“Taylor-Bond Wedding in 1905”
Carroll County Times article for 25 February 2001
by Jay A. Graybeal

 The Historical Society’s recent acquisition of Judge James A. C. Bond House, 202 E. Main St. in Westminster, has provided an opportunity to explore the history of the property and the lives of the people who lived there. The research addresses basic historical questions about construction, renovations and ownership and also notable and everyday events that took place in the house.  One such notable event was the wedding of Judge and Mrs. Bond’s daughter Alice in 1905. The February 25, 1905 issue of the Democratic Advocate newspaper had an article about the wedding:

“On February 21^st, at high noon, in Ascension Protestant Episcopal Church, Westminster, Md., Miss Alice Wright Bond, daughter of Ex-Judge and Mrs. James A. C. Bond, was married to Mr. Charles Clifford Taylor, son of Mr. Charles S. Taylor, of Haverford, near Philadelphia, Pa.

The day was spring-like, the sun shone brightly, and notwithstanding the ground was covered with snow and many of the pavements in a very sloppy condition, the church was filled.  From the bride’s residence to the street there was a canopy, and from the curbing to the church door a canopy was also erected.  The bride was unusually attractive, and as a lady said “she was one of the most becoming brides ever seen in that church.”  If the old adage is true “Blessed be the Bride that the Sun Shines On,” her future will be one of unalloyed happiness.

The wedding was very quiet, admission to the church was by card, and the seating capacity was fully occupied.   Miss Bertha George, of Sykesville, Md., was maid of honor, and Mr. A. Merritt Taylor, brother of the groom, was best man.

The bride entered the church on the arm of her father, and as the bridal party proceeded to the chancel Lohengrin’s wedding march was rendered by Miss Ida Lockard, during the ceremony Angel’s Serenade, and upon retiring from the church Mendelssolin’s.  At the chancel the bride was met by the groom and his best man.  The rector, Rev. Frank M. Gibson, Ph.D., performed the ceremony, the bride being given away by her father.   The ushers were Messrs. Isaac H. Clothier, Herbert S. Darlington, W. S. Hilles, H. J. Davis, A. M. Collins and Dr. Jas. A. Bond, a brother of the bride.

The bride wore a soft white silk gown, trimmed with chiffon flowers, and carried white sweet peas, and her veil of white tulle was fastened with genuine orange blossoms. The maid of honor wore white crepe de chine trimmed with lace, and a lace hat with a touch of pink, and carried pink roses.The bride’s going away gown was of black broadcloth. Many handsome silver, cut glass, and other costly presents were received by the bride.  After the ceremony an exquisite breakfast was served by Baltimore caterers at the bride’s residence.

On Friday night of last week the groom gave a dinner at the University Club, Philadelphia, to the following named gentlemen:  A.M. Taylor, Dr. Jas. A. Bond, Richard C. Worthington, Morris L. Clothier, Herbert S. Darlington, Isaac Clothier, Jr., Alfred M. Collins, Walter Clothier, William S. Hilles, Henry J. Davis Jr., Dr. Jos. S. Evans, Jr., W. M. Carter, Samuel Middleton and W. H. Bettle.

Among the out-of-town guests at the wedding were—Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Merritt Taylor, Mrs. D. Giraud Wright, Mr. DeCourcy Thom, Mr. Lea Thom, Mrs. Wm. Worthington, Mr. Richard Worthington, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Bryan, Miss Elise Wright, Mr. DeCourcy Wright, Miss Fannie Turnbull, Miss Selina Keighler, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Clothier, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dobbin.

Mrs. Charles E. Stewart gave a tea to the bride and several members of the bridal party on Monday evening.   There were several other functions given in connection with the wedding.

In the evening there was a dance at Firemen’s Hall, at which a large number of those at the wedding were present.

The bride and groom escaped about 2 o’clock and drove to Glyndon, and from there by train to Baltimore, and then on an extensive Southern trip.”