Cordato- Manucoe Wedding 1916

UNIQUE WEDDING
Cordato – Manucoe
(from Northern Star – Lismore NSW, Saturday 29 July 1916)
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A wedding of an unusual character, writes our casino correspondent, was solemnised at St. Marks Anglican Church on Wednesday.
The bride and groom were both of Greek nationality, and the Greek ceremony was performed. The contracting parties were Anthony Cordato, of Dubbo, brother of Mr. Simon Cordato, of Casino, and Anthee Manucoe of Kyogle, whose parents reside in Greece.
The ceremony was the first of its kind ever performed in Casino, and its novelty attracted a large attendance of people to the church. Father Marinakis, the only Greek priest in the State, came all the way from Sydney to officiate, and he was assisted by Mr. J. Black of Brisbane.
The bride was given away by her two brothers, Mr. Theo and Mr. Peter Manucoe, and the bridesmaids were Miss Stella Garland, of Maryborough, Queensland, and Miss Kathleen Cordato of Casino and the best man was Mr. Jake Aroney of Murwillumbah.
There was a large number of friends and relatives, who came from Sydney, Armidale, Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Maryborough, Ipswich, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Lismore, Grafton and Casino.
The breakfast was served at Mr. Cordato’s restaurant and about 60 sat down. The priest took the chair. And the usual toasts were proposed and acknowledged. The National Anthems of Great Britain, Greece and France were sung. At the conclusion of the breakfast dancing was indulged in until early morning.
The happy couple left by the morning train for Byron bay, where they will stay for a few days, and will leave for Dubbo via Brisbane.
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Authors Notes
This report of the Cordato-Minucoe wedding is an important historical, social and cultural document that underpins Greek migration and settlement in Australia. This places Greeks in time and place, their social interaction and the practise of cultural traditions. Not to be over looked, the relationship of the Greek Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church that has continued to provide a venue for ceremonies until Greek Orthodox Churches were established.
Last but not least, the interest of the press to record the event and the National Library of Australia to preserve and provide a snap shot of time past for future generations.

Researched and written
Peter C. McCarthy (Makarthis)
Inverell NSW
©S. Peter & Co. 7 October 2013