[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        EDWARD AND MERLE FORD ON THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2006

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward and Merle Ford 
on their 50th wedding anniversary.
  Edward and Merle celebrated this wonderful milestone on February 28, 
2006 after having spent half a century in love and with the shared 
experiences of family life. Edward Lee Ford was born on July 31, 1929 
in Hemingway, South Carolina. He relocated to Pennsylvania to attend 
Pine Forge Academy. Prior to graduating from Pine Forge, Edward and his 
twin brother, Jesse, were drafted into the Army where they served as 
medics. During his time at Pine Forge and while in Germany, Edward 
diligently wrote to Merle Elizabeth Cheatham. Merle was born on January 
1, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland, and like Edward, attended Pine Forge 
Academy. During the early days of their romance, letter-writing kept 
their love alive.
  On October 23, 1955, Merle Elizabeth Cheatham and Edward Lee Ford 
were wed at the chapel on the grounds of Pine Forge Academy. The Fords 
have four children; Rhonda, Terry, Dwayne, and Lisa; three 
grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Merle and Edward have 
likewise kept their connection to Pine Forge Academy strong. Merle 
worked as the Registrar, Secretary to the Principal, and Typing Teacher 
at the Academy, while Edward designed and built Kimbrough Hall, several 
of the log cabins, and renovated North Hall into the Music 
Conservatory. Edward even served as the first president of the Pine 
Forge National Alumni Association. In 1995, Edward, along with his 
brother Jesse, received the honor of being alumni of the year. In 
addition to their dedication to each other and the Academy, the Fords 
are pillars in their church where they serve as Head Deacon/Deaconess 
at the Walnut Street Community Seventh-day Adventist Church in 
Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring 
Edward and Merle Ford on their fifty golden years of love and 
dedication to each other. I hope they will continue to live in the 
house Edward built for Merle and that they are blessed with continued 
joy, health, and love.

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