On Nov. 4, 1842, Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd were married in the home of her older sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Ninian Edwards. That old Edwards home is long gone – demolished in 1918 to make room for a state government building (now the Howlett Building). OK, history lesson over. Now, 183 years later, the Cathedral Church of St. Paul will host a re-enactment of the Lincolns’ wedding this Saturday. Could it be the wedding event of the year? Perhaps. A parishioner at the church suggested the re-enactment, and cathedral events coordinator Janice Draper ran with the idea. Niall Sullivan will portray Abraham Lincoln and Brooke Seacreast will portray Mary Todd. The cathedral’s very own Rev. Andrew Hook will portray the Rev. Charles Dresser – the man who officiated over the original ceremony. The participants and some spectators will be in period dress. Members of the public also are invited to attend in period dress. The event will include music by singer Diane Dietz, violinist Ann Collins and the Burr Oak String Band. The event is free.
Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln wedding re-enactment
Sat., Nov. 1, 2-3:30 p.m.
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul The Apostle
815 S. Second St.
217-544-5135
This article appears in October 30-November 5, 2025.
