Published: December 21, 2007 02:07 pm      

Dayhoffs celebrate anniversary

June 1, 2007, marked the 50th wedding anniversary for the Rev. and Mrs. David F. Dayhoff. David and Janet (Plunkert) were married in 1957 at the Trinity Church of the Nazarene in their hometown of Hanover, Pa. After honeymooning in New York City, they settled into married life, while David pursued his studies toward ministry at Messiah College in Pennsylvania. They relocated to Cumberland in 1962 to fill the pastorate at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, Valley Road, and have made this area their home for the past 45 years.

The couple has three sons. Davis and his wife Wilma (Delawder) Dayhoff of LaVale, have a daughter, Tasha, who lives in Tennessee and a son and daughter-in-law, David and Rebekah, who are currently residing and attending seminary in Kansas City. Marcus and his wife Leticia (Arredondo) live in Anaheim, Calif., with their two children, Ryan and Amanda. Jairus and his wife, Laura (Bowen) reside in Jackson, Tenn.

The children honored their parents with an anniversary celebration, held at Bethel Church of the Nazarene on June 16, 2007. A large number of family and friends from nearby and across the country were in attendance. The couple renewed their vows in a ceremony conducted by grandson, the Rev. David C. Dayhoff and son, Jairus Dayhoff.

Special music was presented by pianist, Judy Lowery, with additional vocal selections by daughter-in-law, Wilma Dayhoff, son, Marcus Dayhoff and granddaughter, Amanda Dayhoff. A slideshow presentation was given by son, Davis Dayhoff, honoring the couple’s enduring love for each other and their family, as well as their dedication to their ministry at the church.

This was followed by a rendition of “Precious Memories,” sung by all the children and grandchildren. A special congratulations and closing prayer was given by Dr. Kenneth Mills, superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene for the Mid-Atlantic District. A reception followed in the church’s Family Center, with a banquet and a beautiful wedding anniversary cake.

The couple was honored a second time this year, by the congregation of Bethel Church of the Nazarene. This celebration and reception, held on Sept. 30, 2007, marked the 45th anniversary of Rev. Dayhoff’s pastorate at the church. The couple received numerous gifts, awards and expressions of appreciation for their many years of faithful service to the church and community.

As pastor, Rev. Dayhoff has led the church through three significant building and expansion programs, resulting in new and enhanced ministry facilities, including a large 700–seat sanctuary and a Family Center. People of the church cited the couple’s unwavering commitment to God’s calling, their compassion for others and their example of Christian love as a few of their most notable qualities.