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OCT 2 8 1979
RIGHT REVEREND LOUIS J. O LEARY
-
Bishop of Charlottetown, who kindly consented to be Patron of the
Committee in charge of the celebration at Scotchfort,
July 19th, 1922.
MEMORIAL VOLUME
1772 1922
THE ARRIVAL
OF THE
FIRST SCOTTISH CATHOLIC
EMIGRANTS
IN
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
AND AFTER
The Journal Publish* f-y Co., Ltd,
Summers ide, P, E. Inland.
SCARBOROUGH
COLLEGE
LIBRARY
FOREWORD
The erection of a monument at Scotch/ ort to commem
orate the arrival of the first Scottish Catholic immigrants
in Prince Edward Island, is an event that deserves more
than passing notice. So closely is it connected icith the best
traditions of Catholicity in this Country, that it deserves to
be enshrined in the memory of all, who are impressed ivith
the influence the Catholic Church has exercised in moulding
the destinies of the Province.
For this reason the Committee in charge of the matter
deemed it advisable to publisJi a "Memorial Volume" con
taining an account of the entire proceedings, and at the same
time setting forth the aims and aspirations, crystallized in
the Scottish Catholic reunion of July 19th. 1922.
The volume thus presented to the public contains in de
tail the story of the first Scottish Catholic emigrants. It
recounts the trying circumstances that forced them to leave
their native land, and come to seek homes in Prince Edicard
Island. It describes the conditions iliey met on their arrival
and the subsequent trials and difficulties they ice re forced to
undergo. The brightest page in the volume tells of the hero
ism and devotedness of the early Missionaries, irho ivith the
constancy of Martyrs stood at their post of duty, and labored
to preserve the Faith amid incredible privations.
While the monument standing at Scotchfort will speak
to the passerlyy of things wrought fjr God and Country, this
little volume uill bear the same story of devoted ne.-s t/irbuyh-
out wider areas and to larger numbers. This is the object
of the "Memorial Volume" this the v:ish of
Th<> Committee.
Charlottztown,
July Wth, 1-9,"?.
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS
IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
CHAPTER I
Few events in the history of civilized nations compare
in interest and pathos, with the attempt made in the middle
of the eighteenth century by Prince Charles Edward Stuart,
to recover the throne of his ancestors.
From his landing in Scotland on July 23rd 1745, till his
final escape into France, his pathway lay through so many
vicissitudes of success and failure, of hope and despondency,
that the story of those few months seem to belong to the
realm of romance, rather than to that of true history.
One trait however, stands forth clearly from the back
ground of doubt and obscurity, and shines like a thread of
gold throughout it all, and that is, the unswerving attach
ment and loyalty of the Catholic Highlanders to the person
of the unfortunate Prince. With only, little regard for con
sequences, they flocked to his standard, on the memorable
day when its waving folds blessed by Bishop McDonald
were flung out on the breeze at Glenfinnan. They pledged
their wealth, their homes, their lives, to his cause. They
were ready to go with him, to fight for him, aye and die
for him with a tenacity of purpose, that seemed begotten
not of calm reason but of thoughtless infatuation. And
dearly did they pay, for their devotedness. Terrible indeed,
was the retribution that followed their espousal of the
Stuart cause and for years they were forced to pay the pen
alty amid incalculable trials and sufferings.
It is true that the Penal Laws had been in force in
Scotland, for years prior to the coming of Prince Charlie;
but, with the lapse of time, they had lost much of their
earlier severity, and it often happened, that officials well
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
disposed towards their Catholic countrymen, would allow
the latter, intervals of comparative peace. But after Culiod-
en s fatal day when the Stuart cause was ruined forever,
the authorities laid deeper plans to harass the poor High
landers, so that henceforth their existence became a verit
able Egyptian bondage. Any leniency hitherto exercised in
the administration of the Laws was no longer tolerated.
New statutes, surpassing ail former ones in ferocity, were
enacted, and orders went forth enjoining stricter vigilance
in dealing with the Catholic people. Nothing was left un
done to make their lives miserable, and it would seem that
the policy of the day was nothing less than a plan well
thought out, to glut the vengeance of the House of Hanover.
According to a modern writer: "more than a thousand per
sons were transported from the Country, the Highland
Clans were decimated and dispersed, the Catholic Chapels
destroyed, the Seminary at Scalan plundered and burned,
Missals and Vestments publicly committed to the flames,
and Priests and people persecuted with merciless rigor. The
vigilance of the authorities was directed in a special manner
against the Bishop of the Highland District, Right Reverend
Hugh McDonald, who was forced to flee the Country and
spend some time in retirement in France." (Geddes)
Another circumstance, that added to the difficulties of
the times was the conduct of the Landlords, upon whose
estates the Catholic people were settled. These landed
gentry, taking their cue from the Government of the day,
treated their tenants with heartless severity, and pursued
in their regard a policy of petty persecution, scarcely less
trying than the iniquitous laws of the Country. Howsoever
matters stood with the poor tenant, his rent must be paid on
demand. Whether his crop yielded well or was a failure,
whether his circumstances were good or bad, the collector
never failed to come to his door insisting upon the "pound
of flesh," and threatening seizure or eviction for the luck
less one, who found himself unable to meet his obligations.
Oft-times failure to pay the rent was hailed with undisguis
ed pleasure by the haughty proprietor, who pretended to
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
find therein some shadow of excuse for proceeding to ex
treme measures. Occasionally these evictions were carried
out on a general scale, and for no other reason than that
the Landlord would be able to unite a number of small hold
ings in a park, which he could stock with game for the
amusement of himself and his friends during the hunting
season.
One of the most heartless and bigoted of these landed
proprietors was Alexander McDonald of Boisdale, in the
Western Islands. Originally a Catholic, he gradually fell
away from the Faith, mainly through the influence of his
wife, who was a Protestant, and not content with his own
cowardly perversion, he strove by all means in his power to
drag his tenantry with him, as if by abandoning their re
ligion they would furnish him a quasi-justif action of his
own miserable weakness in that regard. It is said of him
that on a certain Sunday, he posted himself at the junction
of two roads and brandishing a stout cane tried to keep the
people from the Catholic Church and force them to his own
place of worship, a circumstance which gave rise to the
epithet "Credimh a bhata bhui,"t which they contemptuous
ly applied to his particular style of evangelism. Meeting
nothing but failure in his attempts to pervert the older
people, he turned his attention to the children in the hope
that he might here realize a larger measure of success. He
established schools in his neighborhood, where instruction
would be gratuitously furnished, and exhorted the parents
to profit by the advantages thus supplied by his generosity.
Soon however, it was discovered that the Faith of the little
ones was being tampered with by ultra zealous Protestant
teachers, who found many occasions to inculcate doctrines
and opinions contrary to the spirit of the Catholic Church,
and, should this state of affairs continue, the plastic minds
of the children would be gradually turned away from the
Faith of their Fathers. The parents therefore, apprised of
this cowardly attempt at perversion at once removed their
children from the schools, and would not permit them to
t "Religion of the yellow staff."
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
return. The Laird thus thwarted in his designs, was more
than ever enraged with his tenants and more than ever
determined that they should of necessity come over to his
way of thinking. He served notice on them to attend a meet
ing on a certain day, and exhorted all to be present as he
had matters of great importance to announce to them. They
accordingly assembled on the appointed day, and of the
interested persons not one was absent. They came, all the
more eagerly, that it had begun to be rumored about, that
Boisdale having grown weary of his work of persecution,
was now convinced of the futility of severity in treating
with a people unswerving in their loyalty to religion; and
that now he was gradually coming around to gentler
methods of dealing with his tenants. Imagine their sur
prise and chagrin, when the Landlord, having addressed
them in his usual overbearing manner, produced a document
written in their native Gaelic, containing practically a re
nunciation of their faith, and a promise that they would
hold no further intercourse with priests of the Church, and
this document he asked them to sign under pain of being
driven from their lands and deprived of their homes. With
the spirit of the early Christians every man refused to sign,
and this unanimous decision was not the result of long de
liberation, but a spontaneous outburst of refusal, showing a
determination that could never be broken. The alternative
of being deprived of their homes seemed to those devot
ed people but a paltry affair compared to the priceless boon
of Faith, which they were called upon to sacrifice.
From the date of this meeting they began to talk of
emigration. Matters had now reached a crisis, and it was
plain that the passive resistance of former years was no
longer sufficient to save the situation. The older people, it is
true, did not fear for themselves. They possessed the firm
conviction that, by the grace of God, they would persevere
and triumph over the pretensions of an inquitous master, but
how would it fare with their children ? Would they in turn
be able to cope with the stress and tyranny of a system
that grew more effective as it increased in cunning, until
it might well be called expert in its methods of perversion?
8
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Would these young and innocent souls persevere am id such
trying circumstances, or would they perhaps weaken in the
struggle, and sell their birth-right for a "mess of pottage?"
So the cry became more and yet more insistent: Let us go
out from here! Let us go to a land beyond the seas, where
the Upas tree of Landlordism has never taken root, where
the sun shines upon a people free as the air they breathe,
and where our children and our children s children may live
in peace and security and adore God according to the dic
tates of their conscience. Thus they talked the matter over
among themselves. Wherever they came together it was
the main subject of conversation. Particularly at their
Ceillidhs in the long winter evenings, when neighbors met
for a heart to heart talk, the question of emigration was
sure to come up, and not infrequently some strolling seann-
achie, his soul fired by the consciousness of present wrongs,
would rehearse the trying circumstances which they patient
ly endured, while the free land of America was calling to
them, aye imploring them to come across the seas and share
in the peace and prosperity of the New World. In this way
emigration became their one dominant idea, until they seem
ed to have no other purpose in life, but to go out from
their native land and seek homes in America.
But many and great were the difficulties in the way. To
bid adieu to the land of their birth, to sever ties that seem
ed as it were a part of their very lives, to abandon homes
wherein they had spent so many years, and in which they
had hoped to close their earthly career, these were in
deed formidable barriers in their way; yet they seemed
comparatively small compared to the difficulty of devising
ways and means of defraying the expenses of such a jour
ney. Some of the people possessed a little means, and for
these the undertaking was feasible, but a great majority
were comparatively poor and to these it seemed an utter im
possibility. The rent roll of years had eaten up the re
sults of their labors, and they had merely eked out a bare
subsistence for themselves and their familities, so that
nothing was put by for the proverbial rainy day ; and hence,
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
when the rainy day came in the form of emigration, the
poor tenant had nothing to meet the extraordinary expen
diture thus entailed. For him it seemed that he must con
tinue to endure his wrongs in patience, and await a brighter
lay, when in God s own good time he would find a relief.
But fortunately there was a man on the spot who was
able to dominate the situation and procure the funds re
quired by the poorer people. Captain John MacDonald,
Laird of the Glens, took up their cause and by enlisting the
kindly sympathy of other powerful personages, he succeed
ed in collecting sufficient money to defray the expenses of
the voyage. He placed himself in communication with
Bishop Hay, Vicar-Apostolic of the Lowland District, and
with Bishop Challoner of London, through whose influence
subscriptions were taken up, and a goodly sum raised to
meet the needs of the emigrants. Captain John himself
mortgaged his vast Estates in Scotland to enable him to
purchase land in Prince Edward Island, whereon the emi
grants would settle on their arrival in the new Colony.
This purchase was effected in the year 1771, and forthwith
he despatched laborers ahead to make the necessary pre
parations for the arrival of the emigrants, who, he hoped,
would be ready to leave Scotland early in the following year.
In the month of March, 1772, he chartered a vessel called
the "Alexander" in Greenock. Thence she went North to
Uist Island, and early in the month of May she set sail for
Prince Edward Island with two hundred and ten emigrants,
of whom one hundred were from Uist Island, and the re
mainder from the mainland. Of these by far the largest
group was composed of MacDonalds, but there were also a
goodly number of MacEacherns, MacKenzies, McPhees,
Campbells, Beatons, Gillises, MacRaes, Macintoshes, Mac
Kinnons and probably others, whose names escape the writer
at this time.
10
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
This first immigration of Catholic Highlanders to Prince
Edward Island was well organized in every respect. Pre
parations for the same had been carried on for a long time,
and by vase and prudent oversight everything that would be
needed on the Ocean voyage had been provided, and also
much that would be required by the immigrants, particularly
during their first year in the new Colony. All, without ex
ception, did everything that lay in their power to help the
matter along, and the success that crowned their efforts
was due under God to the united action of men bound by a
single purpose, and determined that by no fault of theirs
would that purpose come to naught. There were three men,
however, whose names stand forth more prominently, and
who for the part they played in connection with the move
ment deserve more than a passing notice. They were Rev
erend Father James MacDonald, Captain John MacDonald
and Doctor Roderick MacDonald.
Father James MacDonald, the central figure on board
the "Alexander", was a cousin of Captain John MacDonald,
and was thirty-six years of age at the time of the immigra
tion. He made his earlier studies in Scotland, and in his
eighteenth year was sent to the Scots College in Rome,
where he remained eleven years. In 1765 he was rais
ed to the Priesthood and returned to his native land, where
he at once took up the work of the Ministry, and continued
the same for about seven years, having his headquarters at
Drummond in the Highlands.
At the time when Boisdale s afflicted tenants were
prayerfully trying to make up their minds to go out to
America, one of the obstacles that stood in the way of their
prompt decision and kept the project in abeyance for a con-
11
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
siderable time was the fact, that there was no Priest re
siding in Prince Edward Island, and should they come hither
they would be necessarily cut off from many of the practices
of their religion, as were the few Catholics then residing in
the Colony. To be obliged to share in this spiritual abandon
ment was not a pleasant prospect for the intending im
migrants, and hence they hesitated long before taking the
final step. When their cruel landlord had insisted that, they
should hold no further intercourse with the Priests of the
Church, they rejected with disdain his heartless proposal,
and declared themselves ready to endure every kind of hard
ship rather than consent to a measure, that aimed at noth
ing less than the absolute ruin of their Faith. Now how
ever, they are face to face with a proposition of equal
danger, because it meant going out to a land where inter
course with Priests was impossible, and where in reality
their last state would be worse than the first.
For, be it remembered that despite the difficulties they
experienced in Scotland, they were never deprived entir
ely of the consoling ministry of the Priesthood. In the
darkest days of persecution in Scotland the Priests never
abandoned their flocks, but secretly went from place to
place bringing succor where it was most needed, and buoy
ing up their afflicted people by the consolations, that the
true Catholic ever finds in his holy religion. Hiding from
the public eye throughout the day, and going forth only
under cover of night, saying Mass in remote recesses that
must have recalled the traditions of the Catacombs, leading
lives ever shadowed by the possibility of violence, or perhaps
of death, in this way did the Catholic Clergy in the High
land Districts preserve the Faith amongst their people. As
a modern writer tersely puts it: "While John Knox thund
ered his heresy from the window of his house upon Edin
burgh s High Street, and listening crowds of fanatics ap
plauded him to the echo; away beyond Arthur s Seat, far
up in the recesses of the Trossachs, outside the cities and
in the deep glens of the Highlands, the Catholic priests
were stealing along, in fear and trembling, to pay their vis-
12
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
its to the sick, to hear the confessions of the faithful moun
taineers, or to chant the Mass for the tartained "children of
the Mist."
Ah! it is a grand, an inspiring, a noble history that
of the Catholic Faith in Scotland ! With the tenacity of
the Celt did they cling to their Cross, and with the endur
ance of Highland strength did they resist the persecutions to
which they were subjected. The mad fury of the Covenant
ers, the frantic bigotry of Claverhouse and the "Lords of
Convention," the wild and maniac ravings of a host of Hab-
akkuk Mucklewraiths, the fire and the stake, all were vain
efforts to quench the flames of Catholicity, that burned in
the hearts of that gallant race."
But even this precarious ministry was not to be found
in Prince Edward Island, and little wonder therefore, that
the prospective immigrants hesitated long before com
mitting themselves to a course of action that might spell
spiritual ruin for themselves and their children. Better far,
thought they, to remain where we are, where Priests will
come to us from time to time and minister to our needs,
than go to a Country where priests are unknown, and where
we must live on, dear knows how long, without the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass, without the Sacraments, and without
the thousand and one Spiritual helps which Mother Church
so bountifully supplies to her faithful children.
These considerations took deep hold of the minds of
the people, and soon became so serious an obstacle to the
immigration, that it seemed for a time as if the entire
scheme would have to be abandoned.
Here it was, that Father James stepped in and saved
the situation. He decided to join the immigrants, and in
making known to them his decision he promised not merely
to go out with them to America, but that he would remain
with them, sharing in their hardships that they might have
the consolations of Religion in their homes beyond the seas.
13
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
This was most agreeable news for them all. It dispelled
their hesitation, removed all their doubts, and contributed
perhaps more than any other factor to their store of firm
determination, without which the undertaking could never
have succeeded.
It were well perhaps, to stop here and consider how
much this decision must have cost the man of God. He
did not act hurriedly and did not fail to give the matter
due deliberation. He considered well the hardships he
must necessarily encounter, and yet they deterred him not.
That he must live in separation from brother Priests did
not stay the ardor of his charity; the sad prospect that
death itself might find him alone, with no one near to ad
minister to him the last rites of Holy Church did not dis
hearten or discourage him ; these considerations, depressing
as they must have been, instead of holding him back only
served to fire his martyr-like enthusiasm, and he leaned
with confidence on the arm of Divine Providence; knowing
full well, that whatever may be the ways of men, God is
never outdone in generosity. Accordingly he boarded the
"Alexander" with the other immigrants, and was their com
fort and joy on the voyage across the Ocean.
Another prominent passenger aboard the "Alexander"
was Doctor Roderick MacDonald, who accompanied the im
migrants in the capacity of medical officer. He too, was a
near relative of Captain MacDonald, and rendered the latter
valuable assistance in organizing the immigration. Like
the others he was a Highlander, and had made his medical
studies in Edinburgh, where he graduated in medicine at a
comparatively early age. He then returned to the High
lands and took up the practice of his profession among his
kindred, and when they decided to go to Prince Edward
Island he made up his mind to accompany them and con
tinue his ministrations to them in the new Colony.
Captain John MacDonald did not sail with the immi
grants, although he did more than any of them to promote
the movement. He was proprietor of two large Estates in
14
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARB ISLAND
Scotland, that of Glenaladale and that of Glenfinnan, whence
came the name by which he was familiarly known "Fer an
Ghlinne or Laird of the Glens, and being an officer of high
standing in the Army he enjoyed considerable prestige in
the community. He was moreover a man of excellent
education having spent some years at Ratisbon in Germany,
where he made a complete course of studies. At the time
of the Stuart rising he was a mere boy, too young to under
stand the meaning of the stirring events transpiring round
about him; but his father deeply sympathized with the
Prince, whom he regarded as his lawful Sovereign, and
consequently followed him throughout the entire campaign,
from the raising of his Standard at Glenfinnan till it drop
ped forever on Culloden s fatal field. Captain John, grown
to men s estate, succeeded his father at Glenaladale and
Glenfinnan, and for the time, freed from the clash of arms,
he enjoyed the comfortable life of a country gentleman.
