Christian Services founders celebrate 50th wedding anniversary | News

HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM)- The founders of one of the largest private Christian ministries in South Mississippi are celebrating a special occasion this week...their 50th wedding anniversary. Bill and Cookie Prout, who began Christian Services, Inc. 26 years ago, were married Sept. 9, 1962 in Laurel.

Saturday, surrounded by their friends and family, they were treated to an afternoon in their honor at Hattiesburg's Cultural Center.

Christian Services began serving about two dozen hot meals a day to the needy in 1986.  Currently, they can serve up to 500 meals each day.

"(Today) is more about the people who work with us and help support the ministry, in volunteering or in a monetary way," said Bill Prout.

"They're all a part of our family," said Cookie Prout. "So, 50 years is a family event and our family, long ago, became more than just my four and no more," she said.

Sunday, the Prouts are leaving on a second honeymood cruise to the Carribbean.

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