Metamora pastor, wife celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

(METAMORA, Ind.) – A well-known Franklin County couple is celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary this weekend!

Wayne and Mary Ison got married in 1966 and have led Metamora Church of God for decades. 

Wayne recalls feeling broken when he was 27-years-old and that is when God called him into ministry. He and Mary have now been in ministry for the past half-century.

We asked Mary how she would describe Wayne as a pastor and husband. 

“He is a true pastor and it doesn’t make any difference who is in need or what they got, he takes care of them,” Mary said. 

His dedication to serving the community has been on full display this week as Metamora Church of God opened its doors as a shelter for local flood victims. 

We asked Wayne how he would describe his wife. 

“I don’t know how life would have been without her. She is certainly a virtuous woman and if it wasn’t for her excellence and faithfulness, none of this would have happened,” Wayne shared. 

Wayne and Mary have been blessed with 5 children, 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. 

The couple credits God for the blessings they’ve received and admit that marriage isn’t always easy. 

“He’s helped us through many a valley and many stormy seasons. There’s been a lots of ups and downs, mostly because of me, but she has stuck with me through thick and thin,” Wayne said. 

After Wayne said that, Mary referenced Genesis 2:18 which states, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Mary said, “God called me to be a helpmate. So, we work this ministry together.” 

On Saturday, they were joined by many relatives and friends, some that drove from as far away as Florida, for their 60th anniversary party.

“To have our family set this all up and the decorations, and then to see all these beautiful people come here for this party, is what makes this day extra special,” Wayne added.

You can visit Metamora Church of God which is located at 20146 U.S. 52 in Laurel.