LOUISVILLE — The Rev. Rual T. Perkins and Mary Frances Brown proved on New Year's Day that it's never too late for a fresh start.

        The Rev. Mr. Perkins, 86, and Ms. Brown, 85, married Monday in a simple, traditional ceremony at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, where the Rev. Mr. Perkins was once the minister.

Mary Frances Brown, 85-year-old bride, kisses her grandson Trevor Brown as she sits with the groom, the Rev. Rual Perkins, 86. (Associated Press photo) | ZOOM |

        “He just dotes on her, gives her everything she wants even before she knows she wants it,” said Phoebe Brown, who is married to one of Ms. Brown's six children.

        The couple met less than a year ago at Belmont Manor, an assisted-living home near the Mall St. Matthews.

        A former school librarian and a widow since 1991, Ms. Brown was living at the home and recovering from hip surgery when the Rev. Mr. Perkins and his wife moved in last February. The Rev. Mr. Perkins' wife died seven days later.

        The robust former World War II chaplain who was wounded while serving in the South Pacific got permission to plant a garden at the home.

        By early spring, the Rev. Mr. Perkins and Ms. Brown were friends, and he began driving her to historic sites, such as Abraham Lincoln's birthplace in Hodgenville and the courthouse in Green County.

        Neither of the newlyweds can remember if there was actually a proposal, but they're pretty certain they won't be racing off to a honeymoon.

        “We'll be right here,” the Rev. Mr. Perkins said. “The thing is, we've committed to serve and help each other and we're happy.”

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