

SUMMIT — Thursday, the Rev Kim Tomaszewski and her partner Tara Wildhagen were excited as they prepared to officially marry one another at the Unitarian Church in Summit.

This was the first official same-sex marriage performed at the church, where Tomaszewski is a pastor. The church has held many civil unions, complete with ceremonies, including Tomaszewski and Wildhagen's, which was performed in March. A slide show of the ceremony and reception cycled through in the reception area of the church, where people gathered before and after the ceremony.

The ceremony was conducted by three members of the clergy, the Rev. Vanessa Southern, the senior pastor at the church, Rev. Emilie Boggis, and Tomaszewski's best friend The Rev. Stephanie Kershner of the Lutheran Church ELCA, who performed the civil union.

Thursday there were smiles all around and loud applause after Kershner said "by the powers vested in me by the state of New Jersey, I now pronounce you Wife and Wife."

Following the ceremony, the witnesses and officiant signed the wedding license, there were songs, a benediction and a reception with two types of cake, gluten-free chocolate and philly fluff, and sparkling cider at the church. There were also lots of smiles and hugs.

The decision to have this ceremony on Thursday was made by the couple on Monday, after Gov. Chris Christie withdrew his appeal of a court decision that same-sex marriages were legal in New Jersey.

Through the next week, the clergy at the Unitarian Church in Summit will officiate at weddings of same-sex couples, free of charge. Several couples have approached the church, said Southern, "Mostly people who we have done civil union ceremonies for. Some of the couples have been together for 30 years."

The congregation voted at its 2011 annual meeting to take a public stand supporting marriage for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people. A banner supporting same-sex marriage has been on the front of the church ever since.

To speak to a minister, call Rev. Vanessa Southern, Rev. Emilie Boggis or Rev. Kim Tomaszewski at the church 908-273-324 or email vrsouthern@gmail.com, Emilie@ucsummit.org or Kim@ucsummit.org. Visit the church's website at ucsummit.org.

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