"A Brilliant and Interesting Event"
In the flowery language of Victorian times, a wedding which is said to be the first in the new First Methodist Episcopal Church building at 6th and Harrison was described in the Topeka State Jorrnal of March 28, 1883:
"The marriage of Miss Lydia Lowman and Mr. John Norton, of this city, which has been looked forward to by Topeka people with high anticipations of a brilliant and interesting event, took place in the First M. E. Church at noon yesterday. The audience room was beautifully decorated for the occasion, the most prominent features being, of course, around the altar. The space immediately in front of the pulpit was entirely filled with potted plants, set as closely together as possible, on a sloping stand, forming a solid bank of nature’s beautiful colors.
"In the singer’s seats was Prof. Heck’s full orchestra of ten pieces, which discoursed sweet music, while the friends of the youthful couple, to the number of between 500 and 600, rapidly filled both the main floor and galleries. All were seated quietly and without the slightest confusion by the ushers: Mr. J. H. Belcher, Mr. F. E. Holliday, Mr. G. W. Dickinson and Mr. W. D. Dickinson, who were attired in conventional full dress.
"At precisely half past eleven the orchestra announced the approach of the procession with Mendelsohn’s wedding march, and the party passed up to the altar . . . . The full Methodist Episcopal service was used, by the Rev. O. J. Cowles, who officiated, and a ring. At the conclusion of the ceremony the party retired to the music of the orchestra , the seven little flower girls strewing the flowers from their arms before the bride and groom.
"After a private dinner Mr. and Mrs. Norton left for the east, and will make a tour of all the principal cities, returning for a reception on May 2nd, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Bartholomew, No. 20 Sixth avenue .
"Mr. John Norton, the groom, is a member of the firm of Page, Norton & Co., proprietors of the Inter-Ocean flouring mills, North Topeka. He is one of our best-known and most popular young business men, and has the heartiest congratulations of a multitude of friends.
"Mrs. Norton came to this city from Philadelphia, some years ago, and has since made her home with her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew. She is a charming and accomplished young lady, and the gentlemen who have failed to win the prize carried off by Mr. Norton are consoled by the fact that Topeka society is not to lose so conspicuous an ornament.
"The large number of elegant and valuable presents received will be displayed at the reception on the return of the bridal party."
An interesting footnote is that one of the seven little flower girls was Susie B. Sweet who, with her sisters and brother, was a benefactor of this church for many years. This wedding was re-enacted featuring Ms. Sweet’s flower girl dress and the bride’s original dress at one of the earlier anniversary celebrations.
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