Native Americans Strong Bear and Warrior Woman, of the Natick Praying Indians tribe, were married in a joyous and historic ceremony at the Eliot Church in South Natick. The church stands on the ground where Praying Indians first worshipped after the missionary John Eliot converted them to Christianity in the 17th century. Members of the tiny tribe have been allowed to worship at the church since 2012, and this was the first Praying Indians wedding there in over 300 years. The couple's given names are Shawn Silva and Lisa Carlson.
trongMedicine Bear peeks into the Eliot Church in Natick to see fellow Natick Praying Indians and other guests attending his wedding Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015.
Natick Praying Indians Strong Medicine Bear and Woman Warrior raise their arms as they enter the Eliot Church in South Natick for their wedding ceremony, Sept. 26, 2015.
Strong Bear and Warrior Woman dance and hold hands in front of fellow members of the Natick Praying Indians and other guests, as they enter the Eliot Church in South Natick for their wedding ceremony Saturday. The wedding was the first Praying Indian wedding at the church, which stands on the ground where Praying Indians worshipped after Puritan missionary John Eliot brought them to settle in Natick in 1651, in over 300 years.
Chief Caring Hands, leader of the Natick Praying Indians, center, presides over the wedding of Strong Bear and Warrior Woman Saturday at the Eliot Church in South Natick Saturday. Chief Caring Hands' given name is Rosita Hovey. (9/26/15)
Newly married as husband and wife on the same ground their ancestors worshipped in the 17th century, Strong Bear and Warrior Woman, of the Natick Praying Indians, celebrate as they leave the Eliot Church in South Natick, March 26, 2015.
Natick Praying Indian Strong Bear, top, dances with his new bride, Warrior Woman, as they make their way out of the Eliot Church in South Natick following their wedding ceremony, Oct. 26, 2015.