Mennonite Courtship

Wlicn a brother in tho churcjh wants to marry a sister, he does not make liis wish kuown directly to her, bnt goes to the minister and tells him his secret. The minister, if pleased with the match, carnes the lover 's message. Tho sister is usually surprised, as this is supposed to be her first intimatiou of the yonng man 's love. If the proposal is received with favor, tho negotiations are carried on by the minister. The ceremony always takes place in a church. No invitations are issued, but the bamis are proclaimed from the pulpit two weeks beforehand. During this period the groom is permitted to visit his intended without the intervention of a third party. After the wedding a dinner is always served, after which bride and groom go to their respective homes and remain apart for several days. The marriages in the church are generally happy ones, and there is no record of any of the members ever suing for vorce. -