Couple recognized by marriage program

Arden and Thelma Lee Crum, of Oklahoma City, are the state winners of the Longest Married Couple Project sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, the original faith based marriage enrichment program in this country.

The Crums were married 75 years ago, on July 8, 1942. “It is an honor to announce that Arden and Thelma Lee Crum as the Oklahoma winners; they have truly shown their longtime commitment to marriage,” Rick and Bev Feller, Encounter Leaders for Oklahoma/Amarillo, said in a news release.

The couple were officially recognized during a special ceremony on Thursday. The longest married couple in the United States are Mota and Avanelle Young, of Bowling Green, Kentucky. They have been married for 81 years. These couples achieved the honor of being the Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s Longest Married Couple based on nominations. This is the eighth year for the nationwide project.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter has been offering weekend experiences for more than 50 years and is considered the original faith-based marriage enrichment program. The programs are continually updated to keep abreast of changes in society, and the program now offers evening and half-day programs that are presented at parishes and other church facilities.

For more information about Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends, call 909-332-7309 or go to wwme.org.