Mr William Burt of Blantyre had a rather strange wedding day in October 1931 when he was marrying bride Miss Harriet Mable Moore or Birkenshaw at Hamilton’s Episcopal Church.

The church was filled with relatives and friends, the bride arrived on time and walked down the aisle, to her groom already awaiting her in the church. The rings were all in place in readiness and the reception had been planned carefully in advance. So far so good, but the service itself was delayed, most unusually for the minister failed to turn up.

The congregation waited for over half an hour before attempts were made to seek another clergyman. The best man jumped into action and headed to Motherwell to fetch their Episocpal Minister from their church who happened to be the Rev. J Bulloch. Much later that day, the service took place in Hamilton. It was never reported what had delayed the minister and I’m sure it would have been a talking point by guests in the evening reception.