But though living in comfort himself, he was not indiffer
ent to the circumstances of his countrymen; and as was
natural to a man of his character and education he sym
pathized with them in their troubles, and hence when they
began to talk of emigration he took up their views and threw
himself heart and soul into the movement. By his position
he naturally became its leader, and henceforth the arrange
ments and the general work of preparation lay practically
in his hands. When all arrangements had been completed
and the "Alexander" was ready to set sail Captain MacDon-
ald was detained in Scotland by business of importance,
and did not come to America till the following year.
15
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
III
The voyage of the "Alexander" across the ocean was
comparatively uneventful. The weather was fine, no ser
ious storm was experience!, and the good ship made her
way slowly it is true but comfortably towards her destin
ation. There were no mishaps of consequence to be record
ed, no sickness to cause alarm, and only one death occurred,
that of a little child whose frail form was committed to the
deep in the presence of its bereaved mother. Doctor
MacDonald was busy among the passengers, and thanks to
his skill and devotedness, the usual epidemics experienced
on immigrant ships were happily avoided.
Father James, too, helped by his presence to keep or
der amongst the passengers, and though the ship was great
ly crowded good cheer constantly prevailed, and a spirit of
kindly fellowship went a long way towards beguiling the
tedium of the voyage. After six weeks on the water, and
well up towards the end of June, one clear morning some
thing like a blue cloud, lying low on the horizon was des
cried from the deck of the vessel, and soon the inimitable
coast line of far famed Abegwit sprang forth from the haze
that enveloped it, as if eager to meet them half way. There
were some who gazed on it in absolute silence, rendered
mute by the depth of their feelings, whilst others, their
eyes streaming with tears, thanked God, whose guiding
hand had led them safely through the dangers of the ocean
voyage. There lying in full view was the land of their
adoption, henceforth the scene of all their hopes and aspir
ations. There it lay with its primeval forest stretching
down to the waters edge, mingling the green of the spruce
with the red of the native clay in pictures formed by the
glorious sunlight in the limpid waters of the surrounding
sea.
16
THE SCOTTISH EMIGRANT S FAREWELL
Fareweel, fareweel my native hame,
Thy lonely glens and heath-clad mountains,
Fareweel thy .^.elds of storied fame,
Thy leafy shows and sparkling fountains;
No more I ll climb the Pentland s steep,
Nor wander by the Esk s clear river,
I seek a home far o er the deep
My native land, Fareweel forever.
Thou land wi love and freedom crown d,
In ilk wee cot and lordly dwelling
May manly hearted youth be found,
And maids in every grace excelling;
The land where Bruce and Wallace wight,
For freedom fought in days of danger,
Ne er crouched to proud usurper s might
But foremost stood, wrong s stern avenger.
Tho far from thee, my native shore
And toss d on life s tempestuous ocean
My heart, aye Scottish to the core,
Shall cling to thee with warm devotion,
And while the waving heather grows,
And onward rolls the winding river,
The toast be "Scotlands broomy Knowes
Her mountains, rocks, and glens forever."
Hume.
(You Have Gone From Us Forever)
A Hebridean Farewell
Where wide Atlantic s long reverberant wave,
Breaking among the slumbrous Hebrides,
By many a low green wave,
Though Love shall cling to many a haunted shore
While ye go faring o er the darkening seas,
Ye shall return no more.
Yet, whether the deserts stretch around,
Or through dull cities, go your wandering 1
How shall that sleepless sound
Which filled ycur nights and days since ye were t
Upon the door of dreams through darkness beat,
And wake your hearts forlorn!
Or in the shadows of life s passing days,
Or when the stars are dim with weeping ram,
Once more the misty bays
Shall rise to your remembrance, wide J
You ll see the peat-smoke windward drift
And hear the grey seas moan.
Westward the breezes bear you from our sight,
Beyond the dark horizons sinking slow,
Far past the verge of Night;
low,
We shall remember you.
Watt
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWAED ISLAND
Tradition long cherished by the people tells a wonder
ful story of his last hour. He was apparently dying, the
sweat of death stood out in large beads on his forehead,
his breathing was slow and labored, his voice had complet
ely failed and he lay unconscious slowly descending the
dark valley. The few watchers kept close to his bed, and
watched in prayerful pity his wan features rendered visible
by the light of a candle that flickered near his head.
Suddenly his face seemed to brighten up with the look
of other years; he opened his eyes and turned upon his
friends a glance of recognition ; for an instant there seemed
to hover on his lips a suspicion of a smile ; he raised himself
up on his elbow and in a voice so clear and strong that it
enkindled new hopes in the hearts of those who knelt near,
he exclaimed: "Preserve ye the Faith," and as the echoes
of his words dissolved into silence he sank back on his
pillow dead.
It would be impossible to picture a sadder scene than
the burial of Father James. The stalwart men of Scotch-
fort bore his body to the old French Cemetery, where it
was laid to rest amid reverential silence, broken only by
the sighs and sobs of the grief stricken people. But no
Priest was there to chant the Requiem, no official represent
ative of Mother Church to unfold the splendor of her ritual,
and when the grave had been filled up, as dust had returned
to its kindred dust, the people crushed down by a feeling
of utter helplessness, fell on their knees around the grave
that held forever the remains of him who so long had been
"their guide, their counsellor and friend." When all was
over and they arose to go away, a horrible sense of lone
liness came upon them, as if life were shorn of all ambition ;
and nothing now remained that was worth while. An
aching void was at every heart and a feeling of utter de
solation, such as they had not experienced since that sorrow
ful day when afloat on the waters of the Ocean, they saw
the blue lines of their native land fade from their gaze
forever.
33
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
But alas for human affection and human gratitude!
How weak and frail they are. How slender is the thread they
weave into the tissue of our daily lives. Father James lying
in the grave was soon forgotten. The generation that had
known him passed away, another took its place, the cares
and preoccupations that appeal to worldly minds usurped
the place in their memories, that belonged by right to him.
Even his lonely grave ceased to be a place of interest, ard
in course of time so passed out of memory that no one now
can point out with certainty the spot where he lies at rest.
Had he sought only for the applause of men, in all pro
bability they would not have so completely forgotten him,
had he labored for the world, perhaps he would today fill a
niche in its temple of fame. But he was moved by higher
and holier motives, he sought to "lay up treasures in Heav
en, where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and
thieves do not break through and steal," and being at rest
with God, he may well forego the fickle praises of men.
But in these latter days a great change has taken place
in this respect. The name of Father James has come forth
from the oblivion of years, to take its rightful place in the
history of the Country. The descendants of the people,
amongst whom he lived, and for whose sake he sacrificed
all earthly things, are determined that he shall not be for
gotten, that his name shall not die, but that it shall sur
vive in the minds of men despite the vicissitudes of time
and change. For he was in very truth, a real Confessor of
the Faith in the opening years of our history, and we would
indeed be recreant to our duty did we not enshrine in
grateful memory the story of his heroism. It would seem
that God himself desires this recrudescence of sympathetic
appreciation, for, with the approbation of Holy Church, a
monument now stands at the central scene of his Priestly
activities, to carry down to future generations the glorious
memory of his life and labors. It stands, let us hope, for
all time to proclaim to the world that Prince Edward Island,
34
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
though peacefully won to the Faith, has had heroic men
who would dare all things for Jesus Christ: men, whose one
absorbing passion was to be of service to their fellowmen,
and men, who making choice of a self-inflicted, martyrdom
followed closely in the footsteps of Him, who choose the.
cross upon which to die for the salvation of the world.
35
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
VII
Mention has already been made of Doctor Roderick
MacDonald, who held a prominent place amongst the emi
grants of 1772. On his arrival in the Colony he took up a
tract of land at Scotchfort, and built on it a residence
which he continued to occupy till his death. His home,
long known by the name of "Doctor s Farm" and "Doctor s
House" was among the best country residences to be seen
anywhere in the Colony at that early date, and was the
scene of many meetings and reunions on the part of the
people, who always found the latch string hanging out in
true Highland hospitality. The Doctor himself spent much
of his time travelling from place to place, according as his
professional services were required by the people, and in
this particular he closely imitated the devotedness of his
illustrious relative Father James. It was on one of these
journeys he met his death. He was crossing the ice in the
springtime, near the Head of Tracadie Bay, and was going-
along apparently unaware of any danger, when suddenly
his horse broke through the ice and carried the driver with
him.
There was no one near to render assistance, and the
Doctor, unable to extricate himself from his perilous pos
ition, met his death in the waters of Tracadie Bay. His
body was soon recovered and was laid to rest in the French
cemetery at Scotchfort. His wife, two sons and four
daughters survived him. In a short time afterwards the
sons, grown to man s estate, decided to leave Scotchfort.
The uncertainty of land tenures had never proved satis
factory to the Doctor, and now that he was dead, they de-
36
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
cided to leave the Tracadie Estate and forthwith bought a
tract of land at Vernon River, whither they moved and
took up their home in the year 1801, and where their des
cendants still reside. These latter people are known as the
"Doctors" a name that comes down to them from their earl
iest progenitor in Prince Edward Island, Doctor Roderick
MacDonald.
Captain John MacDonald reserved to his own personal
use a block of five hundred acres of land on Lot 36, sit
uated at the extreme head of Tracadie Bay, and running
westward to the boundary line of Lot 35. Here he built
an elegant residence, wherein he lived in all the ease and
comfort of a landed proprietor. Being a man of energy and
education, he took a prominent part in every movement
that concerned the Colony, and in this way contributed not
a little to shape its destinies. He was always a staunch
Loyalist and never failed to give public expression to his
views in favor of British connection.
At the outbreak of the American war of Independ
ence, he, in conjunction with Major Small of Charlottetown,
organized a Company of soldiers, composed mainly of his
own countrymen, and rendered valuable service throughout
the entire war in defence of Prince Edward Island and
Nova Scotia. Indeed Captain John MacDonald saw little of
his own home during the war, as his military activities
kept him at various posts here and there, where his ser
vices might haply be required at short notice. In recog
nition of his services on this occasion the British Govern
ment offered him the position of Governor of Prince
Edward Island; but he was obliged to decline the honour,
because the oath of office under the Penal Laws was such
as to do violence to his Catholic principles, and when it was
suggested to him that the oath in question was only a
matter of form, his answer was that: "Neither his honour
nor his conscience would permit him to take such an oath,"
and he therefore never became Governor of the Colony.
Captain MacDonald was twice married. When a young
37
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
man in Scotland he married Miss Gordon of Wardhouse,
who died at an early age, together with her infant son the
only child of their marriage. Sorely tried by this bereave
ment, Captain MacDonald made up his mind not to re
marry, and chose his younger brother, Donald MacDonald,
to be his heir; but this brother, who was a Lieutenant in
the British Navy, lost his life in an engagement with the
French, and Captain John, finding his plans thus over
turned, decided to marry again, and selected for his second
wife, Margaret MacDonald of the Ghernish branch of the
Clan. She survived her husband for some years, and after
his death was known amongst the people as the Queen of
Tracadie.
Of this second marriage were born four sons, viz :
Donald, Roderick, William and John, and one daughter
Flora. Donald, the eldest succeeded his father as proprietor
of the Tracadie Estate, and was in his day a person of
some importance in the community. Roderick took up a
Naval career, in which he achieved a certain measure of
success. He served in different places throughout the Em
pire, and died while on duty as Pay-master of the British
forces at a Military Station in the Ionian Islands. William,
when only a young lad, was drowned at Sea on his way to
England to enter College. John spent some years in a
Catholic College in England, whence he went to Paris for the
study of Theology, and there he was raised to the Holy
Priesthood in the year 1825. After his ordination he lab
ored for about five years in Scotland on the Missions in the
Diocese of Glasgow, and at the expiration of that time he
organized an immigration of Irish Catholics, whom he
brought to Prince Edward Island and settled upon his fam
ily Estate on the South side of the Hillsborough River, at
a place to which he gave the name, Fort Augustus. During
the earlier years of this new settlement he lived with his
mother at Tracadie, and was thus able to keep in constant
touch with his tenantry. But after the death of Bishop
MacEachern he was appointed to the Scottish Missions in
Kings County, and made his headquarters first at Launch-
38
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
ing and latterly at St. Margarets or Bear River. At the
time of his stay at this latter place, disagreement between
the people and the proprietors had reached an acute stage
throughout Prince Edward Island, and in consequence con
siderable discontent prevailed in the community. Father
John being more or less involved in these disputes, owing
to the fact that he was an extensive land owner, found him
self somewhat compromised in the eyes of the people,
amongst whom he lived and labored, and so the Church
authorities of the day decided, that it would be better for
him to retire from the administration of the Mission of
which he was in charge. He accordingly left St. Margarets
and went back to England, where he lived in comparative
retirement till his death.
Flora, the only daughter of the family, was educated at
the Ursuline Convent at Quebec, and soon after her return
home married Alexander McDonnell, Esquire, of Donaldston,
and died in Charlottetown at an advanced age.
39
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
vra
Captain John MacDonald died at his home at Tracadie
in the Autumn of the year 1811, consoled by the Spiritual
ministrations of his kind friend Father MacEachern. By his
Will he divided his Estate between the members of his
family, making ample provision for his wife who survived
him. His last instructions to his children, written in his
own hand make interesting and edifying reading, and show
forth the spirit of Catholic piety that animated his last days.
Here in part is what he wrote: "Morning and evening
prayers never omit." "Get copies of short ejaculations,
which you will address to God through. the day. Never
omit Confession and Communion once a month. Thus will
you have a good chance of saving your souls. Without
Confession and Communion you will not obtain the grace
and strength % that are necessary for saving your souls. This
is so true that every Christian on reaching the years of
discretion is bound to prepare for the due reception of this
Bread of Life, and if out of his power to receive it he
must, as a means of Salvation, at least implicitly desire to
partake of this Divine Bread of Angels. If you neglect it,
you will continue passionate and quarrelsome, you will fall
into serious difficulties and, perhaps, into grievous sins be
sides disobedience. The frequent and due recourse to the
Sacraments is the best cure and preservative against such
things."
Having prescribed a list of pious books which they
were to procure and read, he continues : "In consideration of
the property I bequeathed to you, I require each one of
you, as long as you live, to have five Masses celebrated for
me every year.
40
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
The Masses to be offered up for my soul are to be ord
inary Low Masses for the dead. These and the one hundred
Masses entrusted to my dear spouse to have celebrated, with
out delay, are to be for the intentions I now have in mind,
viz: for my own soul, for my former wife, brothers, sis
ters, all my ancestors, for my various Confessors, all of
whom but one are now dead ; in a word, for all the departed,
especially for those I am bound to pray for."
Captain John was buried in the old French Cemetery at
Scotchfort, in a family plot, where stands a mounment
erected by some of his descendants many years after his
death. He had a brother in the Priesthood, Reverend Aug
ustine MacDonald, who had spent upwards of thirty years
on the Missions in Scotland, and who finding the infirm
ities of old age growing fast upon him, decided to come to
Prince Edward Island to spend the remainder of his days.
He lived about five years at Tracadie, making his home with
his brother Captain John, whom he predeceased by about
three years. At his death his remains were laid to rest be
side those of his cousin, Father James in the French cemet
ery at Scotchfort.
41
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
IX
The death of Father James was a sad loss to the im
migrants. It ushered in the very state of affairs, which
they dreaded so much when they had first made up their
minds to emigrate, and which kept the project in abeyance
for so long a time. Now they have no Priest to minister
to their Spiritual wants. They have been deprived of the
Saintly Pastor, who was their consolation and their joy
throughout the darkest days of their exile, and whose pre
sence and fatherly counsel bore them bravely over the most
trying experiences of their isolation. He had lived with
them and labored with them when conditions were at the
worst, he had shared in their wants and privations, and now
that a brighter era was dawning for them, and his life
growing more comfortable, he is called away as his feet
were about to press the threshold of comparative ease and
comfort. Indeed a great change had taken place in the
condition of the people during the thirteen years of his
stay amongst them. The small thatched log house was
giving place to more commodious dwellings, roads were be
ing opened up from place to place, the pjvercy of the earlier
years was now a thing of the past, and in its stead the
people enjoyed a competence and in some instances even
plenty. God in His Goodness had wonderfully blessed the
immigrants in the new country, and encouraged by the ex
periences of the past they faced the future with a firmer
hope and a more settled assurance of happiness to come.
But now the greatest loss of all has come upon them,
and they feel it the more, that look upon it as they may,
they find it in every sense irreparable. For a number of
42
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
years they had been in correspondence with their friends in
Scotland, and had held out to them many inducements to
come to Prince Edward Island. They told them of the
success they had been able to achieve in the new Colony,
and contrasted the same with the untoward conditions in
the Motherland, which had forced them to emigrate. Their
friends in Scotland too, were talking of emigration. They
had taken up the idea as the only solution for the problems
that faced them at home under the Penal Laws.
As a matter of fact, the state of the Catholics in Scot
land, though somewhat improved, was still far from satis
factory, and there were many who were longing for the
day when they would be able to emigrate and join their
kindred beyond the seas. But now that Father James was
dead Prince Edward Island held out no inducement to would-
be Catholic emigrants. In Scotland, their circumstances
might indeed be precarious; but they could at least see a
Priest from time to time, whereas in Prince Edward Island
this great privilege would necessarily be denied them.
Hence in such circumstances, emigration was out of the
question, and the poor people were forced to nurse their
discontent as best they could until more favorable con
ditions would prevail. For five years things went on in this
way, when God in His Providence, raised up another Apostle
to minister to His needy flock in Prince Edward Island.
43
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Among the passengers on board the "Alexander" was
Hugh Ban MacEachern of Kinloch, Moidart, in Scotland,
who with his wife and nine of his children had decided to
try his fortune in the New World. Two of the family re
mained behind in Scotland, viz : a daughter, Margaret who
had married a short time prior to the emigration, and
Angus Bernard, the youngest child of the family, who was
left in charge of Right Reverend Hugh MacDonald, Bishop
of the Highland District. Angus Bernard, who was fourteen
years of age when his parents set out for America, made
his early studies in Scotland, under the direction of the
Bishop, and later was sent to Spain, to the Royal Scots
College at Valladolid where he spent several years, and
where he was raised to the Priesthood on August 20th,
1787.
