the attention of those within was a'* traded by ths performances of Mr W. L. Hardij1^ organist of Saint Mary, who played a choice select^ of sacred music on a harmonium which had been brodg to the Church for the occasion. While the crowd att*5^ Church were rapidly receiving accessions to their dUI?0 bers, preparations were being made at tbe Castle f°r. 0 departure of the bridal cortege, which in a short tiol was got ready, and started in admirabla order. to consisted of five carriages the first oarriage-or designate it by its more usual name-the drag-Con. tained the bridegroom, and the following gentleffleI1 The Rev. Sir William Dunbar, Rev. B. Stannas, Archdeacon Clarke; Mr Fisher, Mr Sharpies Fi nf Mr Pitman, Mr R. N. Philipps, F.S.A., D.L., J Broom Hall, Yorkshire; Mr T. H. Bigley, of WbR Hal], Yorkshire; Mr Walter Stannas, T. Ault, Rev. Mr Thomas, of Slebech, and Mr W". cock, of Huddersfield. Immediately following the ^r.e,e, was another conveyance, containing two of the groom's party, Mr Herbert Owen, of Narberth, and Dunn, of the Middle Temple, London. Toe 8?y°pgf carriage contained Mrs Fisher and Mrs Phi»P" j of Picton Castle. The third carriage oonif-"eS Mr Massy and four of the bridesmaids—tbe tjj Massy and the Misses Dunbar. The Ipd carriage (which was closed) contained the bride three bridesmaids —Miss Amy Philipps, Miss M. ^ar°-a(r0 Fisher, and Miss M. Gregg Fisher. The fifth c8p10]e. contained Lady Dunbar, Mrs Massy, and Miss ^e]j, The bride's dress, which became her remarkably (JcÐ was of the richest white French satin, with a deep 80u aot of real Brussels lace, looped on one side with an e bouquet of flowers. The skirt and body of the dress also trimmed with bouquets of French flowers. ^'iere9tb a real Brussels veil, beautifully worked with a Tf0xfSi' oomp sed of orange blossoms, jessamine, &c., an jigg- ing a diadem in the middle. The dresses cf^the jac6 maids were of fine white tarlatan, over white ^reDC silk fkirts, and ornamented with a rich blue tteS with the fichus to correspond, and large blue ^uile» and sash. The bonnets were of white Frenc ornamented with forget-me-nots, having a 1°DS flowing at the back. The whole were arranged great taste, and were supplied by Messrs Greei Dawkins, of Haverfordwest. In the order a r dicated, the procession arriyed at Slebech