World's Matrimonial Institute Theophilus CAROLUS

[Jaznjjj]

It all adds to the big picture and the use of matrimonial agencies more widespread than I would have imagined.  So, there were "normal" procedure using churches, then the matrimonial agencies and registry offices.  Have to look at the relative costs of each option and consider what the reasons were for couples making particular choices. 

It also occurs to me that it was a good option for ministers of religion to receive payment from the matrimonial agencies, rather than get nothing at all.  I wonder how it was entered in the  bookkeeping of the respective churches? 

By the way, have located a 15 page brochure or booklet at the State Library NSW issued by World's Matrimonial Institute - have to find a day when I can get in there to have a look.  J

[Kathleen4350]

Thank you for that.  It's good that you have found an example.  Even with such a small sample it seems that civil marriages were a minority.  You have to wonder what the circumstances were.   

I have gathered quite a file on Theophilus Carolus.  J

Thank you for sharing you information about Theophilis Carolus.  I too have him on a marriage certificate with Edith Carolus as witnesses.  George Lewis as minister. Religion Congregational Mission Church. This was in 1898.  Your information answers my question about their relationship to the married couple.  Although it now raises questions as to why they chose to be married that way.

[Jaznjjj]

I too have had to consider the reasons a couple might choose to use a matrimonial agency rather than a conventional church.  I can think that it could be the expense, wanting not to have banns read, not having to prove you are of legal age or otherwise free to marry, in some ways like an elopement if there was family pressure NOT to marry.  You can probably think of other scenarios. 
1898 is the same year as the marriage of my ancestors - he an older man, she possibly as young as 16 and pregnant with second child.  Thank you too for sharing.  J

[Kathleen4350]

"if there was family pressure NOT to marry. "

The above reason could possibly be true.  The bride was 25, gentlewoman daughter of a man of independent means.  The groom was 22 and a labourer living far from where his family lived.

I have been reading the exploits of Theophilus Carolus in Trove.  It is a wonder he found time to earn a living with all the time he spent in court.  Edith had a fair share of time in the witness box too.

[Jaznjjj]

Yes, sounds like a possibility given their respective ages and social situation 

[maxinelee]

I have just come across this post when I Googled 471 Pitt Street Sydney to see where my grandparents got married. The witnesses on their marriage certificate are Theophilus Carolus and Edith Carolus. They were married on 25th September 1902 at 471 Pitt Street, Sydney "According to the rites of the New Unitarian Church".  They were both of age and neither were divorced according to the marriage certificate, however they were cousins so probably pressure from the family NOT to marry. Their first child was born in Dubbo in 1902 (not sure of the exact date) so could have been before or after the marriage but their second child was born in Paddington NSW in October 1903. Thought you might find this interesting.

[Jaznjjj]

Hi Maxine, It has been my opinion that the Matrimonial Agency served to facilitate marriages of those couples for whom there were factors which made marriage difficult otherwise.   I have recently visited the Mitchell Library where I viewed and I copied the pamphlet put out by World's Matrimonial Assoc.  There's nothing specific to my family or anyone else's, but it gives some context.  I have also gathered information about Theophilus Carolus and I am happy to share if you care to PM me.    J

[majm]

Hi J,

I will send you a PM with email address, may I please have a copy of that document, as my retired NSW BDM rellie is 'fascinated' ... (I am too ).

JM

[Jaznjjj]

Delighted to be able to share!