He immediately went back to his native land, and took
up the work of the Holy Ministry, dividing his time between
the mainland and several of the adjacent Islands. The
people amongst whom he labored were at the time decidedly
dissatisfied with their lot, and many of them were filled
with the idea of emigration. They had received glowing
accounts of the comfort and happiness of their kinsfolk in
Prince Edward Island, and were looking forward to the day
when they would be able to join them in their adopted
country. This condition of affairs had gone on for a con
siderable time ; but the death of Father James changed the
aspect of things, and went a long way towards cooling the
ardor of their desires.
Now however, new hopes rose up within them. They
thought within themselves; why could not Father Mac
Eachern come with them to America, as did Father James
in the case of the first emigrants. He was now in the
44
RIGHT REVEREND ANGUS BERNARD MACEACHERN
First Bishop of Charlottetown
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
prime and vigor of his early manhood, filled with the spirit
of his Divine calling, ready to brave any hardships that
would promote the glory of God and salvation of souls, why
could he not come out to the New World, whither so many
of his kindred had already gone, and who were now in sore
need of priestly consolation ? The prospect thus opened be
fore the young priest was not by any means a pleasant one.
It meant much labor and hardship: but above all other
considerations, he could not help recalling to mind the
pathetic death of Father James, and this thought was cer
tainly well calculated to give him pause. But other consid
erations lured him on. He fully understood all the possib
ilities of service to God and humanity, that would lie within
his reach in the new country. He saw before his mind s
eye the touching picture of so many souls crying for bread
and none to break it to them. Amongst their number he
saw his own father and mother bereft of Spiritual consol
ation in a foreign land, and thus to the motives of religion
were added the more natural appeals of flesh and blood, till
he seemed no longer able to resist and so decided to come
to America. Accordingly plans for a second emigration
were speedily made, and in the early Summer of 1790 Father
MacEachern with a large band of emigrants set sail from
Scotland, and arrived in Prince Edward Island about the
middle of August of the same year.
The new comers received a warm welcome from their
friends at Scotchfort, who were fortunately in a position
to bestow upon them the kindly attentions so much needed
after a long ocean voyage. Father MacEachern was wel
comed with special cordiality by all the people, but particul
arly by his parents who had parted from him eighteen years
before. We may well imagine the joy of his mother to
see her boy of fourteen years grown to manhood, and vest
ed with the character of the Holy Priesthood. It was in
deed a day of great rejoicing at Scotchfort, when a Priest
again appeared on the scene, and the walls of the old church
echoed back once more the thrilling words of Sacrifice.
With little or no delay Father MacEachern entered upon
45
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
his missionary career in the new Colony. He took up the
same round of arduous duties that had sapped the energies
of the lamented Father James, and brought him down to
an early grave. In fact these labors were more difficult now,
because the people were more numerous and were spread
out over larger areas, for many of them, on leaving the
Tracadie Estate had settled in remote places to which access
was very difficult. But Father MacEachern quailed not at
the sight of labor. He was above all things else a man of
duty imbued with the true missionary spirit, and neither
labor nor difficulty could stay his ardor, and so without de
lay he took up the work interrupted five years previously
by the untimely death of Father James, and by the bless
ing of God, he was able to carry on the same without rest
or pause for a period of forty-five years. Wonderful
changes took place in Prince Edward Island in those forty-
five years, but throughout them all he changed not, he
ever remained the same gentle, humble follower of the
Divine Master whose life he strove to imitate, as "He went
about doing good."
46
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XI
In a preceding paragraph mention was made of the
discontent, that prevailed amongst the early settlers at
Scotchfort.
Besides the hardships and inconvenience incidental to
life in a new country, they were greatly dissatisfied with
the system of land tenure, that obtained upon the Tracadie
Estate, and grievously disappointed in the fact that the
expectations they had formed and the roseate dreams they
had caressed when leaving Scotland showed no signs of
realization. Hence it was that many, as already stated,
took advantage of the first opportunity to leave the neigh
borhood of Scotchfort, and go elsewhere in search of homes.
This movement began almost immediately after the com
ing of the first immigrants, some of whom crossed over to
Cape Breton Island, whilst others not wishing to go so far
from their kindred took up lands on Lots 37 and 38, in
places contiguous to Scotchfort.
In a short time Lot 37 attracted a considerable popul
ation, and its steady growth seemed to indicate that it would
eventually surpass in importance the original settlement.
This fact did not escape the keen vision of Father MacEach-
ern, who was alive to every interest of his flock, and as the
almost ruinous condition of the primitive Chapel at Scotch-
fort made it imperative, that it should be replaced by a
larger and better edifice, he made up his mind that the
original site should be abandoned and the new Church er
ected at a place more to the Eastward, where it would be
convenient to a greater number of people.
This plan however, did not please all concerned.
47
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Captain John MacDonald of Tracadie was strongly op
posed to it. He did not wish to have the Church any far
ther from his home, and he had sufficient influence with
his tenants to bring many of them around to his way of
thinking. Personal considerations entered thus into the
matter, and as often happens in such cases, the interested
persons were not sufficiently unselfish to appreciate aright
the real motives of the change. But Father MacEachern
was not a man to take hasty action. He patiently left the
matter in abeyance till the coming of Bishop Denaut of
Quebec, who made a Pastoral visitation of Prince Edward
Island in the year 1803. His Lordship, when seized of all
the facts, saw the wisdom of Father MacEachern s conten
tion and accordingly gave it his entire approbation.
He forbade the further use of the Chapel at Scotchfort,
as a place of worship, and selected a site for a new Church
farther up the river and near the Eastern boundary of Lot
37. He directed Father MacEachern to commence building
operations without delay, and chose for Titular of the
new Church the National Patron of Scotland, St. Andrew
the Apostle. In the following year the Church was built
and put in shape for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice,
and for upwards of fifty years it served the people of the
neighborhood as a house of worship, and at the same time
gave its name to the entire settlement, t
A separate Mission was subsequently established at
Tracadie a little to the West of Scotchfort. About the year
1838 ground was broken for a Church near the Head of
Tracadie Bay, on the Old Glenaladaie Estate. This build
ing having been in use as a house of worship for upwards
of sixty years was converted into a Parochial Hall, while
close by was raised an imposing edifice, the present beau
tiful Church of St. Bonaventure.
t This Church was hauled down the river ice to Charlottetown
in the month of March 1864,
48
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Tradition long cherished by the people tells a wonder
ful story of his last hour. He was apparently dying, the
sweat of death stood out in large beads on his forehead,
his breathing was slow and labored, his voice had complet
ely failed and he lay unconscious slowly descending the
dark valley. The few watchers kept close to his bed, and
watched in prayerful pity his wan features rendered visible
by the light of a candle that flickered near his head.
Suddenly his face seemed to brighten up with the look
of other years; he opened his eyes and turned upon his
friends a glance of recognition ; for an instant there seemed
to hover on his lips a suspicion of a smile ; he raised himself
up on his elbow and in a voice so clear and strong that it
enkindled new hopes in the hearts of those who knelt near,
he exclaimed: "Preserve ye the Faith," and as the echoes
of his words dissolved into silence he sank back on his
pillow dead.
It would be impossible to picture a sadder scene than
the burial of Father James. The stalwart men of Scotch-
fort bore his body to the old French Cemetery, where it
was laid to rest amid reverential silence, broken only by
the sighs and sobs of the grief stricken people. But no
Priest was there to chant the Requiem, no official represent
ative of Mother Church to unfold the splendor of her ritual,
and when the grave had been filled up, as dust had returned
to its kindred dust, the people crushed down by a feeling
of utter helplessness, fell on their knees around the grave
that held forever the remains of him who so long had been
"their guide, their counsellor and friend." When all was
over and they arose to go away, a horrible sense of lone
liness came upon them, as if life were shorn of all ambition ;
and nothing now remained that was worth while. An
aching void was at every heart and a feeling of utter de
solation, such as they had not experienced since that sorrow
ful day when afloat on the waters of the Ocean, they saw
the blue lines of their native land fade from their gaze
forever.
33
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
But alas for human affection and human gratitude!
How weak and frail they are. How slender is the thread they
weave into the tissue of our daily lives. Father James lying
in the grave was soon forgotten. The generation that had
known him passed away, another took its place, the cares
and preoccupations that appeal to worldly minds usurped
the place in their memories, that belonged by right to him.
Even his lonely grave ceased to be a place of interest, ar/d
in course of time so passed out of memory that no one now
can point out with certainty the spot where he lies at rest.
Had he sought only for the applause of men, in all pro
bability they would not have so completely forgotten him,
had he labored for the world, perhaps he would today fill a
niche in its temple of fame. But he was moved by higher
and holier motives, he sought to "lay up treasures in Heav
en, where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and
thieves do not break through and steal," and being at rest
with God, he may well forego the fickle praises of men.
But in these latter days a great change has taken place
in this respect. The name of Father James has come forth
from the oblivion of years, to take its rightful place in the
history of the Country. The descendants of the people,
amongst whom he lived, and for whose sake he sacrificed
all earthly things, are determined that he shall not be for
gotten, that his name shall not die, but that it shall sur
vive in the minds of men despite the vicissitudes of time
and change. For he was in very truth, a real Confessor of
the Faith in the opening years of our history, and we would
indeed be recreant to our duty did we not enshrine in
grateful memory the story of his heroism. It would seem
that God himself desires this recrudescence of sympathetic
appreciation, for, with the approbation of Holy Church, a
monument now stands at the central scene of his Priestly
activities, to carry down to future generations the glorious
memory of his life and labors. It stands, let us hope, for
all time to proclaim to the world that Prince Edward Island,
34
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
though peacefully won to the Faith, has had heroic men
who would dare all things for Jesus Christ : men, whose one
absorbing passion was to be of service to their fellowmen,
and men, who making choice of a self-inflicted, martyrdom
followed closely in the footsteps of Him, who choose the
cross upon which to die for the salvation of the world.
35
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
VII
Mention has already been made of Doctor Roderick
MacDonald, who held a prominent place amongst the emi
grants of 1772. On his arrival in the Colony he took up a
tract of land at Scotchfort, and built on it a residence
which he continued to occupy till his death. His home,
long known by the name of "Doctor s Farm" and "Doctor s
House" was among the best country residences to be seen
anywhere in the Colony at that early date, and was the
scene of many meetings and reunions on. the part of the
people, who always found the latch string hanging out in
true Highland hospitality. The Doctor himself spent much
of his time travelling from place to place, according as his
professional services were required by the people, and in
this particular he closely imitated the devotedness of his
illustrious relative Father James. It was on one of these
journeys he met his death. He was crossing the ice in the
springtime, near the Head of Tracadie Bay, and was going
along apparently unaware of any danger, when suddenly
his horse broke through the ice and carried the driver with
him.
There was no one near to render assistance, and the
Doctor, unable to extricate himself from his perilous pos
ition, met his death in the waters of Tracadie Bay. His
body was soon recovered and was laid to rest in the French
cemetery at Scotchfort. His wife, two sons and four
daughters survived him. In a short time afterwards the
sons, grown to man s estate, decided to leave Scotchfort.
The uncertainty of land tenures had never proved satis
factory to the Doctor, and now that he was dead, they de-
36
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
tided to leave the Tracadie Estate and forthwith bought a
tract of land at Vernon River, whither they moved and
took up their home in the year 1801, and where their des
cendants still reside. These latter people are known as the
"Doctors" a name that comes down to them from their earl
iest progenitor in Prince Edward Island, Doctor Roderick
MacDonald.
Captain John MacDonald reserved to his own personal
use a block of five hundred acres of land on Lot 36, sit
uated at the extreme head of Tracadie Bay, and running
westward to the boundary line of Lot 35. Here he built
an elegant residence, wherein he lived in all the ease and
comfort of a landed proprietor. Being a man of energy and
education, he took a prominent part in every movement
that concerned the Colony, and in this way contributed not
a little to shape its destinies. He was always a staunch
Loyalist and never failed to give public expression to his
views in favor of British connection.
At the outbreak of the American war of Independ
ence, he, in conjunction with Major Small of Charlottetown,
organized a Company of soldiers, composed mainly of his
own countrymen, and rendered valuable service throughout
the entire war in defence of Prince Edward Island and
Nova Scotia. Indeed Captain John MacDonald saw little of
his own home during the war, as his military activities
kept him at various posts here and there, where his ser
vices might haply be required at short notice. In recog
nition of his services on this occasion the British Govern
ment offered him the position of Governor of Prince
Edward Island; but he was obliged to decline the honour,
because the oath of office under the Penal Laws was such
as to do violence to his Catholic principles, and when it was
suggested to him that the oath in question was only a
matter of form, his answer was that: "Neither his honour
nor his conscience would permit him to take such an oath,"
and he therefore never became Governor of the Colony.
Captain MacDonald was twice married. When a young
37
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
man in Scotland he married Miss Gordon of Wardhouse,
who died at an early age, together with her infant son the
only child of their marriage. Sorely tried by this bereave
ment, Captain MacDonald made up his mind not to re
marry, and chose his younger brother, Donald MacDonald,
to be his heir; but this brother, who was a Lieutenant in
the British Navy, lost his life in an engagement with the
French, and Captain John, finding his plans thus over
turned, decided to marry again, and selected for his second
wife, Margaret MacDonald of the Ghernish branch of the
Clan. She survived her husband for some years, and after
his death was known amongst the people as the Queen of
Tracadie.
Of this second marriage were born four sons, viz :
Donald, Roderick, William and John, and one daughter
Flora. Donald, the eldest succeeded his father as proprietor
of the Tracadie Estate, and was in his day a person of
some importance in the community. Roderick took up a
Naval career, in which he achieved a certain measure of
success. He served in different places throughout the Em
pire, and died while on duty as Pay-master of the British
forces at a Military Station in the Ionian Islands. William,
when only a young lad, was drowned at Sea on his way to
England to enter College. John spent some years in a
Catholic College in England, whence he went to Paris for the
study of Theology, and there he was raised to the Holy
Priesthood in the year 1825. After his ordination he lab
ored for about five years in Scotland on the Missions in the
Diocese of Glasgow, and at the expiration of that time he
organized an immigration of Irish Catholics, whom he
brought to Prince Edward Island and settled upon his fam
ily Estate on the South side of the Hillsborough River, at
a place to which he gave the name, Fort Augustus. During
the earlier years of this new settlement he lived with his
mother at Tracadie, and was thus able to keep in constant
touch with his tenantry. But after the death of Bishop
MacEachern he was appointed to the Scottish Missions in
Kings County, and made his headquarters first at Launch-
38
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
ing and latterly at St. Margarets or Bear River. At the
time of his stay at this latter place, disagreement between
the people and the proprietors had reached an acute stage
throughout Prince Edward Island, and in consequence con
siderable discontent prevailed in the community. Father
John being more or less involved in these disputes, owing
to the fact that he was an extensive land owner, found him
self somewhat compromised in the eyes of the people,
amongst whom he lived and labored, and so the Church
authorities of the day decided, that it would be better for
him to retire from the administration of the Mission of
which he was in charge. He accordingly left St. Margarets
and went back to England, where he lived in comparative
retirement till his death.
Flora, the only daughter of the family, was educated at
the Ursuline Convent at Quebec, and soon after her return
home married Alexander McDonnell, Esquire, of Donaldston,
and died in Charlottetown at an advanced age.
39
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
vm
Captain John MacDonald died at his home at Tracadie
in the Autumn of the year 1811, consoled by the Spiritual
ministrations of his kind friend Father MacEachern. By his
Will he divided his Estate between the members of his
family, making ample provision for his wife who survived
him. His last instructions to his children, written in his
own hand make interesting and edifying reading, and show
forth the spirit of Catholic piety that animated his last days.
Here in part is what he wrote: "Morning and evening
prayers never omit." "Get copies of short ejaculations,
which you will address to God through the day. Never
omit Confession and Communion once a month. Thus will
you have a good chance of saving your souls. Without
Confession and Communion you will not obtain the grace
and strength that are necessary for saving your souls. This
is so true that every Christian on reaching the years of
discretion is bound to prepare for the due reception of this
Bread of Life, and if out of his power to receive it he
must, as a means of Salvation, at least implicitly desire to
partake of this Divine Bread of Angels. If you neglect it,
you will continue passionate and quarrelsome, you will fall
into serious difficulties and, perhaps, into grievous sins be
sides disobedience. The frequent and due recourse to the
Sacraments is the best cure and preservative against such
things."
Having prescribed a list of pious books which they
were to procure and read, he continues : "In consideration of
the property I bequeathed to you, I require each one of
you, as long as you live, to have five Masses celebrated for
me every year.
40
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
The Masses to be offered up for my soul are to be ord
inary Low Masses for the dead. These and the one hundred
Masses entrusted to my dear spouse to have celebrated, with
out delay, are to be for the intentions I now have in mind,
viz: for my own soul, for my former wife, brothers, sis
ters, all my ancestors, for my various Confessors, all of
whom but one are now dead ; in a word, for all the departed,
especially for those I am bound to pray for."
Captain John was buried in the old French Cemetery at
Scotchfort, in a family plot, where stands a mounment
erected by some of his descendants many years after his
death. He had a brother in the Priesthood, Reverend Aug
ustine MacDonald, who had spent upwards of thirty years
on the Missions in Scotland, and who finding the infirm
ities of old age growing fast upon him, decided to come to
Prince Edward Island to spend the remainder of his days.
He lived about five years at Tracadie, making his home with
his brother Captain John, whom he predeceased by about
three years. At his death his remains were laid to rest be
side those of his cousin, Father James in the French cemet
ery at Scotchfort
41
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
IX
The death of Father James was a sad loss to the im
migrants. It ushered in the very state of affairs, which
they dreaded so much when they had first made up their
minds to emigrate, and which kept the project in abeyance
for so long a time. Now they have no Priest to minister
to their Spiritual wants. They have been deprived of the
Saintly Pastor, who was their consolation and their joy
throughout the darkest days of their exile, and whose pre
sence and fatherly counsel bore them bravely over the most
trying experiences of their isolation. He had lived with
them and labored with them when conditions were at the
worst, he had shared in their wants and privations, and now
that a brighter era was dawning for them, and his life
growing more comfortable, he is called away as his feet
were about to press the threshold of comparative ease and
comfort. Indeed a great change had taken place in the
condition of the people during the thirteen years of his
stay amongst them. The small thatched log house was
giving place to more commodious dwellings, roads were be
ing opened up from place to place, the pjvercy of the earlier
years was now a thing of the past, and in its stead the
people enjoyed a competence and in some instances even
plenty. God in His Goodness had wonderfully blessed the
immigrants in the new country, and encouraged by the ex
periences of the past they faced the future with a firmer
hope and a more settled assurance of happiness to come.
