Macon couples renew vows for Valentine's Day

For couples at a Macon church Sunday, Valentine's Day was about much more than dinner and roses.

A dozen couples representing more than 200 years of marriage celebrated the day with a recommitment ceremony at True Faith Church of God in Christ. Pastor Evans Brown Sr. said the idea for the ceremony grew out of the church's couples ministry.

"They decided since today was Valentine's that it would be a beautiful opportunity for all of us to come together and renew our vows," Brown said.

He and his wife, Pearlie, had the most years of marriage at 49. Prior to the ceremony they talked about what they think are the keys to a good relationship.

"You love each other, you are willing to learn from each other, you are willing to give and take and just grow together," Pearlie Brown said.

Evans Brown said the pastor who performed their marriage instilled in the them the importance of keeping God a part of it.

"This has been our strength because we made the vows to ourselves but more importantly it was unto God," he said. "We have had problems, but through Christ that strengthen us, we were able to work it out."

Curtis Brown Jr., the pastor's cousin, and his wife, Karen, had the second-longest time together with 45 years of marriage.

"Agree to be disagreeable and try to work things out," was Curtis Brown's advice to young couples. "Take a long drive sometimes by yourself."

Karen Brown's advice was to "take one day at a time."

The couples marched down the isle then stood on stage while Evans Brown read the vows of recommitment. He then told the men that they could kiss their wives.

The ceremony ended with Sierra McClendon reintroducing each couple to those in attendance.

"It's just a beautiful thing because marriage is not taken as seriously in today's time," she said.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.

This story was originally published February 14, 2016 at 9:52 PM with the headline "Macon couples renew vows for Valentine's Day ."