A SOLIHULL couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this week.
Pastor Ronald and Selma Pearson were married on March 31, 1951 at Langley Elim Church in Birmingham.
The happy couple are currently shielding but proud daughter Kay said: “They still dress up every day, mom always in a smart dress and matching jewellery and when they used to go out, dad always sported a matching tie.
“Mom would scour the shops to get an exact match to her outfits.”
The couple settled down in Marston Green and watched as Chelmsley Wood was built.
“Working full time but also being a Elim minister, dad felt the need to start a community church there,” said Kay.
“He began a church in a small community hall, whilst constantly pressing the council for some land to build on and after much determination, was eventually given a plot of land.”
Whilst still working and pastoring Ronald then oversaw the building project and in 1981 the first church was built in Walnut Close, Chelmsley Wood, which he administered for more than 26 years until he retired.
That church is still going strong today.
“Being a very close family, the last family gathering was on mom’s 90th birthday, which we celebrated on March 8, 2020,” said Kay.
“Little did we know that when this picture was taken, it would be the last time we would be all together for over a year.”
The couple have lived a selfless life and have been a source of inspiration to their family with nearly all their children and grandchildren involved in community or charitable work.
And their secret for a happy marriage? They said: “Although everyone has a honeymoon period in relationship you can keep looking your best for each other and treating each other with as much love, admiration and respect as if you are on that first date.”