But now the greatest loss of all has come upon them,
and they feel it the more, that look upon it as they may,
they find it in every sense irreparable. For a number of
42
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
years they had been in correspondence with their friends in
Scotland, and had held out to them many inducements to
come to Prince Edward Island. They told them of the
success they had been able to achieve in the new Colony,
and contrasted the same with the untoward conditions in
the Motherland, which had forced them to emigrate. Their
friends in Scotland too, were talking of emigration. They
had taken up the idea as the only solution for the problems
that faced them at home under the Penal Laws.
As a matter of fact, the state of the Catholics in Scot
land, though somewhat improved, was still far from satis
factory, and there were many who were longing for the
day when they would be able to emigrate and join their
kindred beyond the seas. But now that Father James was
dead Prince Edward Island held out no inducement to would-
be Catholic emigrants. In Scotland, their circumstances
might indeed be precarious; but they could at least see a
Priest from time to time, whereas in Prince Edward Island
this great privilege would necessarily be denied them.
Hence in such circumstances, emigration was out of the
question, and the poor people were forced to nurse their
discontent as best they could until more favorable con
ditions would prevail. For five years things went on in this
way, when God in His Providence, raised up another Apostle
to minister to His needy flock in Prince Edward Island.
43
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Among the passengers on board the "Alexander" was
Hugh Ban MacEachern of Kinloch, Moidart, in Scotland,
who with his wife and nine of his children had decided to
try his fortune in the New World. Two of the family re
mained behind in Scotland, viz : a daughter, Margaret who
had married a short time prior to the emigration, and
Angus Bernard, the youngest child of the family, who was
left in charge of Right Reverend Hugh MacDonald, Bishop
of the Highland District. Angus Bernard, who was fourteen
years of age when his parents set out for America, made
his early studies in Scotland, under the direction of the
Bishop, and later was sent to Spain, to the Royal Scots
College at Valladolid where he spent several years, and
where he was raised to the Priesthood on August 20th,
1787.
He immediately went back to his native land, and took
up the work of the Holy Ministry, dividing his time between
the mainland and several of the adjacent Islands. The
people amongst whom he labored were at the time decidedly
dissatisfied with their lot, and many of them were filled
with the idea of emigration. They had received glowing
accounts of the comfort and happiness of their kinsfolk in
Prince Edward Island, and were looking forward to the day
when they would be able to join them in their adopted
country. This condition of affairs had gone on for a con
siderable time ; but the death of Father James changed the
aspect of things, and went a long way towards cooling the
ardor of their desires.
Now however, new hopes rose up within them. They
thought within themselves; why could not Father Mac
Eachern come with them to America, as did Father James
in the case of the first emigrants. He was now in the
44
RIGHT REVEREND ANGUS BERNARD MACEACHERN
First Bishop of Charlottetown
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
prime and vigor of his early manhood, filled with the spirit
of his Divine calling, ready to brave any hardships that
would promote the glory of God and salvation of souls, why
could he not come out to the New World, whither so many
of his kindred had already gone, and who were now in sore
need of priestly consolation ? The prospect thus opened be
fore the young priest was not by any means a pleasant one.
It meant much labor and hardship: but above all other
considerations, he could not help recalling to mind the
pathetic death of Father James, and this thought was cer
tainly well calculated to give him pause. But other consid
erations lured him on. He fully understood all the possib
ilities of service to God and humanity, that would lie within
his reach in the new country. He saw before his mind s
eye the touching picture of so many souls crying for bread
and none to break it to them. Amongst their number he
saw his own father and mother bereft of Spiritual consol
ation in a foreign land, and thus to the motives of religion
were added the more natural appeals of flesh and blood, till
he seemed no longer able to resist and so decided to come
to America. Accordingly plans for a second emigration
were speedily made, and in the early Summer of 1790 Father
MacEachern with a large band of emigrants set sail from
Scotland, and arrived in Prince Edward Island about the
middle of August of the same year.
The new comers received a warm welcome from their
friends at Scotchfort, who were fortunately in a position
to bestow upon them the kindly attentions so much needed
after a long ocean voyage. Father MacEachern was wel
comed with special cordiality by all the people, but particul
arly by his parents who had parted from him eighteen years
before. We may well imagine the joy of his mother to
see her boy of fourteen years grown to manhood, and vest
ed with the character of the Holy Priesthood. It was in
deed a day of great rejoicing at Scotchfort, when a Priest
again appeared on the scene, and the walls of the old church
echoed back once more the thrilling words of Sacrifice.
With little or no delay Father MacEachern entered upon
45
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
his missionary career in the new Colony. He took up the
same round of arduous duties that had sapped the energies
of the lamented Father James, and brought him down to
an early grave. In fact these labors were more difficult now,
because the people were more numerous and were spread
out over larger areas, for many of them, on leaving the
Tracadie Estate had settled in remote places to which access
was very difficult. But Father MacEachern quailed not at
the sight of labor. He was above all things else a man of
duty imbued with the true missionary spirit, and neither
labor nor difficulty could stay his ardor, and so without de
lay he took up the work interrupted five years previously
by the untimely death of Father James, and by the bless
ing of God, he was able to carry on the same without rest
or pause for a period of forty-five years. Wonderful
changes took place in Prince Edward Island in those forty-
five years, but throughout them all he changed not, he
ever remained the same gentle, humble follower of the
Divine Master whose life he strove to imitate, as "He went
about doing good."
46
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XI
In a preceding paragraph mention was made of the
discontent, that prevailed amongst the early settlers at
Scotchfort.
Besides the hardships and inconvenience incidental to
life in a new country, they were greatly dissatisfied with
the system of land tenure, that obtained upon the Tracadie
Estate, and grievously disappointed in the fact that the
expectations they had formed and the roseate dreams they
had caressed when leaving Scotland showed no signs of
realization. Hence it was that many, as already stated,
took advantage of the first opportunity to leave the neigh
borhood of Scotchfort, and go elsewhere in search of homes.
This movement began almost immediately after the com
ing of the first immigrants, some of whom crossed over to
Cape Breton Island, whilst others not wishing to go so far
from their kindred took up lands on Lots 37 and 38, in
places contiguous to Scotchfort.
In a short time Lot 37 attracted a considerable popul
ation, and its steady growth seemed to indicate that it would
eventually surpass in importance the original settlement.
This fact did not escape the keen vision of Father MacEach-
ern, who was alive to every interest of his flock, and as the
almost ruinous condition of the primitive Chapel at Scotch-
fort made it imperative, that it should be replaced by a
larger and better edifice, he made up his mind that the
original site should be abandoned and the new Church er
ected at a place more to the Eastward, where it would be
convenient to a greater number of people.
This plan however, did not please all concerned.
47
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Captain John MacDonald of Tracadie was strongly op
posed to it. He did not wish to have the Church any far
ther from his home, and he had sufficient influence with
his tenants to bring many of them around to his way of
thinking. Personal considerations entered thus into the
matter, and as often happens in such cases, the interested
persons were not sufficiently unselfish to appreciate aright
the real motives of the change. But Father MacEachern
was not a man to take hasty action. He patiently left the
matter in abeyance till the coming of Bishop Denaut of
Quebec, who made a Pastoral visitation of Prince Edward
Island in the year 1803. His Lordship, when seized of all
the facts, saw the wisdom of Father MacEachern s conten
tion and accordingly gave it his entire approbation.
He forbade the further use of the Chapel at Scotchfort,
as a place of worship, and selected a site for a new Church
farther up the river and near the Eastern boundary of Lot
37. He directed Father MacEachern to commence building
operations without delay, and chose for Titular of the
new Church the National Patron of Scotland, St. Andrew
the Apostle. In the following year the Church was built
and put in shape for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice,
and for upwards of fifty years it served the people of the
neighborhood as a house of worship, and at the same time
gave its name to the entire settlement, f
A separate Mission was subsequently established at
Tracadie a little to the West of Scotchfort. About the year
1838 ground was broken for a Church near the Head of
Tracadie Bay, on the Old Glenaladale Estate. This build
ing having been in use as a house of worship for upwards
of sixty years was converted into a Parochial Hall, while
close by was raised an imposing edifice, the present beau
tiful Church of St. Bonaventure.
t This Church was hauled down the river ice to Charlottetown
in the month of March 1864,
48
;,-,:
ed
S
2
td >
-s
It
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XII
The immigrants of 1790 following the example set
before them by their predecessors, did not settle perman
ently on the Tracadie Estate, but took up lands in other
localities, according as special conditions appealed to their
fancy, and Father MacEachern, wisely foreseeing what
would turn to their ultimate advantage, encouraged them to
do so, though he fully realized the additional labor their
dispersion would entail upon himself. In the last decade of
the eighteenth Century, the years immediately following
the coming of Father MacEachern, this movement of pop
ulation acquired considerable proportions, and settlements
were formed here and there throughout Kings County,
which eventually grew into flourishing Parishes, and the
same is true of Prince County away to the westward of
the Province. In this way Scotchfort, which was usually the
point to which the early immigrants made their way on
their arrival on Prince Edward Island, became for the time
being a sort of distributing centre for the Colony, and from
there immigrants went forth year after year to establish
homes for themselves in whatsoever locality best suited
their inclinations. Altogether there were two principal im
migrations in the earlier days, that of 1772 in charge of
Father James MacDonald, and that of 1790 under the direc
tion of Father MacEachern.
Other immigrations there were, but on a comparatively
small scale, and usually consisted of a few families, who
taking advantage of the chance voyage of a trading ship
made their way to Prince Edward Island. But wherever
they landed, they were almost certain to come to Scotchfort,
where they were sure of a hospitable reception, and where
iV ~ . 7 t V- , ;. , ..:. , , ^ v
49
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
they usually remained until they had made up their minds
with regard to their final destination.
In this way a settlement was formed at Launching
Place in Kings County about the year 1796, composed of
MacDonalds, MacPhees, MacCormacks and Walkers, ?!! of
whom had come from Scotland with Father MacEachern,
and had spent the intervening years at Scotchfort. In the
year 1802 they built a little log Church close to the shores
of Launching Bay, which served them as a place of wor
ship for a quarter of a century, when it was replaced by one
of larger proportions, erected about a mile to the Northwest
of the original site. To this in time was added a Parochial
house, where Reverend John MacDonald of Tracadie took
up his residence in the year 1836, and whence he looked
after all the Missions of Eastern Kings County.
The settlement at Launching soon attracted other set
tiers to the neighborhood, and in a short time a number of
Morrisons, MacCormacks, MacDonalds, Maclnnises, and
Campbells arrived, some of whom settled on the North
eastern side of Grand River at a place called Little Pond,
thus forming the beginnings of the present Mission of St.
Francis de Sales, where a Church was built in the year
1863; whilst to the Westward of Launching along the Car
digan River settlements were formed by MacLeans, Mac
Phees, MacLellans, MacLeods, Steeles and Campbells. About
forty years later MacCormacks and MacDonalds settled far
ther up the Grand River, at a place called Narrows Creek,
and to these were added several families of MacLellans, who
with Maclntyres and others formed portions of an immigra
tion that came to the Colony in the year 1848. About the
same time a number of Campbells, whose progenitors had
come to the Island in 1772 and had settled at Johnston s
River on the Tracadie Estate, came to Dundas and settled at
the Head of Grand River where their descendants are found
at the present day.
By this influx of population, it was brought about that
50
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PEINCE EDWARD ISLAND
the Church at Launching was no longer centrally situated,
but rather it stood practically in one corner of the area,
over which the congregation was spread out, and Rever
end Father Francis MacDonald, who had succeeded Father
John in 1840, reading the signs of the times, decided that it
would be better to choose a more central location, where a
new Church could be erected within easy reach of all the
people. He accordingly selected a site at Narrows Creek,
and there a new Church was built dedicated to St. George,
Martyr, and opened for Divine Worship on All Saints Day,
1860.
The settlement of East Point on Lot 47, is co-eval with
that of Launching. Towards the end of the eighteenth
century a Colony of Scottish Catholics, comprising Mac-
Donalds, Beatons Campbells and Maclntyres took up land
at the Eastern extremity of Prince Edward Island.
Soon they were joined by others who settled more to
the westward, and this growth of population went on along
the Northern sea-board, tending nioro and more to the
westward, till it met the ov^flow of popu. ntion from Scotch-
fort and neighboring places going in the opposite direction,
thus forming settlements that in course of time grew into
the flourishing Parishes of St. Coiuniba s, St. Margaret s
and St. Peter s. Father MacEachern was ever in close
touch with these people. He went amongst them as often
as possible, saying Mass for them in the principal resid
ence of each settlement, and exhorting them to provide
themselves as soon as possible with Churches, for the con
venience of public worship. Small Churches were thus
put up at St. Columba s, St. Margaret s and somewhat later
at St. Peter s which in course of time gave way to more
roomy and elegant structures. That of East Point erected
in the year 1846 by the Reverend Pius MacPhee, was remod
elled and enlarged and continued to serve the congregation
for upwards of sixty years, till it was destroyed by fire
and then replaced by the present Church of St. Columba.
The Church of St. Margaret s erected in the following
year stood very close to the shore, and as the Parish de-
51
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
veloped and land was being cleared further to the rear, it
came to pass, as in the case of Launching, that the Church
was situated on one side of the Parish to the great incon
venience of the people. This condition of affairs continued
until the year 1894 when the people under the guidance O L
their Pastor, Reverend Alexander P. MacLellan^ decided
that it would better serve the interests of the whole Parish,
if the Church were hauled farther from the shore, and
placed in a position more accessible to all, who worshipped
within its walls. This task once begun was successfully ac
complished, and the Church, the Parochial house and ad
joining buildings were detached from their foundations
and transported about a mile further inland. Here they
were fitted up anew, and all put in excellent condition, par
ticularly the Church that seemed like an entirely new build
ing. Renovated and remodelled it appeared as if it
serve the congregation for many years; but during the
summer of 1821 severe forest fires ravaged that portion of
the country, and amongst the ruins left in their wake were
the Church and other Parochial buildings of St. Margaret s.
The settlement formed around the shores of St. Peter s
Bay was at first somewhat scattered and unstable, and
hence was a considerable time without a place of worship.
It was only in the last years of the Episcopate of Bishop
MacEachern that the question of building a Church be
came a live issue in that locality; and the matter had
scarcely passed the incipient stage, when the saintly Prelate
was called to his eternal reward. However the work once
begun went on with becoming despatch, and under the
o-uidance of Father John MacDonald they built a small
Church which continued to be their "House of Prayer for
well nigh fifty years. In the year 1881 it was replaced by
the present sacred edifice built by Right Reverend Bishop
Maclntyre, and which rising over his grave stands a fit
ting monument to his zeal and devotedness.
About the year 1818 a Colony of Scottish Catholics,
composed mainly of MacPhees, MacLellans, MacKinnons and
52
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Campbells settled near the shore along the Southern bound
ary of Lots 45 and 46. They were soon joined by others,
and thus was begun a small settlement, that in course of
time grew into the populous Parish of Souris. Their first
Church was put up in the year 1838, and in it the first
Mass was said by Father John MacDonald in January,
1839. A few years later it was destroyed by fire together
with the small Parochial house that had just been com
pleted. Father Pius MacPhee, who was in charge of the
Mission at the time, commenced without delay, the con
struction of a new Church, which was opened for Divine
worship in the month of November, 1849. This latter
Church was in use for many years till replaced by the pre
sent stone edifice, which was commenced in the year 1901
and completely finished in a short time.
In the year 1806 Andrew MacDonald of Arisaig, Scot
land came to Three Rivers, Prince Edward Island, with the
intention of remaining permanently in that locality. He
had a large family of boys, who, as they grew to man s
estate settled here and there, and whose immediate descend
ants occupied prominent places in the Civil and Political
life of the country. He purchased the whole of Panmure
Island, and having settled there with his family immediately
opened a general store, that was for years the centre of
business activity for that section of the country. About
the year 1824 a small Church was built on his Estate, and
in it Bishop MacEachern officiated, when his Missionary
labors brought him to the neighborhood. Mr. MacDonald
died in the year 1833, and soon after, his son Hugh trans
ferred the business to Georgetown, where it would be
more conveniently located.
About this time lands were taken up near Georgetown
by Scottish Catholics composed of MacPhees, MacAulays,
MacDonalds and Morrisons, and it seemed that the neigh
borhood would become in the near future a place of consid
erable importance. Accordingly the little Church on Pan-
mure Island was transferred to Georgetown, where it con-
53
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
tinued in use till the year 1852, when it was enlarged and
remodelled by Father Francis MacDonald. It served the
purpose of Parish Church for almost seventy years after
wards, and was finally replaced by the present new Church
of St. James.
54
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XIII
The year 1822 is memorable in the annals of the Scot
tish Catholics of Prince Edward Island. It witnessed the
ordination at Quebec of the first of their number, and the
first native Islander to be raised to the holy priesthood.
This was Reverend Bernard Donald Macdonald, son of
Angus Macdonald of Allisary, one of the original immi
grants.
Father MacEachern fully realizing the scarcity of
Clergy in his time, had made it a practice, as he went from
place to place, to call the attention of the people to the nec
essity of their doing something, to provide themselves
with priests, so that whatever contingencies might occur
by death or sickness, there would always be some one to
minister to their spiritual wants. The people impressed
with the truth of his words, agreed to contribute to this
worthy object and accordingly he selected two boys of
good disposition, in whom he fancied he saw the early
signs of a divine vocation. They were Ronald MacDonald,
a native of Saint Margaret s and Donald Macdonald, of Saint
Andrew s.
As there was no college near at hand, they were sent to
the Seminary of Quebec, where they entered upon their
studies in the autumn of the year 1812.
Ronald was a brilliant student, who soon forged to the
front in his classes ; but unfortunately he did not persevere
in his original intention, and grievously disappointed his
benefactor and friends, by abandoning his studies and
taking up a secular career in the City of Quebec. Donald
55
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
on the other hand, never wavered in his inclinations, but
went steadily forward, and having completed his studies
was ordained priest in the month of June 1822. He then
returned to his native Province, and took up the work of the
ministry, in which he was able to achieve a splendid meas
ure of success. Of him, Boshop MacEachern once wrote:
"Reverend Bernard Donald Macdonald, whose uniform re
gularity of deportment, and disengagement from everything
but his duty, renders him dear and respected in the com
munity."
Being the first native priest, he was also the first nat
ive bishop, for it was he who was chosen to succeed to
the see of Charlottetown on the death of Bishop MacEach
ern in the year 1835.
