First Recorded Wedding in Vincennes

In honor of the city of Vincennes ’ year long commemoration of its 275^th anniversary, the Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous will hold a special wedding ceremony on Saturday afternoon at 2 pm.

The Vincennes 275^th Anniversary Committee and many living history volunteers will recreate the wedding that represents the first recorded church document of St. Francis Xavier Parish. The wedding, which was originally held somewhere near the present day Old Cathedral Church courtyard (near the corner of Church and 2^nd Sts. , will be held either in the modern day courtyard of the church or at the replica of the first church located up on the French Commons. The final location will be decided by the status of the ongoing restoration of the Old Cathedral.

The wedding will represent the April 21, 1749 ceremony between Julien Trottier des Rivieries of Montreal and Josette Marie of Vincennes .  Unfortunatly, the couple would have a very short life together as Josette would die during December 1750 from complications after child birth. She, and her infant son who survived for two months, would be laid to rest under the family pew in the old church. Today this spot is somewhere near the Old Cathedral courtyard and cemetery.

The role of Josette will be played by Kayla Quarterman, a long time volunteer with Spirit of Vincennes, Inc. The groom will be played by Mr. Rick Williams, a first year volunteer with our organization. You may notice a slight age difference in the couple. Julien, a successful merchant, was 43 and Josette, the daughter of a French father and Piankeshaw mother was 18.   

Please come join us for this special event. If you have any questions please contact Dale Phillips at (812) 882-1776, extension 202 or at dale_phillips@nps.gov.

Information about Vincennes ’ 275^th anniversary and other events is available at SpiritOfVincennes.org/275