Left: Luther and Beryl Gibbs celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. - Right: Luther and Beryl Gibbs on their wedding day, 50 years ago. - CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
LUTHER AND Beryl Gibbs exchanged marriage vows on Saturday, January 14, 1956 at 5:00 p.m. at the Calabar College Chapel, 61 Red Hills Road, Kingston 10 (at the time).
The officiating ministers were Rev. M.E.W. Sawyers and Rev. Canon R.O.C. King. The best man was James Gibbs and the maid of honour was Joyce Hudson.
"Fifty years of marriage seems like a lifetime, our parents have for better for worse, for richer for poorer, by their strong Christian faith, fervent prayer and their love for each other, have shaped the lives and characters of all the children in countless ways," the children said. Both parents have instilled in their children the importance of education.
"Daddy is the one who taught us to aim for excellence. As a result of these words of encouragement and support there was success. Today, all of us are qualified in our particular field of study/career. Paul, the telephone operator, extraordinaire, he never forgets a voice, Robert, marketing/sales at Texaco, Richard, manager, information systems at AAJ and me, senior teacher at St. Andrew High School for Girls.
"Our parents did not believe in sparing the rod and spoiling the child. As Proverbs 22:6 states: 'Bring up you child in the discipline and instruction of the Lord'. This was one thing which was practised in our home. Each child was equally punished for his/her infraction. Mom and dad are firm, but fair disciplinarians.
ALWAYS FOUND TIME
"Our parents must be commended on the efficient way they have been able to manage caring for three boys and me while working full time jobs. They always found time for family devotions, to check homework, attend parent-teacher association meetings, prepare balanced meals, nurse our wounds and provide sound financial advice.
"Their firm belief in the power of prayer and their commitment to God have sustained them as parents and have guided many of their parenting skills which have shaped our personalities .
"Mommy and daddy have taught us prudent planning and financial management. Although they did not have high paying jobs, they were able to comfortably support the children and themselves. As one philosopher said: 'Good plans shape good decisions. That is why good planning helps to make elusive dreams come true.'
SAVING ACCOUNTS
"Mommy would insist on us saving. She opened accounts for each of us and would consistently save for us. Mommy would be the one who always had a 'lay away' plan, she would pay down 'little, little' until she acquired a piece of furniture, bookcase or our prized table tennis board until the payment was complete. Mommy is an excellent accountant and kept excellent record keeping. All of us have learnt from Mommy to save and keep efficient records.
"Mom has always been the backbone of our family. She has always been our confidante, we would share everything with her - our problems and our fears and our dreams. One famous person once said: 'A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning necessary.' Daddy, on the other hand was the one we spoke to about building, home improvement and other business decisions.
"Daddy and mommy share a special love for children. As the scriptures say: 'Children are an heritage from God.' As we as children got older, they would constantly be referring to grandchildren whether in jest, seriously, on special occasions, during family time, new year's wishes and in prayer. As the scriptures say: 'The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much'."
- Contributed