56
BOAT USED BY BISHOP MACEACHERN
(See opposite page.)
UNIQUE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYED
BY BISHOP MACEACHERN IN HIS WINTER
JOURNIES THROUGH P. E. ISLAND.
The little boat, of which a picture is here given, was built by
Bishop MacEachern in the year 1812, and for ysars subsequent to that
date, it was a familiar object throughout the length and breadth of
Prince Edward Island.
It was a composite kind of a vehicle, half beat and half sled, so
designed as to be used whether on the reads, or on the ice of the
bays and rivers.
The primary reason for the adoption of this strange mccle of
transportation, was to preserve the missionary outfit, which Father
MacEachern was obliged to carry with him from place to place as
he went on his rounds, through the settlements. On these occasions,
he had to take along with him, all things necessary for the cele-
as these were valuable and ex-bration of the Holy sacrifice, and
ceedingly difficult to procure, it was imperative that he should take
even extraordinary precautions to ensure their safety; for should
they be lost, they could be replaced only from Quebec, and this meant
great inconvenience and long delay. This difficulty was considerably
enhanced owing to the fact that re travelled a great deal on the ice,
and especially during the Spring and fall, this was of times very dan-
generous. But in his little boat, fastened with iron stayes to th e run
ners beneath, things were comparatively safe; fcr shculd his horse
break through the ice, the boat would float secure, end the valuables
it contained, could easily b e saved, from what in other circumstances,
might prove a perilous situation. This little boat, built over a hun
dred and ten years ago may still be seen at St. Joseph s C invent in
Charlottetown, where it is carefully and almost tenderly guarded, by
the inmates of the institution.
Though not intended for an ice-breaker, it is without any douot,
the first winter-boat, ever seen in this part of the Country, and sets
forth, perhaps better than any other testimony, the wonderful im
provement in transportation, that has marked the last hundred years
of our Island history.
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XIV
Whilst throughout Kings County centres of population
were being formed, and new homesteads evolved from the
primeval forest, Prince County in the west of the Province,
joined in the general activities and welcomed bands of
Scotch Catholic immigrants, whose inclinations led them to
wards that section of the Colony.
They too had suffered for their Faith in Scotland, and
had experienced the blighting effects of Landlordism; and
only when conditions had grown intolerable did they make
up their minds to sever the ties that bound them to the
Motherland and emigrate to America.
Very early in the history of the Colony, in fact only a
short time after Captain John MacDonald organized the
emigration to Scotchfort, one of his cousins in Scotland,
Captain Allan MacDonald of Rhetland, had his thoughts
turned towards Prince County as a suitable place for coloni
zation. He obtained from the Crown for military service
ten thousand acres of land on Lot 25, in the settlement now
known as Bedeque. On receipt of this extensive grant he
decided to purchase the remainder of the Lot, and bring a
number of his countrymen to settle upon it. But unfort
unately at the very time that he was negotiating the pur
chase, he was drowned at sea, as he was returning from a
visit to one of the neighboring Islands. His children were
young at the time and there was no one that would take the
matter up, and so by his death his plans of colonization came
to naught.
Some years later one of his sons named Alexander came
57
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
to Prince Edward Island; but apparently did not find the
place to his liking, for beyond apportioning a tract of land
to three of his Aunts he does not seem to have made a
permanent disposition of the Estate. In this way it almost
all passed to other people, and today only two homesteads
remain in the hands of descendants of the original pro
prietor. One of his descendants somewhat later secured a
grant of land on Lot 47 near East Point, and was the pro
genitor of those people who reside there today, and who
are familiarly known as the Rhetland MacDonalds.
Subsequent attempts at colonization in Prince County
achieved more definite results. In the early years of the
nineteenth century two vessels arrived from Scotland, bring
ing bands of immigrants made up of Gillises, MacNeills,
MacLellans, MacDcugalls, MacKinnons, MacDonalds, Mor
risons, Camerons and Maclntyres. According to a tradi
tion prevailing amongst some of their descendants, their
intention on leaving Scotland was not to come to Prince
Edward Island, but make their way to Glengarry, Ontario,
where a Colony of Scottish Catholics had already been est
ablished ; but as they were nearing the entrance to the Gulf
of St. Lawrence they became enveloped in a dense fog, and
the Captain, either by accident or design, missed his course
and landed his passengers at a point near Charlottetown.
Here they were met by the proprietor of Lot Eighteen in
Prince County, who placed before them a pretty picture of
the advantages they would reap by settling on his particular
Township. By multiplying inducements he finally persuad
ed them to try their fortune in that part of the country;
and they accordingly went westward and settled some at
Indian River, some at Grand River, whilst others settled on
Lot 26, where with other emigrants, MacDonalds, Mac-
Innises, and Campbells they formed a settlement, that ev
entually became the Parish of St. Peters at Seven Mile Bay.
In this way were formed in Prince County three im
portant centres of Scottish Catholic activity, from which
settlers went forth year after year, whose descendants are
58
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
still to be found at Brae, Kildare, Montrose, Palmer Road,
and other places throughout the County. These early set
tlers encountered the same trials and hardships that fell
to the lot of all the pioneers ; but they were men of sterling
character, who quailed not at the sight of hardships, and so
they manfully took up the burden of their trying existence
in the Colony, and bore it unflinchingly throughout the
years. Father MacEachern visited them as often as he
found it possible to do so, and his presence amongst them
went far to reconcile them to the hardships of their con
dition. With the devotedness of a true Apostile, he seemed
to grow ubiquitous as he multiplied his efforts to reach all
the people, who were in need of his Spiritual care. Under
his direction small Churches were put up at an early date
at Grand River, Indian River, and Seven Mile Bay, which,
though rude in construction and small in proportions were
nevertheless dear to the hearts of the people, who looked
upon them as holy places, set apart for the worship of
Almighty God, and hallowed by the sacrificial presence of
His Divine Son on the Altar.
A brighter era dawned for the people residing in this
part of Prince County in the year 1842, when Father James
MacDonald, recently ordained to the Holy Priesthood, came
to them as their resident Pastor. He went to live at In
dian River, and forthwith began to administer to the Spir
itual wants of the scattered flock committed to his care.
One of his first acts was to build a new Church at Indian
River to replace the primitive house of worship, that had
become too small for the congregation. The new Church,
which was a large and elegant edifice was erected in the
year 1843, and filled the role of Parish Church till the
year 1896, when it was destroyed by fire. Father James
found similar needs throughout his other Missions and
hence we find him at this time completing a Church at
Grand River, that had been commenced by Right Reverend
B. D. MacDonald, who became Administrator of the Diocese
on the death of Bishop MacEachern in 1835. This Church
59
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
was entirely remodelled and enlarged during the pastorate
of Reverend Laughlin J. MacDonald, and still stands over
looking the valley of the Grand River, linking up the ease
and prosperity of the present generation with the trials
and privations of their forebears in the Faith.
The District of Seven Mile Bay also required similar
attention, but the people were few in number and matters
there naturally proceeded with less celerity, and it was not
till the year 1856 that steps were taken to replace the orig
inal Church by another more in keeping with the improved
condition of the people. This Church was twice enlarged
by Reverend John J. MacDonald, and in its improved con
dition gives ample accomodation to the congregation.
60
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XV
The foregoing pages contain an account of the prin
cipal Scottish Catholic settlements, formed throughout
Prince Edward Island in the early days of the Colony. It
would be impossible within the limits of this small Volume
to enter into the history of the various families, or to de
lineate the details of the various happenings, that marked
their evolution from poor and obscure beginnings to the
religious and civil development, that challenges our admir
ation at the present day. But if we listen to the echoes of
the past, each settlement will tell its story of determination
and endurance on the part of the devoted people, who, ex
iled from their Motherland for conscience sake, crossed the
stormy ocean and forced the wilds of Prince Edward Is-
iand to lay aside their terrors, and yield up a home and a
living to these hardy adventurers.
Could the screen artist of the present day go back one
hundred and fifty years and reproduce the scenes, that met
their gaze on their arrival on Prince Edward Island; could
he picture their landing at Scotchfort amid the gloom and
loneliness that surrounded them ; could he show us the pion
eers of Prince County making their way westward, the
speaking stillness of the primeval forest beckoning them
farther and still farther into its disheartening obscurity:
above all could he make those actors speak and tell us what
were the feelings that welled up within them, what were
their misgivings, their doubts, their anxieties and fears,
whilst every hill and brook and tree seemed to speak of
hardships and toil and want to be endured even until death :
and all this not for their own sake but for the sake of their
descendants, that peace and plenty and comfort might be
61
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
their birthright in the land of their adoption: what a glor
ious panorama he would unfold. What a sermon more elo
quent than the most thrilling passage of the world s great
est orators. What a story he would tell of unswerving at
tachment to parental duty, of keen appreciation of holy
religion, of unselfish devotion to God and Country, virtues
stamped over the entire face of Prince Edward Island, by
the martyr-like devotedness and heroic tenacity of pur
pose, that characterized its Scottish Catholic Pioneers.
62
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XVI
The coming of the Scottish Catholic immigrants was in
reality a great boon to Prince Edward Island. They were
strong men, who feared no hardship, and were therefore
well fitted to cope with the difficulties of the situation, for
hardships were indeed many and conveniences few, when
they began to fell the virgin forest that stood between
them and competence. But with the determination of the
Celt they never wavered in their purpose, and with an
abiding trust in the Providence of God they bade defiance
to destiny. A strong tie of fellowship bound them in a
bond of genuine sympathy, and they were ever ready to
help one another and make common cause against difficul
ties. Moreover, they were men of deep religious senti
ment. It is true their opportunities for education were only
meagre; but they made up for their lack of instruction by
a spirit of faith, that was able to draw comfort and con
solation even from the most trying circumstances. Pat
riotic men were they too, these stalwart pioneers, whose
Country was their idol ; and though they had suffered sorely
under English rule, they scorned to harbor bitter feelings,
and never wavered in their loyalty to the British Crown.
Indeed, it was their dream to found on this side of the
ocean a community, that v/ould help to sustain the arm of
Britain in her future struggles in the cause of right. This
spirit of loyal attachment to the Empire they bequeathed to
those who came after them, and these in turn transmitted
the same to their descendants, so that today, after a hun
dred and fifty years the fire of true Patriotism, that warm
ed the hearts of the first colonists, instead of growing dim
with time burns brighter and fresher and stronger than
63
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
ever. Hence, when Germany threw down the gage of bat
tle to the world, and the cry went forth for men and "still
more men," none responded to the call with more genuine
enthusiasm than the Scottish Catholic young men of Prince
Edward Island, lineal descendants of the early immigrants.
In that time of stress the injustice from which their fore
bears had suffered, the persecutions they had endured, the
ill treatment that drove them exiles to America were all
forgotten, and these young men went forth to the succor
of the old land, ready to fight and ready to die for the cause
she had made her own, and today many of them bear in
maimed bodies distressing trophies of their encounter with
the enemy, whilst many others made the supreme sacrifice,
and are sleeping their long last sleep in "Flanders Fields
where the poppies grow."
In this way does the spirit of the pioneers survive in
their descendants, and the country is richer, nobler, better
by the fact. Church and State have evidently recognized
this truth, and this is why there is no position of trust in
one or the other that they have not filled, with credit to
themselves and profit to their fellow citizens. The most
honorable positions in the Church have come to them, the
most responsible political offices have also been theirs, and to
the discharge of the duties thus imposed on them, they
brought splendid qualities of mind and heart, whose origin
they are proud to trace back to the virile virtues of their
forefathers.
64
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REVEREND FRANCIS JOHN MACDONALD
First student of Saint Andrew s College ordained priest.
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XVII
During the years, when these centres of population
were being established throughout Prince Edward Island,
the one grand outstanding figure, that was ever at the
back of the movement, and the one that particularly elicits
our respect and admiration is Right Reverend Angus Ber
nard MacEachern, first Bishop of Charlottetown. On his
shoulders lay the burden of providing for the spiritual
welfare of all the Catholic people, not only of those, whose
coming to the country we have just been describing; but
also of those who were settled along the Gulf Shore of Nova
Scotia and Cape Breton Island. These latter people had
grown quite numerous, especially during the latter years,
and on that account claimed much of his attention, for he
visited them as often as he could steal away from the pious
importunities of his flock in Prince Edward Island.
In later years when he became diocesan bishop, his
sphere of activity was considerably enlarged, and besides the
extensive region above mentioned, he travelled the whole
of New Brunswick, which at first formed part of the
Diocese of Charlottetown.
In the year 1819, after he had spent twenty nine years
as a missionary priest, he was appointed bishop, and two
years later he was able to maRe his way to Quebec, where
he received episcopal consecration, on the 17th of June, 1821.
This additional dignity, however, did not relieve the diffi
culties of the situation in which he was placed, nor did it
lessen in the smallest degree the sum total of the labors
that fell to his lot. Being only an auxiliary bishop, without
independent jurisdiction, he was still subject to the Bishop
65
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
of Quebec, and therefore his hands were tied to a great ex
tent, and he was not in a position to introduce the reforms
or inaugurate the works, that he might deem useful or
essential to the welfare of religion throughout the region,
in which he lived and labored.
It was not till August llth, 1829, that Charlottetown
was cut off from Quebec, and raised to the standing of an
independent diocese. This was in very truth a red-letter
day for the Church in Prince Edward Island. It usliered
in an era of progress and prosperity, that happily continues
in ever increasing vigor until our day.
It is characteristic of God s providential care for His
people, that He selects for their guidance, men endowed with
special aptitude to cope with the particular needs and
difficulties of their times. To these chosen leaders He opens
the treasures of His own wisdom, and bestows on them
qualities of mind and heart, that make them fit and effect
ive instruments for carrying out the designs of His Provid
ence. Such a man, without any doubt, was Angus Bernard
MacEachern, pioneer bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte-
town. He was a man of vision, who saw and understood
the possibilities of the situation, and who, grasping the
opportunities of his time, turned them all into ways and
means of promoting the interests of souls .
The one great drawback to the advancement of religion,
with which he was confronted during his missionary days
in Prince Edward Island, was the lack of priests, and this
great want he had endeavored, in season and out of season,
to impress upon the minds of the authorities at Quebec.
But his efforts in this matter had hitherto proved unavail
ing, and little or nothing had been done to relieve the ten
sion of the situation. Hence, no sooner was he in a posit
ion to act for himself, than he took up the matter in a ser
ious and determined manner, and forthwith began to de
vise ways and means to educate a native clergy, who
would supply the future wants of the missions entrusted to
66
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWAED ISLAND
his care. From the first, he was convinced of the fact, that
if the people would be left depending on priests from
abroad, they would always be short of clergy, and would
often be without clergy at all. His hopes therefore cen
tered in a local institution of learning, wherein vocations
would be fostered, and young men having an inclination for
the priesthood, would receive a classical education, togeth
er with the moral training necessary as a preparation for
that holy state. Accordingly, he turned his house at Saint
Andrews into a college, thereby founding the first institu
tion for higher education in the Maritime Provinces. It
was a difficult undertaking with the slender means at his
disposal; but time fully justified the wisdom of his course,
for the institution thus founded proved a veritable boon
to the Church in this section of Eastern Canada. It be
came in time a nursery of religious vocations, and from its
walls came forth a band of young men, who went abroad to
finish their clerical education, and then returned to their
native land, to devote their lives to the salvation of souls.
In this connection, it is sufficient to mention the names of
Right Reverend Peter Maclntyre, third Bishop of Char-
lottetown: Reverend Francis John Macdonald, who labored
so long in the eastern section of the Province : Very Rever
end James Macdonald, Vicar General under two bishops:
Reverend Pius MacPhee, for many years identified with
the cause of Religion in the north eastern portion of King s
County: Reverend James ^Eneas Maclntyre, the first nat
ive Islander to win the Doctorate in Theology, at the Pro
paganda College in Rome: Reverend Daniel Macdonald, an
other Roman Doctor, whose memory still lingers amongst
the older people of Charlottetown. To these may be added
a list of others, whose sphere of clerical activity was com
prised in the Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
In this way Saint Andrew s College proved the stay of re
ligion in Prince Edward Island, and its foundation will
stand forever as a monument to the foresight, energy and
sacrifices of Bishop MacEachern and the Scottish Catholics
of his time. It rendered splendid service in its day, and
67
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
when through the changes wrought by time, it was found
inadequate to the growing needs that arose, it gave place to
the new St. Dunstan s, founded by the immediate successor
of Bishop MacEachern, and which working along the same
lines, has been blessed with a wonderful measure of suc
cess.
The Bishop lived at the College for some years, until
a new residence, he had commenced at Savage Harbor had
been completed. It may be said, however, that he spent
only a small portion of his time at Saint Andrew s, because
the duties of his office kept him almost continually travelling
from place to place. He continued to visit the settlements
as he had done in his earlier days, administering the sacra
ments, visiting the sick, catechising the younger genera
tion, settling disputes where such existed, and spreading
abroad amongst the people, whom he served, the aroma of
his own personal sanctity. We will never know, and there
fore can never fully appreciate how much the cause of
Catholicity owes to his zeal and devotedness, particularly in
those days, when singly and alone he bore aloft the banner
of religion, and like another Moses, led his people out from
the bondage of early want and privation into the Promised
Land of progress and hopeful development. A true Apostle
was he, who in the early days of our diocesan history, lab
ored with a spirit of devotedness, and a singleness of aim
and purpose, that won forever the love and affection of his
people.
A writer, who well remembered him, thus describes his
last visit to the Mission of Saint Mary s at Indian River :
"Bishop MacEachern visited Indian River for the last time
in June 1834, when he baptized all the young children, and
on June 24th, the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, he con
firmed all who were prepared, the writer of this sketch be
ing among the number. After Mass, he preached the first
Gaelic sermon, I ever heard, and which I remembered for
many years.
"After the ceremony was over, the people went out on
68
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
the green before the church door, and when the Bishop
came out he addressed one of the parishoners saying:
"Roderick I think you were late for Mass." The man ans
wered that they had a saying in Scotland, that, "Late
ploughing was better than no ploughing at all." The Bishop
then told them that this was his last visit to Indian River, as
he had only a short time to live. The man above men
tioned said to him: "when you die see that you put in a
good word for us" The Bishop replied that he would make
no rash promises, as he did not know how his own case
would stand. He then made them all kneel, and he blessed
them, and made the Sign of the Cross over the four cor
ners of the parish, on their houses and belongings. The
people began to lament and say: "When you are dead we
will be as badly off as ever for a Gaelic speaking
priest. He said: "You now complain of the scarcity of
priests, but the day may come when there will be complaints
that there are too many to support, and that they will take
the children s bread from the hearth." He told them,
when he would be gone, Reverend B. D. Macdonald would
administer to them in their own tongue. He then bade
them farewell."
