Radcliffe and Marcia Braham share a kiss.

On Saturday June 25, Radcliffe Braham and wife Marcia renewed wedding vows at their silver anniversary celebrations at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, Manchester.

The occasion was witnessed by approximately 100 guests, chief among them being the Reverend Spencer Calquhoun, who led the couple through the vows.

childhood memories

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Delworth Heath gave the toast to Rev Braham and had the audience laughing while recounting their childhood days. A co-worker, Mrs Michelle Bowes-Smith, gave the toast to Mrs Braham. Both spoke to the integrity and trustworthiness of the couple.

During the open-toast segment, Nalda Taylor-Wright read one of her poems titled 'Love'. It was well received by those present.

Toasts was also offered by the couple's children, Ricky and Rochelle, who thanked their parents for guidance over the years and in giving them a spiritual foundation grounded in Jesus Christ.

A video presentation which highlighted the couples' journey over the past 25 years complemented the evening's agenda.

The couple, in their reply, thanked all those present and spoke to the different qualities found in each other.

Mrs Braham said that her husband was a blessing in her life; someone genuine, a planner and a time-management 'fanatic'. She spoke to the need for tolerance and stated that she did not look on the side of affordability in staging the function, but rather that God had bless their marriage and she wanted to show that He can be a blessing in the lives of others too.

Her husband spoke about fun, jokes, discussion, planning, and most importantly, God, as components that hold a marriage together. He said that no marriage is perfect and that at times Christians will have 'tense fellowship.' (He used the expression in place of quarrel). He then quoted a number of Scripture verses, including "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart. Wait I say, on the Lord."

The couple met in 1978 and courted for the better part of eight years. They were married in June 1986, shortly after Radcliffe completed Bible school. Rev Braham hails from Vineyard in St Elizabeth, while his wife is from Highgate in St Mary. The union has produced two children.

Rev Braham told The Star Life and Times that he is the representative in Jamaica for AWANA (Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed) International. It is a non-profit Christian organisation with over 100 churches worldwide. He holds this position in addition to co-pastoring a local church. AWANA International was also represented at the ceremony.

The other members of the clergy who were in attendance were Reverend Clifton Smith, Reverend Errol Nelson and Reverend William Newman. Rev Newman served as the witty, energetic master of ceremonies for the function.

Radcliffe Braham and wife Marcia during their vow renewals. - Elgin Taylor