Couples attending the 50th wedding anniversary celebration for Russell and Mary Simmonds (center) are Larry and Elizabeth Smith (from left), Richard and Brandy Uekman, Ron and Brook Crane, Father Ben Riley, Rob and Kristin McConnell, Dr. Lee and Lori Wilbur, Dr. Rick and Melanie Riley and Yancy and Rose Cundall. (Courtesy Melanie Riley)

50th wedding anniversary

The Marriage Encounter small group at Christ the King Church in Little Rock celebrated members Russell and Mary Simmonds on their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 4. The Simmonds met as teenagers in Australia, Russell’s native country, while Mary’s family lived there. They were married at Christ the King Church in 1974. Father Ben Riley of Harrison, a former parishioner, blessed the couple. The group also presented the honorees with a pontifical blessing. The Marriage Encounter group, known as ME10, has met monthly for 10 years since they attended a Marriage Encounter retreat at Christ the King. 

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