The saintly Bishop s premonition of his impending
death was only too fully realized. In the following spring,
as he was on one of his missionary journey s through King s
County, he suffered an attack of paralysis at the home of
Dugald Maclsaac at Saint Peter s Bay. A few days after,
he was taken to his home at Savage Harbor, where he ling
ered in a semi-conscious condition until the 22nd of April
1835, when the soul of the beloved Prelate passed to its
eternal reward.
The news of his death spread rapidly throughout the
country and brought deep sorrow into every Catholic home.
He was mourned by all without exception, for he was with
out any doubt the best known and most esteemed person in
the entire country. He was beloved not only on account of
the principles which he held and inculcated, but more so by
69
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
reason of the many excellent qualities of mind and heart
that marked him out a prince amongst men. Even those
not of the household of faith revered his memory, and re
cognized in him a wonderful influence in the cause of right
and justice. He was the chosen repository of his people s
confidence, and no one went to him, that did not come away
better by the interview. He possessed a marvellous in
sight into the motives and thoughts of people, and could
discern with almost uncanny assurance their innermost
thoughts and desires. The Government of the day recogn
izing these traits in his character, appointed him Justice of
the Peace, so as to give legal value to his decisions in mat
ters of dispute, and this appointment whilst a great saving
to the people added not a little to his labors and anxieties.
Usually, on his missionary journeys to the various settle
ments, one of his most important duties was to hear com
plaints and adjust whatever matters were in dispute, and no
one ever questioned his decision. Everyone was ready to
admit that what he said was true and what he did was
right, and this absolute confidence in his sense of truth and
justice was the outcome of a conviction begotten in their
minds, through the personal sanctity and devotedness of
his life. He was in truth their great benefactor. He
seemed to live only for them. For them and for their
salvation he made and was daily making untold sacrifices,
and it was impossible for them not to trust him. One has
but to read his letters to the Bishops of Quebec, to real
ize how complete was his interest in the welfare of the
people, and how his only personal gratification consisted in
promoting their spiritual and temporal welfare. He came
into each neighborhood like a benediction from God, and
when he left, an air of peace and holiness prevaded the loc
ality, as if his spirit still hovered over the scene of his re
cent labors.
No wonder therefore that he was sincerely loved by
young and old, and mourned when he died with a feeling
sense of personal loss. It may be truly said that no such
universal sorrow, had ever been felt in Prince Edward Is-
70
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
land, as that occasioned by his death. To the older people,
it recalled the grief that followed the death of the late
Father James Macdonald, fifty years before. At that time,
it is true, the people were more helpless in their grief, for
no priest was left, to whom they could apply in case of
need; but now religious affairs, thanks to the efforts of
the deceased Bishop, are in better condition. There are
three priests to attend to their immediate wants, whilst
quite a number of young men are already well advanced in
their preparation for the holy priesthood.
But still the grief occasioned by the death of Bishop
MacEachern was no less deep and sincere. He had been
so long the central figure in the community, he had bap
tized confessed instructed so many who were now grown
to manhood and were the heads of families, in each neigh
borhood, he had won his way so triumphantly into their
hearts, that they came to look upon him as one who should
not die, but continue indefinitely their guide and counsellor
and friend, and hence when he died it seemed as if all
their hopes and aspirations were blotted out, even as the sun
sometimes suffers eclipse, in the height and beauty of its
noontide splendor.
The history of the Scottish Catholics in Prince Edward
Island is rendered forever illustrious by the name and mem
ory of Bishop MacEachern. If their emigration from
Scotland had no other effect, but to prove the occasion of
his coming to this country, that alone should make the
Catholics of Prince Edward Island thank God, who led
them through so many tribulations to found a diocese,
blessed by the labors of this heroic man of God. For he
fed "the flock of God, taking care of it, not by constraint,
but willingly according to God, not for filthy lucre s sake
but voluntarily: Neither as lording it over the clergy, but
being made a pattern of the flock from the heart." (I Pet.
V. 2. 3.)
71
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XVIII
It may perhaps be a moot question whether the Scot
tish Catholics living in Prince Edward Island today are
really equal in worth to their ancestors. They undoubtedly
enjoy greater advantages; but has there been a steady de
velopment along the line of character building since the
days of the first settlement? Whatever may be the gen
eral conclusion by comparing the present with the past, it
is safe to say that the people of today have gone back, at
least in one very important particular. They seem to have
lost the energetic initiative and courageous agressiveness,
that made the first emigration possible. If there be one
defect more evident than all others in the Scottish Catholic
of today, it is a lack of self assertion. Their character has
mellowed out almost to the point of apathy, and they seem
inclined to follow the line of least resistance, leaving things
to take their course and adjust themselves as best they
may.
This disposition, though by no means universal, is still
too much in evidence, and as is quite clear, it does not
make for healthy progress, nor does it furnish the needed
stimulant for due participation in the affairs of the Country.
It was mainly to combat this pernicious tendency,
that the Saint Andrew s Society was founded. This organi
zation aims to unite Scottish Catholics along the lines of
religious and civil development, and seeks to attain that end
by educative methods. As set forth in the Constitution, its
objects and purposes are to unite fraternally all persons
entitled to membership, for the purpose of improving their
social intellectual and moral condition. It does not inter
fere with the work of other Societies, and offers no oppos-
72
RIGHT REVEREND JAMES MORRISON
A native of P. E. Island. B shcp cf Anligcnis ., Nova Scotia
Right Reverend Bernard Donald MacDonald
First native of P. E. Island raised to the
priesthood, and fus: rative named Bishop.
Second Bishop of Charlottetown.
Right Reverend James Charles MacDonald
Fourth Bishcp of Charlottetown.
RIGHT REVEREND PETER MACINTYRE
Third Bishop of Charlottetown.
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
ition to the legitimate aspirations of other Nationalities.
It recognizes the fact, that in this great free country the
children of all nations may meet on a common level with
equal rights and equal privileges, and work together har
moniously for the attainment of the common good. Its
aim is not to pull down but to build up, and while seeking
its own ends by all fair means at its command, it is ready
to welcome and approve every movement, that has for its
object the aggrandizement of Mother Church and the wel
fare of our common country.
It owes its origin to the chance meeting of a few per
sons, who were enjoying an outing together in the Sum
mer of 1920. Whilst discussing social conditions in Prince
Edward Island, they happened to refer to the relative pos
itions occupied by the various groups that composed its
population, and the fact forced itself upon their attention
that the Scottish Catholics were the only people, who poss
essed no system of organization to promote their special in
terests. All others were steadily forging to the front,
thanks to special Societies that directed their energies
along the line of concerted action, while the Scottish Cath
olics seemed destined to trail in the wake of social pro
gress, through lack of union in their ranks. They there
fore came to the conclusion, that some such system of or
ganization was vitally necessary, if the latter people were
to hold their proper place, and do their part in promoting
the interests of the Country. The practical results of this
casual conversation was the founding of Saint Andrew s
Society. It is as yet only in its infancy, but it has well
started on a career of usefulness, and bids fair to fulfil
in time the most roseate dreams of its founders. From
its very inception it set the Scottish Catholic people think
ing, and they began to be impressed with the fact, that they
possessed a history that was really worth while, a history
that ran back through a long line of men and women, whose
achievements in Prince Edward Island are interwoven with
the best traditions of the country. In this way they learn-
73
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
ed to appreciate more fully the advantages they now en
joy, and how much they owe to the heroic pioneers, who
laid the foundation on which stands the solid fabric of pre
sent prosperity, and gradually the idea began to take root
that something should be done to commemorate in a fitting
manner their coming to Prince Edward Island. Many years
had been woven into the web of our Island history, since
they landed on our shores, many anniversaries had come and
gone, and yet nothing had been done to enshrine in memory
the touching story of their exile; and thus it fell to the
generation of the present day to remove from the escut
cheon of an apathetic people a stigma of longstanding neg
lect.
74
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PEINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XIX
The first meeting called for the purpose of promoting
this project, was held in Charlottetown on September 29th,
1921. Here the matter was discussed at some length, and
it was decided that as the following year was the one hun
dred and fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the first
Scottish immigrants in Prince Edward Island, their des
cendants should take due notice of the fact, and not permit
the occasion to pass, without celebrating the same in some
suitable manner. With this end in view, a Committee was
appointed to take the business in hand and make all the
necessary arrangements. This Committee having been em
powered to add to its numbers, did so from time to time
according as new needs arose, and when increased to its
full strength was made up of the following persons: All
Priests of Scottish descent in Prince Edward Island.
All Presidents of Local Branches of the St. Andrews
Society.
Judge A. L. Fraser, Souris, P. E. Island.
Hon. David McDonald, Glenfinnan,
Hon. J. A. McDonald, Cardigan,
Hon. Laughlin McDonald, East Point,
Mr. Joseph McLellan, Indian River,
" Charles McDonald, Borden,
" Andrew McDonald, Vernon River, "
" Charles A. McDonald, Mount Stewart, "
" Alexander McKenzie, Scotchfort,
" Howard McDonald, Georgetown,
" Alexander A. McDonald, Georgetown,
" Dan. C. McDonald, M.L.A. Greenvale,
" Angus Beaton, East Point,
75
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Mr.
John A. Mclnnis,
Archibald C. McPhee,
Roderick J. McLellan,
James M. McDonald,
A. A. McDonald, M. D.
Roderick J. McDonald,
John J. McGillvray,
Daniel McKinnon,
Leo McKinnon,
John D. McDonald,
Pius Sutherland,
James McKinnon,
Andrew J. Mclnnis,
James Campbell,
John A. McDonald,
Alexander McDonald,
W. J. P. McMillan, M. D.
Daniel J. McDonald,
W. D. Gillis,
Leo McDonald,
Alban McDonald,
Ray McDonald,
George J. McCormack,
L. B. McMillan,
Sixtus McLelian,
Thomas M. McMillan,
A. J. McAdam,
James Mclsaac,
Frank J. McDonald,
George McCormack,
Bennet McDonald,
Louis J. McDonald,
Arthur Mclnnis,
Thomas V. Grant, M. D.
Bernard J. McCormack,
Daniel McAulay,
Emanuel McLellan,
David Cameron,
Selkirk, P. E. Island.
St. Margarets, "
St. Georges, "
Little Pond,
Souris, "
St. Peters,
Vernon River, "
Brae,
Brae,
Lot 7,
St. Peter s,
Rollo Bay,
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown, "
Charlottetown. "
Montague,
St. Georges, "
St. Peters,
Richmond,
Richmond, "
76
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Mr. Cornelius McLellan, Arlington P. E. Island.
Frank Gillis, Bayside, "
" John E. McDonald, Souris, "
James A. McNeill, Summerside, "
" Daniel B. McDonald, Bedeque, "
" James P. Mclntyre, St. Andrews, "
" John C. McDonald, Bedford,
" William McNeill, Summerside, "
The Executive of the General Committee was made up
of the following persons:
Patron Right Rev. L. J. O Leary, Bishop of Charlottetcwn.
Hon. Pres. Very Rev. D. M. McDonald, Tignish,
Hon. Pres. Very Rev. D. J. Gillis, Indian River,
Hon. Pres. Very Rev. J. C. McLean, Souris.
Acting Pres. D. B. McDonald, Bedeque,
Vice-Pres. (Prince County) Rev. J.J. McDonald, Summerside
Vice-Pres. (Queens County) Alex. McDonald, Charlottetown
Vice. Pres. (Kings County) R. J. McDonald, M. D. St. Peters.
Secretary Rev. William V. McDonald, Hope River,
Asst.-Sec. J. A. McDonald, Barrister, Charlottetown,
Treas. W. J. P. McMillan, M. D., Charlottetown
The General Committee thus appointed and officered enter
ed upon its duties without delay, and soon evolved a pro
gramme for the proposed celebration, which was duly ex
plained in a booklet bearing the title
CELEBRATION OF THE LANDING
of the
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS
on
Prince Edward Island
in
A. D. 1772, and after.
Amongst other things this Booklet set forth: "A
Movement has been inaugurated to commemorate in a fit-
77
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
ting manner the 150th, anniversary of the landing of the
first Scottish Catholic settlers in what is now the Province
of Prince Edward Island.
"But it is the intention to commemorate the arrival
not alone of those who made their landing at Scotchfort,
but also in subsequent immigrations to various parts of the
Province, and for that reason a monument is to be erected
to the memory, in common, of all those original Scottish
Catholic settlers."
"The monument is to be erected at or near the site of
the first Church, near the present Railway Station at
Scotchfort."
"The tentative programme is, that proceedings shall
commence with Pontifical High Mass, in the open air, to
be celebrated by one of the Bishops whose ancestors were
numbered amongst those pioneer settlers. The monument
shall then be unveiled with becoming ceremony and this
shall be followed by a general celebration, embracing High
land games and other amusements."
This tentative programme was somewhat modified at
subsequent meetings, and in its final state provided that:
Pontifical High Mass would be celebrated in the open air
by Right Reverend Louis J. O Leary, Bishop of Charlotte-
town; that a Sermon befitting the occasion would be
preached by Right Reverend James Morrison, Bishop of
Antigonish, N. S. ; That the unveiling of the monument
would take place in the afternoon, with speeches by pro
minent men, representing the Civil and Religious life of
the Country. The remainer of the day would be passed as
an ordinary picnic, thus affording the people, who were ex
pected to come from the remotest parts of the Province,
an excellent opportunity of meeting old acquaintances.
The day chosen for the celebration was Wednesday,
July 19th, 1922, the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul. This
choice of a day was singularly appropriate inasmuch as the
78
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Society of Priests founded by St. Vincent, had rendered
valiant service in the Highland Districts of Scotland, dur
ing the trying days of religious persecution. When the
Catholic religion was proscribed in Scotland, when it was
not permitted to have Colleges, when Seminaries were
pillaged and burned, and when the well-springs of Priestly
vocations were in imminent danger of completely drying up,
the priests of St. Vincent de Paul came to the succor of
the afflicted people, and under God were the means of pre
serving the Faith in the western Highlands.
To make adequate preparations for carrying out this
programme entailed considerable work; and to facilitate
matters, it was deemed advisable to divide up the General
Committee into a number of sub-committees, each having
a special purpose, and a certain well defined share of the
arrangements to attend to. In this way it was hoped that
every need would be provided for, every emergency fore
seen, and nothing left undone to make the proposed cele
bration in every respect a great success. These several
Committees were as follows:
A MONUMENT COMMITTEE, whose duty was to
decide what form the monument would take, and to attend
to its construction and erection.
AN ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE, in whose hands
was the furnishing of entertainment for the people present.
A FINANCE COMMITTEE, whose duty was to look
after the management of the funds.
A PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, to advertise the Cele
bration, and bring it to the notice of people at home and
abroad.
A TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, to make the
necessary arrangements for trains, and other means of
transportation.
A CATERING COMMITTEE, to provide the food and
refreshments that would be required for the occasion.
79
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XX
The members of the Monument Committee lost no
time in entering upon the duties, for which they had been
appointed. They decided that the Monument should be of
Scotch granite, and in the form of a Celtic cross with an
inscription setting forth the object, which it was intended
to commemorate. In making this selection they showed a
due appreciation of the fitness of things, for it was in
deed appropriate that the Monument raised to the mem
ory of the pioneers, should be brought from the land, from
which they themselves had come, and should be in the form
of a cross to symbolize the Faith, for the sake of which
they made so many sacrifices. Accordinly plans were se
cured from Mr. J. M. Hunter, Architect, of Char-
lottetown, and the contract placed with Sir James Taggart
of Aberdeen, Scotland, who in the execution of the same
fully sustained the reputation of his well known establish
ment. The monument completed and ready to be put up
arrived at Scotchfort towards the end of June, in ample
time for the celebration.
In the meantime a plot of land, embracing the site
of the little log Church erected by the pioneers at Scotch-
fort, was purchased from Mr. John A. McDonald, and here
the Monument was duly placed in position, and left suit
ably draped awaiting the ceremony of its unveiling.
Near at hand a place was prepared for the open air
Mass, whilst round about booths were erected wherein
meals would be served, and other refreshments provided
to meet the needs of the people, who were expected to honour
the occasion by their presence. The preparations through
out were on an elaborate scale, the various Com
mittees did their work with a full sense of responsibility,
and it seemed as if nothing were left wanting to make the
occasion, one that would linger long in memory.
80
DANIEL B. MACDONALD. (BEDEQUE)
President of the General Committee in charge of the celebration of
July 19th, 1922.
REVEREND JOHN J. MACDONALD, (SUMMERSIDE)
Chairman of the monument Committee, who made the arrangements
to secure the monument from Scotland.
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EJ)WARD ISLAND
XXI
Wednesday July 19th, 1922, the day set apart for the
Celebration, dawned amid clouds and gloom. The sky was
overcast, and the sun refused to shine. It was not a day
to allure people from their homes, and yet from an early
hour crowds wended their way to Scotchfort, and it is
estimated that not less than five thousand persons were
assembled on the grounds, at the hour set for the opening
Ceremony.
It was a striking proof of the interest taken in the
movement, by all classes and creeds, and furnishes a wide
margin for conjecture as to what would have been the
attendance, had the weather been more favorable. About
eleven o clock heavy rain began to fall, and in consequence,
the open air Mass had of necessity to be abandoned. The
rain continued till well up in the afternoon; but the people
remained through it all, apparently rooted to the spot by
the memories of the anticipations, which they had cherish
ed weeks and months prior to the day.
The best of good humor prevailed on all sides. The
promoters, themselves, though grievously disappointed at
the turn things had taken, made a virtue of necessity, and
accepted the situation with the utmost equanimity. Groups
of persons huddled together under dripping umbrellas vied
with one another in contests of wit at the expense of the
weather, while many old saws anent Scottish mists and
Scottish drink were resurrected and filed anew, to help cut
down the tedium of the occasion.
Between two and three o clock in the afternoon, the sun
suddenly broke through the clouds, and its welcome rays
inspired one and all with the hope, that the main feature of
the programme, the unveiling of the monument, might still
81
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN FRINGE EDWARD ISLAND
be successfully carried out. At three o clock Mr. D. B. Mc
Donald, President of the General Committee, announced that
the ceremony would at once be proceeded with, and called
upon Rev. John J. McDonald, P. P. of Summerside, Chair
man of the Monument Committee to preside. A platform
had been erected in front of the Monument, and from this
point of vantage the Reverend Chairman addressed the
people, expressing his appreciation of the honour of pre
siding on such an important occasion. He shared in the
general regret occasioned by the unfavorable weather, but
said it symbolized very faithfully the lives of the pioneers,
whose coming to this country was the occasion of the days
celebration. They began their career in the Colony he said,
amid gloom and discouragement: but in course of time the
clouds rolled by and sunshine and comfort came to them.
