The Rev. and Mrs. Read Blackstone

The Blackstones Note 50th Anniv.

WASHBURN -- The Rev. and Mrs. Read Blackstone of Wade were honored Dec. 30 [1971] with an open house in observance of their 50th wedding anniversary. The event, arranged by their children, was held at the Washburn Grade School cafeteria.

A program was presented with Dr. Donald Blackstone as master of ceremonies. A vocal solo, "I Love You Truly," was by Elmer Tompkins of State Road. His accompanist was Mrs. Clifford Olsen. The Scripture reading was by the Rev. Bernard Patton, Presque Isle, and Kenneth Fox, pastor of the Advent Christian Church, Chapman, offered prayer.

Remarks were given by: the Rev. David Snell, President of the Northern Maine Advent Christian Association Conference and pastor of the Crouseville Advent Christian Church; the Rev. Relland Clark, president of the Washburn Ministerial Association and pastor of the Perham Baptist Church; Malcolm Ellis of Ashland, president of the Northern Maine Advent Christian Campground Association; Malcolm R. Holts, a former merchant and postmaster of Perham.

Clayton Blackstone Jr., grandson of the honored couple, sang "Redeeming Love," accompanied by Mrs. Clifford Olsen. Their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Olson sang a duet, "The Riches of Love," with Mrs. Olsen accompanying on the accordion. The Rev. Blackstone and his four sons sang in a chorus, "I Am Resolved."

The benediction was given by the Rev. Douglas McLelland, pastor of the State Road Advent Christian Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Blackstone were married Dec. 31, 1921, at the Washburn Baptist Church parsonage by the Rev. Byron H. Thomas, the church pastor.

The Rev. Blackstone is a retired farmer. During his farming he was associated in preaching and has been pastor of the Dunntown Advent Christian Church for 35 years or more. Nov. 19, 1943, he became an ordained minister. He is still an active pastor in the Dunntown church.

They are the parents of four sons and one daughter: Clayton Blackstone, farmer, Perham; Donald R. Blackstone, orthodontist, Presque Isle; the Rev. Bernard Blackstone, minister and part-time teacher, Monmouth; Lloyd Blackstone, laboratory technician - orthodontist, Presque Isle; and Mrs. Wilma Olson, Fitchville, Conn. They have 21 grandchildren.

A buffet lunch was served by Mrs. Florence Tompkins and members of the family.

The couple received a money tree, gifts. cards and flowers.