The vow factor

Say ‘I do’ to a celebration of commitment in Yachats

Mary Crook

By Gretchen Ammerman

Oregon Coast TODAY

You better pull out your pearls if you plan to participate in Yachats’ annual Valentine’s Day Celebration of Renewal and Commitment this year.

The beloved tradition is not only celebrating its 30th year, the pearl anniversary, but will be back at the charming Little Log Church Museum on Saturday, Feb. 14, after a five-year hiatus.  

The ceremony will be facilitated by Mary Crook, an independent non-denominational minister, who has presided over the event since its beginning.

“The first one that I did we had one seating and we had nine local couples come,” she said. “Gradually, over the years, attendance increased to where we had to add a second seating.”

The historical Little Log Church Museum has been closed to the public while the building underwent comprehensive structural evaluations in preparation for major repairs and restoration. During the time the museum could not be used, the Valentine’s Day vow renewals were held at the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church. 

While the project is not completed, the construction company worked hard to ensure the sanctuary would be ready for the event.

“Karl Christianson and other volunteers are going to make sure the inside of the sanctuary is appropriately furnished in time,” Crook said. “They are as committed to this ceremony as I am.”

Over the years, couples have come from throughout Oregon and several other states to renew their vows. 

“For some it is a first-time experience, for others it has become an annual tradition,” Crook said. 

Both married and unmarried committed couples are invited to attend, and will be given a special certificate as a memento of the occasion. Music will be provided by local favorite David Cowden, who plays keyboard and guitar. 

“New Beginnings” is the theme for this year. 

“I always give a welcome and then a short talk to start the ceremony,” Crook said. “This year’s theme reflects the return to the Little Log building, so I will talk a bit about the renovation.”

Following the talk, Crook will ask the couples to stand, face their partner and repeat the vows.

“It’s so heartwarming to see these couples looking into each other’s eyes and renewing their vows in all sincerity,” Christianson said. “It’s quite beautiful.”

Crook, who also officiates marriages, is looking forward to the ceremony as much as she did the first year, but now has the added pleasure of repeat visitors.

“Some couples have been coming year after year,” she said. “One couple who will be coming from Longview, Washington, have been coming every five years since I married them 21 years ago.”

Another couple she married roughly 15 years ago have come to the renewals almost every year.

But she doesn’t need the renewals to run into the people she has joined in matrimony.

“I had to go to Florence to arrange for a refrigerator delivery and the delivery person said they would call when they were close,” she said. “They called when they were about 30 minutes out and said, ‘By the way, are you the Mary that married me and my wife at the Little Log Church 13 years ago?’”

The record for the longest-married couple to participate in the vow renewals stands at 63 years.

“It’s especially memorable because her birthday is on Valentine’s Day,” Crook said. “I’m hoping they might make it this time.”

Event organizers have arrived at 48 couples as the maximum number of couples to accept for the day.

“We try not to have more than 22 couples at a time,” Crook said. “That way it is more personal and intimate.”

Though a big fan of the ceremony, Crook herself is unmarried.

“I just have fun marrying other couples,” she said.

All proceeds derived from this event will benefit the Little Log Church Museum and will be allocated to its restoration project. 

Seatings for the Saturday, Feb. 14, event are at noon and 5:30 pm. The Friends of the Little Log Church Museum suggests a donation of $20 per couple. Reservations are required. To reserve a space, call Crook at 541-547-4547.

• Curious about the church renovation? An extensive series of photos over the years can be seen at westcoastdrones.net.