Providence has its own wise way of disposing of things, and
no doubt when rain began to fall this morning, there were
many who felt discouraged and disheartened ; but God s sun
is still in Kis sky, and the main object for which this cele
bration was conceived, may now be carried out in i manner,
which I trust, will prove satisfactory to all. He here called
upon Right Reverend James Morrison, D. D., Bishop of
Antigonish to dedicate the Monument. Bishop Morrison
stepping to the front of the platform began his remarks by
a reference to the object of the celebration and continuing
said "We can all feel satisfied that the pioneers have done
their part in the upbuilding of this great Country and if
upon our part we commemorate their lives with this
Memorial, it is but the least that we can do to honour their
memory, not only as a debt to the past, but as an inspir
ation for the future. We all stand in need of this in
spiration. These pioneer settlers came to Canada for free
dom of conscience, and that word freedom must stand out
in our national life, if we are to prosper as we should.
While we erect this Memorial to honour the Scottish
Catholic settlers of one hundred and fifty years ago, at the
same time we are to remember, that these people came to
this country to cast in their lot with the rest of the future
82
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Canadians. They did not come as a class, but to work to
gether with the other citizens of the Colony; and that
should be the spirit of every Scotchman. It is only by work
ing together and systematically understanding one another
that we can fire the soul of Canada, and live up to that
spirit that makes a great Country.
A great majority of mankind mean well, and it is by
sympathetic action on our part, that we can bring about
results that make for progress.
In erecting this cross, the symbol of Christianity as
we Catholics look upon it, let it be for us a symbol of Re
ligion: for whatever material progress we shall make in
any country, there must be Religion behind it. Above all,
there is a God that we must recognize: and when these
two ideals are kept co-ordinated, then we have results; and
in this way we can accomplish the real good which our
Country surely expects of us. There should be no room for
sectionalism or sectarianism in this Canada of ours. A
progressive spirit should be our watchword, and in the
discharge of our duties let us so act, that when another
one hundred and fifty years have rolled away, future gen
erations will remember with gratitude what we in our age
have accomplished, and will take inspiration from us.
It is with reverence and pleasure therefore, that I
dedicate this cross. Let it stand as a Memorial of . what
is upright in this country ; let it stand for what it stood for
from the time of our Blessed Lord."
At the close of Bishop Morrison s address the Monu
ment was unveiled by Mr. D. B. McDonald, President of
the Committee, the people surrounding it standing with
uncovered heads, while the League of the Cross band
played "God Save The King."
The Chairman next called on Reverend Gregory J.
McLellan, D. D., Rector of St. Dunstan s College, who in
the name of the Scottish Clergy spoke as follows: "The
83
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Monument that has just been unveiled, commemorates the
first landing of Scottish Catholics on Prince Edward Island,
one hundred and fifty years ago. Its form, a Celtic cross,
carries us back well nigh fourteen hundred years, to the
Blessed Isle of lona and to St. Columba who came thither,
having the best blood of the Kings of Ireland in his veins
and the Faith and Charity of Christ in his soul, and, from
that holy isle as a centre with his faithful co-laborers
christianized the northern part of Scotland. Our fore
fathers were ever loyal to the Faith delivered to them by
St. Columba, and for its sake became voluntary exiles in the
wilds of America.
No higher motive ever throbbed in human heart or
moved human will than the one which prompted those emig
rants to come to these shores, for they sought and sought
only for freedom to worship God. Let us try to understand
the sacrifices they made for the Faith. Besides under
going all the hardships incident to pioneer life in those re
mote days there was the pang of parting forever from their
native land.
They left forever the land of their birth, the land of
the mountain and the flood, and to no other heart is the
parting from his native land such a sore trial, as to the heart
of the Gael. It was the land where their ancestors slept, hal
lowed by their dust, with traditions and memories extending
far beyond a thousand years, faithfully handed down from
father to son. Not a mountain crag or glen or moor or loch
or ford, but had its history, telling them of their glorious
victory in war and triumphs in peace. There were still the
remains of the temples, that the ages of Faith had built for
the worship of God. And now they must leave this land
forever and face the unbroken forests of the New World.
How fittingly the feelings of these exiles in their new homes,
have been depicted by the poet:
"Fair these broad meads these hoary woods are grand:
But we are exiles from our fathers land,
From the lone sheiling of the misty Island
84
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Mountains divide us and the waste of Seas
Yet still the blood is strong, the heart is Highland,
And we in dreams behold the Hebrides."
Inscribed on this Monument is the name of Father
James McDonald, the heroic Priest who accompanied the
immigraton of 1772.
Ten years of his youthful life was spent in Rome, the
centre of culture, learning and Christianity, where he com
pleted his education and was ordained to the Priesthood.
Then he returned to Scotland. When the project of emigra
tion was set on foot he volunteered to accompany the emi
grants to America. What a prospect lies before him! His
early education was in the sunny land of Italy, at the source
and fount of his religion, his daily associates Priests and
Religious, but now he is ready to forsake all this and go
alone into the wilds of America, with the prospect of never
again meeting a brother Priest; and indeed, save for the
visit he paid to Quebec in 1773, we have no certain know
ledge that during the remaining twelve years of his life he
ever again met a fellow Priest. Tradition among the people
for whom he broke the bread of life, and for whom his
young life was sacrificed fondly relates the closing scene of
his life. The end was nigh, no Priest was there to give
him the rites of his Church.
He lay still and motionless and save for his breathing,
which was slightly audible, he might seem to have passed
away. His faithful people fully realizing that he was dying,
and with no prospect of a Priest to succeed him, knelt and
wept and prayed by his bedside.
Suddenly he opened his eyes and slightly raising him
self he looked for the last time on his beloved people at the
same time uttering those memorable words. "Keep the
Faith, keep the Faith !" or in the gentle accents of the Gaelic
in which it was spoken "Cumibh an creidimh, Cumibh
an creidimh!" Then he fell back and died. The soul of
the heroic Priest had gone to its Creator, who no doubt
85
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
rewarded his faithful servant for his heroic virtues and
sacrifices.
This was Father James last sermon, the outpouring of
his generous soul, which was at the same time a prayer
and an exhortation.
How has his prayer been answered? I call to witness
the multitude that has assembled here today, hundreds of
whom have come thousands of miles to be present on this
memorable occasion; and bear undying witness to the cause
for which he sacrificed himself. The glorious pages that
the descendants of these pioneers have written in the annals
of this Diocese, bear testimony to the efficacy of his prayer.
The Hierarchy of Canada bears witness to it.
In the Province of New Scotland, and in that part of
it that projects farthest as it were, to meet and break the
billows of the mighty and misty Atlantic, there presides
over the Church in the person of Right Reverend James
Morrison, the illustrious Bishop of Antigonish, a descend
ant of those pioneers; and again on the West, where the
Pacific laves the golden sands, in the Diocese of Victoria,
whose Bishop, the Right Reverend Alexander McDonald is
another descendant of the exiles who, one hundred and
fifty years ago built the Church and worshipped on this
Holy ground, whereon now stands this Monument. These
two Bishops, both descendants of these people, one at the
extreme East of this vast Dominion and the other at the
extreme West, stand guard and sponsor for the Faith and
Church, for which their forefathers became exiles in this
land. Truly has Father James prayer been answered, and
in him have the words of the Royal Psalmist been fulfilled:
"Thou hast given him his heart s desire: and hast not
withholden from him the will of his lips." (Psalm XX, 3.)
"The other name, inscribed on this monument, is that
of Right Reverend Angus Bernard MacEachern, first
Bishop of the Diocese of Charlottetown. He came to Prince
Edward Island in 1790, and during forty-five years, thirty-
one of which were spent as a missionary priest, and the
86
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
remaining fourteen as bishop, he laboured incessantly for
the greater glory of God, and for the spiritual and temporal
uplift of his fellow men. He exercised great zeal in the
cultivation of vocations for the priesthood, and raising up
a native clergy to supply the spiritual needs of his people.
To help him in this great work, he founded St. Andrew s
College, the first institution for higher education establish
ed in this Province, and in which many of the first native
clergy in the Maritime Provinces received their training.
To his energy, foresight and zeal, we owe in a large measure,
the flourishing condition of religion, which followed in this
Diocese in the succeeding years. By the spirit of tol
erance, which he inculcated, was laid the foundation of the
broad sympathy and mutual understanding, which happily
exists among the different classes in this Province. He
died full of years and merit, having firmly established the
Church in this Diocese and leaving behind him the fragrance
of a saintly life, spent in the service of his Master, for the
extension of God s Kingdom among his fellow men.
The descendants of the Scottish Catholic immigrants of
1772 and after, have erected this monument, as a perman
ent mark of their undying gratitude to the faith and valor
of their ancestors, who underwent such trials and sacrifices
for conscience s sake, and to transmit to the future gener
ations the story of their strong faith and heroic sacrifices,
to serve as an inspiration for noble deeds and generous
resolves, to the generations who will come after."
As Father McLellan, towards the close of his address,
fondly dwelt upon the spirit of the pioneers, his mind
carried away by that lofty theme, yielded to an inspiring
impulse of the moment, and suddenly, he broke forth in the
virile accents of the ancient Gaelic tongue. It was a real
treat for many of his hearers amongst whom, there were
some, no doubt, who still regard the Gaelic as the language
of Eden. But whatever opinion we may choose to hold on
this latter point, it was certainly quite appropriate that it
should be heard on this occasion, for it was the language
87
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
best known to the Scottish pioneers, and the one, in which
they gave expression to their feelings, as they hailed, for
the first time, the beautiful and picturesque shores of
Prince Edward Island.
The Honorable John H. Bell, Leader of the Govern
ment having been introduced by the Chairman, spoke on
behalf of the Province.
He said: "As Premier of the Province, it is my priv
ilege to extend to all visitors assembled here, and especially
to all visitors of the good old Highland stock a most cordial
welcome. The Province also extends a welcome. Our
visitors will notice that Dame nature no doubt in honor
of the occasion, has donned her richest dress, her most
attractive holiday attire.
Nowhere else on the face of the Globe, will you find
a land where the sky is so blue, the climate so invigorating,
the flowers so beautiful, the fields so green, the crops so
promising and the leaves on the forest trees so luxuriant.
And the people of the Province also bid you welcome.
This is the land noted above all others for its hospitality.
Prince Edward Island and hospitality are synonymous
terms. Here to our visitors from abroad the door of every
home is open, every hand extended to welcome you, every
table spread for your refreshment and every heart to be
cheered and honored by your visitation. Sometimes we are
called upon to honor a distinguished visitor, and we confer
upon him the freedom of the City. Here we do more. We
confer upon all our visitors from abroad the freedom of
every home and the welcome of every heart.
This Province is deeply indebted to the Highland im
migrants. In his native land the Highlander possesses
certain characteristics and National virtues. These char
acteristics and virtues he brought with him across the Seas
and implanted them and developed them in our midst.
He came to this neighborhood a hundred and fifty
88
MONUMENT TO THE PIONEERS
Erected at Scotchfort July 19th, 1922, commemorating the arrival in
P. E. Island of the first Scottish Catholic emigrants, in 1772
DONALD A. MACDONALD
A native of P. E. Island, now residing in the City of Boston, where
he organized a committee, of which he was President, and
which furnished a generous contribution to the
monument fund.
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
years ago. He found it a wilderness without a road, a bridge,
a clearing, a dwelling, a school, a Church. With indomitable
energy he attacked and felled the forests, cleared and cul
tivated the fields, built the dwellings, constructed roads
and bridges, established schools and erected Churches.
These results of his labors, these blessings of civilization
he transmitted to his posterity, and thanks to the High
land emigration we are in the enjoyment of these blessings
today.
The Highlander is a Patriot in the highest sense; he
has profound respect for duly constituted authority. Be
fore the Union with England he was devoted to the cause
of Prince Charlie; after the Union he is equally devoted to
the British Crown. Once he was proud of Bonnie Scotland.
He is still proud. But after the Union he became prouder
of it, and of that Empire of which Scotland forms so im
portant a part, proud of that Empire, whose flag floats on
the seven Seas, whose drum beats reverberate around the
World.
Is there difficult and dangerous fighting to be done?
the Highlander is usually selected for the task. The Heights
of Quebec must be scaled: the World held this impossible.
Yet the Highlander accomplished the impossible, climbed
the Heights, conquered Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham,
and won for the Empire Canada, the brighest gem in the
British Crown.
Is fighting still to be done? Is the very existence of
the Empire at stake? Is there a hurried call from across
the Seas for help? Who responds promptly voluntarily
heroically? Not the old Highlander; the Highlander s sons.
Prompted by the Patriotic spirit of his race, he enlists, finds
his way to the battle-front, is the first over the top, ready
ever ready to pour forth his blood-nay to yield up his life
for the Empire s cause.
Do you ask for proof ? Look at the long list of McDon
alds, and other Highland lads who never returned, who sleep
89
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
their last sleep beneath the poppies and the rows of white
crosses on the fields of France and Flanders.
The Highlander is religious, is deeply devoted to his
Church, honors the empty foundation of it with a mag-
nificient Runic Cross. Yes he is tolerant, has respect for
the religious convictions of his neighbours. It is this spirit
of toleration that has contributed so much to the neighbour-
liness and concord, that happily prevails in this Province
today.
Here is presented an object lesson to the rest of the
World. Here all classes, all sects, all nationalities, the
English, Irish, Scotch and French labor together shoulder
to shoulder, or as the man with the kilt would say "Knee
to knee" for common interests and for the general welfare
of our beloved Canada. The Highlander has one fault, one
weakness. The moment he removes from the influence of
his native hills and his highland home, that moment be
becomes unsettled, restless, disposed to wander wide over
the face of the Earth. You meet him everywhere. He
migrates even from this fair Province. You find him in
Boston and in the New England States; in the Canadian
West and on the Pacific Coast.
Happily the Scot has betimes a homing instinct. The
feeling is in the air. It becomes epidemic. Under its in
fluence, he despises long dstance and loss of time, and great
expense. Back he comes by hundreds to the land of his
birth, to the Island, back to grasp the hands of old friends,
back to the spot, where his ancestors landed one hundred
and fifty years ago, back to see where their first Church
was erected, back to the old Cemetery where the honored
bones of his forefathers repose, back to take a prominent
part in the erection and unveiling of this noble Monument.
Yes to all these visitors from abroad we again extend
the cordial welcome of the Government, of the Province
itself and of all the people of the Province."
Mr. Peter McCourt, President of the Benevolent Irish
90
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Society spoke on behalf of the Irish people of the Province.
He said: "The Committee in charge of this celebration
have displayed their goodwill towards the Irish Societies of
this Province, by inviting me as President of the Benevolent
Irish Society, to speak in their behalf on this occasion, At
the outset I wish to thank them for this mark of friendship,
and assure them that I feel it an honour and a pleasure to
respond to their invitiation. Speaking for the Benevolent
Irish Society as its President, I am able to bear testimony
to the cordial relations, w r hich have always existed between
its members and the Scottish people of the Province. Indeed
the same can be said with regard to all other Societies.
Doubtless there is stronger racial sympathies between
Celtic Societies than for others, as they have descended from
the original races that peopled Ireland, and can regard
each other as distant relatives.
In reference to this celebration, I wish also to offer
most hearty congratulations to the Committee in charge and
the Scottish people generally on the erection of the costly
and beautiful Monument just unveiled in honour of the
Reverend James McDonald and the lay Scottish Catholics,
with whom he emigrated to escape the religious persecution
then rampant in their homeland. This stately Celtic Cross
will long stand as a Monument to their heroic spirit, and
as a reminder of their perilous journey, first across the
trackless ocean, and afterwards through the primeval for
ests, which awaited their arrival here.
I need not repeat the eulogistic language of previous
speakers respecting the early struggles of those sturdy
Highlanders, and the success achieved by them in convert
ing the forest into fertile fields. I can only say I heartily
endorse all that has been said. Father McDonald whose
memory is so deeply revered, proved a devoted Shepherd
of his flock and labored strenuously for a period of thir
teen years, when it pleased his Master to call him to his
Heavenly Reward, at the age of forty-nine years. After
the lapse of one hundred and fifty years, we Islanders can
91
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
understand the bitter trial it was to those good people to
be thus bereft of their faithful guide and counsellor. To
be forced to bid adieu to their mist-clad mountains, bonnie
glens and sunny braes to sever the ties of friendship and
kinship and face pioneer life was, indeed, a hard exper
ience, but it was not to be compared with the loss of their
beloved Pastor. In this dark hour it would seem their
prayers ascended to Heaven that some day in the future a
fitting tribute would be paid by their descendants to the
memory of their lamented Pastor. Their thoughts must
have been in harmony just then with the lines of Thomas
Moore, in one of his beautiful Sacred Songs which reads :
"As down in the sunless retreats of the Ocean
Sweet flowers are springing no mortal can see
So deep in my soul the still prayer of devotion
Unheard by the world rises silent to Thee,
My God trembling to Thee."
The years sped on without a Monument being erected
until Rev. J. C. McMillan, D. D., in his History of the Diocese
of Charlottetown, broke the silence of the long vigil of their
descendants by calling attention in his first volume to their
apparent neglect, with the result that the "still prayer of
devotion" was heard, and blossomed out by the erection and
unveiling on this hollowed spot, of this beautiful and endur
ing tribute to the memory of a brave little Colony, whose
courage and steadfastness has since been, and will always
prove an inspiration to all who have heard or read their
history.
Permit me to say a few words on the Scots generally.
We all know that Scotch men and women are proverbial the
world over for their hospitality. I need not quote history
to prove this. It is a matter of common knowledge. I did
not reside in Kings County for several years in the midst of
the sons of the heather without learning the truth of my
statements.
Taking a broader view of the subject, I think all will
92
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
agree that the pages of history do not furnish the names
of braver warriors or abler Statesmen than Scotland has
produced. There is no great modern battle-field in the world
that has not resounded with the military tread of conquer
ing Scots.
While all these claims are freely admitted, I think if
there is one thing more than another that sheds glory on
Auld Scotia, it is the patriotism of her sons. This in my
opinion is due to their language and their literature. Where
can you find such patriotic sentiments as are breathed in
Burns* "Scot Wha Hae" or Sir Walter Scott s anathema on
the man without a country, Let me quote him:
"Breathes there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
"This is my own, my native land!"
