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The wedding of Miss Augusta Marquardt and Herman Evers at St. Paul German Lutheran Church, 28th & Parker streets, was abruptly terminated at 5:30 p.m. by the unwelcome arrival of the tornado. The bride and groom attempted to exchange vows but could not hear above the roaring wind. As timbers began to fall on the congregation, Reverend E. T. Otto moved everyone to the church basement.

The church above was completely destroyed as Reverend Otto and his flock huddled in the crowded basement. Rescue workers freed them after a few tense moments. The wreckage of the church and parsonage was scattered over a half-mile. Church records were found a block away.