This was copied from the original provided by George Reed Kirk in his home on 19 November, 1994.

On last Sunday night, May 20 1901, in the Baptist church at Horatio, the house was packed for the usual Sunday night services, when the surprise marriages occurred. Rev. William I. Feazell of this city, the officiating minister, after preliminary services turned to the organist, Mrs. Burt Pride, and said, "Please sing as a solo 'He leadeth me'." The large audience so charmed with this sweet singer, scarcely noticed the bridal party who entered, preceded by two couples of young people. Mr. James R. Armstrong and Miss Bertha Scott marched up the right aisle and Mr. R.B. Kirk and Miss Irene Shepherd the left, and instead of being seated at the front as was expected, they remained standing in front of the Rev. William I. Feazell, who said; "When God created man He saw that it was not good for him to be alone, and created woman to be his helpmate and companion through life.

"Who entered the home to be a light
"Shining with while all without was night,
"A guardian angel o'er his life presiding
"Doubling his pleasures, his cares dividing.

"Christ sanctioned marriage by His presence at a wedding at Cana of Gallalee, Marriage is therefore honorable, beautiful and scriptural. We are about to solemnize the rites of matrimony between these two couple, Mr. Jas. R. Armstrong and Miss Bertha Scott and Mr. R. B. Kirk and Miss Irene Shepherd. If any one present knows of any lawful reason why they should not be joined in holy wedlock, let them now speak or hereafter hold their peace. Please join you right hands. In the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses, do each of you take the one whom you hold by the right hand to be your lawful and wedded companion through life? Will you as husband be true to your wife, and will you as a wife obey your husband in all things lawful and scriptural? and will you each love, honor and cherish each other, keep each other in sickness and in health and forsaking all others cleave only unto each other so long as you both shall live?" "I will," came from four voices, and then said the minister: "By the authority vested in me by the laws of this state and the church of Jesus Christ, I pronounce you husband and wife, and what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. You have taken the solemn obligation of life and I charge you before God to keep sacred these marriage vows. Your future will not be all sunshine. Many sorrows await you. I would therefore direct you to the Word of God as a guide into all the duties of love and would you attain the full portion of the joys anticipated in this union let love and kindness be your mottoes and happiness will ever characterize your home.

"Our Father, who art in heaven, into Thy hands I commend these couples. Help them to keep sacred these marriage vows. Preserve their health. Make them useful and happy. May they be so united in the bonds of wedded love as to share each other's sorrows and double each other's pleasures. May they be so united in Thee by faith in Thy Son that when death shall separate them they may meet in heaven to part no more, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."

After this short, but beautiful and impressive ceremony, and this short comprehensive prayer, which, by the request of the contracting parties, we print in full the bridal party were seated and listened to an impressive sermon from the text "Now abideth faith, hope and love, These three, but the greatest is love."

These marriages were not expected for several months but to complete the surprise the quick decision was reached and marriages consummated without any preparation or previous announcements. The contracting parties are all of Horatio, Mr. Armstrong is a young lawyer whose future is bright and for whom we predict success in his profession. His bride is the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Col. and Mrs. Scott, who are well known in Sevier county. Mr. Kirk is a noble young man who is connected with the McCoy Dry Goods Co., while his bride whose parents are dead, is one of the loveliest young ladies in Sevier county, whose home was with her uncle, Mr. Geo Scott, one of the wealthiest citizens of this county.

After the church services, following the ceremony, an informal reception was held in the church, the happy couples receiving the congratulations of their numerous friends; all of whom the Bee joins in wishing for them the richest blessings of life.