At about half past 9
this morning, Miss Mary Jane Pearson Wright was on the steps of
her family's home near the rear of The Camp. She smiled
and said,
"...there was no
proper carriage available in the district, so we had instead a
wagon covered in white duck tarpaulin in which I, the bride,
and bridesmaids went to the ceremony."
The Columbia
Detachment marched in two sections with the carriage between.
The RE families marched alongside, making happy, boisterous and
encouraging comments.
At about 10 am, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, the little
wooden church built by the RE in New Westminster, a large number
of the RE marched up and halted. They piled arms and took
the hands of their loved ones and cheerfully entered the church.
The Officers and their ladies sat in the first pews and at the
alter
stood the 24 year old Lt. Palmer in his best uniform. At
his side stood the 15 year old Miss Mary Jane Pearson Wright, a
long veil obscuring her face. As the ceremony continued,
read by the bride's father, Archdeacon Wright, a slight wind
picked up outside.
"You may now kiss my daughter," intoned the Archdeacon to the
chuckles of the congregation. As the couple kiss, the room
broke into cheers. As the Officers and wives closest to
the newly-weds stepped up to give their congratulations, Colonel
Moody, Captain Parsons, Charles Alston, and Charles Wood signed
the Marriage Book as witnesses.
Soon after, the couple make their way outside, Mrs. Palmer
continued,
"...But even more
exciting was our departure from the church. The only
available conveyance was a high gig. It happened to be a
very windy day and when my husband and I mounted and took our
seats, my veil flew wildly in every direction, while the horse
sped along the road."
In order to
accommodate all the guests, the reception was held in the Royal
Engineer's Mess, and Sapper Haynes, the Detachment Bandmaster,
conducted the band as it played lively airs.
At about 2 pm today, the newly-weds and a large number of
friends, including Colonel Moody and the Officers, boarded the
Steamer to Victoria -- the newly-weds for a short Honeymoon and
the rest to be there as witnesses for Captain Luard who travels
there to wed Miss Leggatt the next Morning.
Later Mrs. Palmer said,
"...I have ever
remembered the 7th of October 1863 when one and all of the
dear RE's did their very best to make that happy wedding day
the very brightest one for the Bride and her dear Husband
which could be wished."
The British Colonist
wrote:
Wedding at New
Westminster - An interesting event took place at the Holy
Trinity Church, New Westminster. Lieut. Henry Spencer
Palmer of the Royal Engineers led to the alter Mary Jane
Pearson , eldest daughter of the venerable Archdeacon H. P.
Wright. The ceremony was performed by the father of the
bride, and was witnessed by a large number of friends.