"Whose heart hath ne er within him burned,
As home his footsteps he hath turned i
From wandering on a foreign strand;
If such there breathe, go mark him well ;
For him no ministrel raptures swell;
High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish can claim;
Despite those titles power and pelf, * i
The wretch concentered all in self,
Living shall forfeit fair renown,
And doubly dying shall go down
To the vile dust, from whence he sprung,
Unwept, unhonoured, and unsung."
This striking passage gives us a clear idea of how an
unpatriotic Scot is regarded by his fellow countrymen, and
tells us how they have been taught their well-known love of
Country."
Mr. McCourt then referred briefly to the present
turmoil in Ireland and predicted that it would soon pass
away and be followed by a new era of peace and prosperity.
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SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Ireland was not alone in waging Civil wars. England has
had her Civil wars in plenty : France has had hers : Germany
too, had many bitter family fights, and the United States
had her four long years of internecine strife. It seems to
be the fate of every country, that possesses a virile and
progressive population.
Concluding his Speech Mr. McCourt expressed pride in
the growing national sentiment of Canada and her immense
resources and assured prosperity. He also held that Canada
has a great advantage in being governed in her infancy as
a Nation, by four of the greatest races in the world viz :
the English, the French, the Irish and the Scotch, whose
sons, if we may judge by their performances during the
Great War, are ready and able to take their part in de
fending the Throne and Crown of Great Britain.
Mr. James Mclsaac spoke in behalf of the Scottish
Catholic laity, who were particularly interested in the
celebration of the day. His address was as follows: "The
celebration in which we participate today is of profound
significance and sacred character. We are assembled to
commemorate, in a special manner, the virtues, the labors,
and the sacrifices of two apostolic men. After inaugurating
the day s celebration by religious exercises, prayer, thanks
giving and fitting eulogy, we now assist at the ceremony of
solemnly dedicating a monumental shaft as a perpetual
memorial of these illustrious dead.
The holy Bishop and Priest, whose names are inscribed
on this monument, were born in Scotland, that land des
cribed by the poet as, "Caledonia stern and wild." It is
true that Scotland is a land of rugged hills and heathery
dales, of lochs and firths, of mountain and glen ; but Scot
land can boast of much more than her unrivalled natural
scenery. In proportion to population, probably no country
of Europe has produced so many great men; whether in
the mechanical arts, or in the learned professions; in
Scholarship and Philosophy, in Literature and Statesman-
94
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
ship. It is a land of renowned heroes and intrepid war
riors, a land of romance, of poetry and of chivalry.
Such was the birth-place of those, whose careers con
stitute the central and essential phase of this celebration.
Amid the history, traditions and folk-lore of that country
they grew up, spent their youth and young manhood. Great
as may have been the attractions of worldly success that
appealed to them, and alluring to their youthful ardor as
may have appeared the path-way to secular eminence, these
young men were evidently more impressed by the study of
the lives of Scotland s great and holy religious leaders.
They evidently chose to follow the example set by St. Nin-
ian, St. Columba, St. Kentigern, St. Cuthbert and other
saintly Bishops and religious men of Scotland; so they
turned their faces against earthly ambitions and determined
to enter upon a life of self-sacrifice, self abnegation; to de
vote their talents, their lives and their energies to the ex
tension of the Kingdom of God on earth, and the good of
their fellow-men. Their choice of the ecclesiastical voca
tion, quite possibly, was strengthened and encouraged by
what they saw around them. Here were, on one side or
another, lona, Melrose, Dryburg, Scone, Jedburg, Cambus-
kenneth, and many other centres of religion and piety, bear
ing eloquent testimony, in their ruins, to their former
splendor.
At this period there existed several Colleges for higher
education on the Continent, which had been established
through the generosity and the sacrifices of the Scottish
people. Paris, Rome, Bohemia, Vienna and Valladolid were
the homes of such Institutions. The young men, whose
life work we are commemorating today, were sent to the
Scot Colleges at Rome and Valladolid respectively. In
due time, they returned to their native land, crowned with
the academic honors of their respective alma maters, and
empowered to preach the gospel and offer Sacrifice. For
a few years both of them exercised the sacred ministry in
their native land before coming to America. It may not
be devoid of interest to dwell for a moment on some of the
95
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
conditions in Scotland about this period one hundred and
fifty years ago.
This was one hundred and six years before the restor
ation of the Scottish Hierarchy. Bishop Hay had been
consecrated and had entered upon his Episcopal labors three
years previously; the poet Burns, was thirteen years of
age, and had not yet begun to sing, and Sir Walter Scott
was but a child one year old. The period was approximately
synchronous with the rising- under Prince Charles Edward
in 1745, and the disastrous culmination of that emprise at
the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
The Highlanders and Islanders had the scourge applied
to them pretty severely for their devotion to "Prince
Charlie." They did not stop to consider whether or not
what they were doing was wise or politic. They were
actuated by one sentiment ; they followed the "King of the
Highland hearts, Bonnie Prince Charlie."
Those young Priests now turned their faces westward,
and in vision contemplated our lonely Island, as the place
of their future missionary labours. The prospect was not
alluring: Here was a sparsely populated region, almost
completely covered with forests and enveloped for half the
year in a mantle of snow. But they had knowledge that
some of their fellow countrymen and others in this distant
land, yearned for the bread of life and had no one to break
it to them. They set out on their mission with undaunted
courage and apostolic zeal, wearing the breastplate of jus
tice, their feet shod with the Gospel of peace, and bearing
the torchlight of Faith, which illuminated their path like a
bright oriflame.
The story of their missionary labours, their apostolic
zeal and saintly lives in this Island, has been eloquently
unfolded to you, and I need not make any further refer
ence thereto. It is in every way fitting that the monolith,
crowned by the Celtic Cross, here erected to their memory,
should be formed of the granite of their native land, and
96
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SAINT JOSEPH S CONVENT
Founded by Bishop Maclntyre. The original Church of Saint
Andrew s, which was hauled from its first site, forms part
of the present building of St. Joseph s.
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
should be fashioned by Scottish artisans. The Poet Horace,
contemplating what he had written, and realizing the in
fluence it was destined to exercise for all future time, ex
claimed :
"Exegi monumentum aere perennius"
"I have erected a monument more enduring than brass.
With greater truth can this be said of those to whose
memory the monument we have today dedicated, is erected.
The monument of love, veneration and homage implanted
in the hearts of all who are the beneficiaries of their apost
olic labors and sacred ministry, will surely endure from
generation to generation down the corridors of time.
I have no doubt this will become a place of pilgrimage,
and that the monument here erected will continue a per
petual memorial of sacred duty well done; priceless service
generously rendered and purest self-sacrifice nobly con
summated."
The next speaker to address the audience was Hon
orable Aubin E. Arsenault, Assistant Judge of the Supreme
Court of Prince Edward Island. He spoke in the name of
the Acadian People of the Province, of whom a great num
ber was present. His address was as follows : "I am much
pleased, indeed, to be present on this occasion, and to witness
the enthusiasm, that accompanies this celebration. I am
particularly pleased at having been asked to take part in the
proceedings that mark with fitting solemnity, the unveil
ing of this beautiful monument, and I desire publicly to
thank the Committee, for their kind and flattering invit
ation.
The celebration of this day, though organized by the
Scottish Catholic citizens of the Province, is one that ap
peals to the sympathies of all classes and creeds. This is
abundantly shown by the great numbers, who despite ad
verse conditions, have graced the occasion with their pre
sence. I may say however, that it possesses a special in
terest for us Acadians, because, there has existed from
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SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
early times, a strong bond of sympathy, between the Ac-
adians and their Scottish Catholic fellow-citizens, and as
years go by, this spirit of sympathy seems to grow in
depth and intensity. In the old countries across the sea we
find the beginnings of this mutual sympathy, and it is there
fore, not surprising that it should have been transported
across the ocean, and cherished in this new land by the im
migrants of both races.
Mary Queen of Scots, whose meteoric career has ting
ed the history of Scotland with a glow of golden romance,
received her education at the Court of France, and when
she returned to her own Kingdom, French in sentiment, in
language and culture, she was able to win the love and
admiration of her people, and she would doubtlessly have
continued to hold that esteem and affection, if it were not
for the fact, that she admitted to her councils, unworthy
men, who for selfish interests, were willing to betray their
Queen and their country.
The Scottish Highlanders, who fought under Wolfe at
the taking of Quebec did conquer the French on that day,
but they in turn fell victims to the charms and fascinations
of the French Canadian maidens, and hence many of them
married French Canadian wives, settled down in Quebec, and
became in course of time more French than the French
themselves.
It is easy to trace a great similarity of experience be
tween the Scottish Catholic immigrants and the Acadian
Pioneers of this Province. The early Acadian suffered
sorely for conscience s sake. He has borne persecution and
exile in his steadfast adherence to that Faith, that is dearer
to him than all beside. A similar lot befell the Scottish im
migrants. They too, had to bear testimony to their love
of religion. They were forced to bid adieu to home and
friends, sever the ties of country and kindred, that they
might preserve for themselves and their children the price
less gift of Divine Faith. On their arrival in this country
they were welcomed with open arms, by the remnants of
98
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
the exiled Acadiants, who tendered them the hospitality of
their slender means, and many of them are sleeping their
long last sleep, side by side with their Acadian friends, in
the old French Cemetery, almost under the shadow of this
Cross dedicated here today.
In the course of this present summer, the Acadians of
the Maritime Provinces have erected a memorial Church at
Grand Pre, on the site of the original church, which had
been burnt to the ground at the time of the Expulsion in
the year 1755, and today the descendants of the first Scot
tish immigrants have raised this Cross to commemorate
the one hundredth and fiftieth anniversary of the coming
of their ancestors to this country, and with a becoming re
gard for the fitness of things, they have placed its found
ation on the very spot, whereon stood the first church
raised by the pioneers, immediately after their arrival in
this country.
Let us remember well, however, that we erect these
monuments, not to perpetuate the memory of wrongs
committed, nor of sufferings endured; but rather that we
may learn to admire the virtues of our ancestors, and be
led thereby to imitate them in their love of religion as well
as their deep-seated patriotism, for whilst they suffered
persecutions, they never failed in their loyalty to lawful
authority.
The hardy Scottish pioneers of Prince Edward Island
are at present represented by descendants, who are no less
loyal to their Church and their King, and by their many
excellent qualities of mind and heart, they have been able
to attain a high place in the civil and religious life of the
Country.
The foundations have been well laid, and we look to
coming generations to continue the work so nobly begun
by our ancestors. We look to them to go on progressing,
giving to the Church her priests and bishops, and giving to
the State its legislators, its governors and statesmen. The
monument dedicated here today to the memory of the past
99
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
will thus prove a stimulant to the present and future gen
erations, to walk steadfastly in the path blazed by devoted
ancestors, and as long as they persevere in that path, they
will of a surety be a splendid factor in moulding the Ee~3t
destinies of Church and Country.
Short speeches were also delivered by Mr. Crosby,
American Consular Agent at Charlottetown, representing
the United States, by D. A. McDonald, Esquire, represent
ing the Intercolonial Club of Boston and John Sark of
Lennox Island, Chief of the Mic-Mac Indians. The last
mentioned was dressed in the picturesque costume of an
Indian Chief, and presented a fine and imposing appear
ance. He began his remarks in English and having spoken
thus for a while ended in the Mic-Mac tongue.
At the close of the Speeches a goodly number began to
wend their way homeward, whilst others remained on the
grounds until comparatively a late hour. After tea those
present were treated to an enjoyable concert by the pipe-
band of the Caledonia Club and by the Band of the League
of the Cross. As the shadows of evening began to fall,
Piper McKenzie of the Caledonia Club standing in front of
the monument played "Lochaber no more," the air usually
played in the old days on the docks of the old country, as
the emigrants ships released from their moorings, started
on their melancholy voyage to the New World; and as the
plaintive strains of the old familiar air welled up in the
hush of the fading twilight, wood and clearing, hill and
valley, verdant bank and marshy fen grew resonant under
the spell, and sent back a thousand speaking echoes, that
seemed to bridge the chasm of a hundred and fifty years,
and gently died away at the foot of the monumental block,
so recently hewn
"From the hills our fathers trod."
Then the crowd finally dispersed, and the celebration
of 1922 took its place among the things of the past, and
went to swell the long list of Scottish Catholic achievements
in Prince Edward Island.
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SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XXII
Whilst our thoughts thus go back to the early days of
our Country, and lovingly dwell upon the coining of our
forefathers, it is right that we glance over present condit
ions, and endeavor to understand the relationship that
should exist between the Scottish Catholic celebration of
1922 and the future of our Country as a whole. It was not
for idle show, nor to indulge a feeling of empty vanity that
the movement was projected. It was rather to give practical
expression to the feelings of gratitude, that dwell in the
hearts of the present generation, and at the same time to
teach the lesson that no people, who hope to live in history
can afford to leave in oblivion the memory of those, whose
early sacrifices prove the foundation of their present great
ness.
A country without monuments is often a country
without real national ambition. It is lacking in at least one
of the strongest incentives, that go to create an active
public spirit; and perhaps this is the reason, so many of
the present generation in Prince Edward Island are so slow
in assumng the burden of true citizenship, and in contribut
ing according to their opportunities, towards the upbuilding
of our common country. Monuments serve an excellent
purpose in this regard. They reflect the glories of the
past ; they fire the enthusiasm of the present ; they furnish
lofty ideals begotten of what is best and noblest in our his
tory, and stimulate to greater achievements by the example
of those, whose names enshrined in stone and marble bid
defiance to time and change.
"For to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."
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SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
This is as yet a new country, comparatively speaking,
and with the exception of the family headstones that deck
our cemeteries, we are a people practically without monu
ments. Until latter years our people were so engrossed with
the cares and difficulties of making a living, that they had
little time to give to recording or commemorating the deeds
of the past. But now, that a brighter era has dawned and
easier circumstances prevail, it is right and just that they
should turn their minds to a consideration of the various
agencies, that have conspired to bring about the material
and social development that obtains in the country at the
present day; and in this way they will naturally be moved
to revere the memory of the men and women of the past,
whose whole-souled devotedness and spirit of sacrifice
made present conditions possible. Theirs it was to fell the
forest, and clear the land amid circumstances that to a
weaker race would have been intolerable; and surely it is
the bounden duty of those, who reap in comfort the harvest
they sowed amid incredible privations, to cherish their fair
fame, and to see to it that their memory shall not fade from
the land, that owes so much to their generous sacrifices.
102
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
XXIII
The Catholic population of Prince Edward Island, at the
present day, is made up of several groups or classes, each
doing its share in building up a healthy public spirit, and
each bound by ties of gratitude to generous and devoted
forefathers. Upon the united action of all these, the Church
depends for the success of her Mission in this portion of
her inheritance.
The oldest group is made up of the Mic Macs, those
simple children of nature, who were the original inhabit
ants of Prince Edward Island, and whose musical accents
first invoked the name of God in the leafy aisles of Nat
ure s temple, as they roamed the pathless forests of their
well-beloved Abegweit. They have never completely out
grown the wandering tendencies of their race, nor have
they kept pace with the other inhabitants in the march of
our so-called civilization; but they have proved ever stead
fast in their allegiance to Holy Church, and it is their proud
boast, that not one of their number ever abandoned the
Faith delivered to them by their first Missionaires.
The second group is the French or Acadians, who were
the first Europeans to bring the Faith of Christ to our
Shores. By the fortunes of war they suffered much, and
became to a great extent, wanderers in a country once their
own; but throughout it all the priceless heritage of Faith
remained to them, and today the country does not hold
more loyal, active and progressive citizens than the faithful
Acadians of Prince Edward Island.
The third group is composed of the Scottish Catholics,
whose coming to the country and subsequent activities are
detailed in the preceeding pages.
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SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Lastly, we have a large and influential body of Irish
people, originally of the same stock as the Scotch, and who
came thither under like conditions of persecution at home
and hopes of religious freedom abroad. They are an in
dustrious progressive and God-fearing people, who have
prospered well in this country, and have formed themselves
into flourishing parishes, where they are a powerful factor
for good, in the civil and religious life of the community.
In the hands of all these people lies the future of the
Catholic Church in Prince Edward Island, and on their
united action it depends to make that future grand and
glorious.
The history of the evolution of this prosperous Pro
vince from humble and obscure beginnings is an interesting
and fascinating story, whilst the steady growth of the
Catholic Church in the face of many odds, ever keeping
pace with civil development, is not less interesting and
admirable.
If it is true that civilization begets civilization; that
improvement prepares the way for further improvement;
that the development of one age leads up to the greater
development of succeeding ages; then may we not look
forward to wonderful progress in the next one hundred and
fifty years.
The publishers of this "Memorial Volume" fondly
cherish the hope, tliat the Scottish Catholics of the next
Century and a half in Prince Edward Island, will prove true
to the best traditions of their race, that banded together
with those of other nationalities, they will do their part
well and nobly for Faith and Fatherland. If in the dark and
gloomy days of persecution they were able to accomplish so
much, what greater achievements may we not expect of
them, now that the clouds have rolled away, and religious
freedom like the sun in its noon-day splendour, sheds its
vivifying rays upon all their activities.
May the little mound at Scotchf ort, upon which stands
104
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a1 <u
Q
<!
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
the monument to the pioneers, become in future years a
trysting place for Scottish Catholic thought and sentiment;
may the descendants of those pioneers from all over the
country, come thither in spirit to reinvigorate their ener
gies, by a meditation on the deeds of the past, and may one
and all find in that hallowed spot, an inspiration urging
them ever onward to higher and nobler achievements. Such
was the dominant thought in the minds of those, who or
ganized the celebration of 1922, and such is the idea cry
stallized in the monument erected to the memory of the
early emigrants.
"Remember the days of old, think upon every genera
tion; ask thy Father and He will declare to thee; thy eld
ers and they will tell thee." (Deut. XXXII. 7) "We have
heard, God, with our ears : our fathers have declared to
us.
The work thou hast wrought in their days, and in the
days of old. For they got not possession of the land by their
own sword : neither did their own arm save them.
But thy right hand and thy arm, and the light of thy
countenance: because thou wast well pleased with them.
(Ps. XLIII. 2. 3. seq.)
105
LIST OF
SCOTTISH PRIESTS
Who have Laboured in
Prince Edward Island
FROM
The Arrival of the
Emigrants in 1772
TILL THE
Erection of the Monument
at Scotchfort in 1922
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
REVEREND JAMES MACDONALD
Born in Scotland. Made his early studies at home.
Went to the Scots College in Rome, where he was raised to
the holy Priesthood in the year 1769. Labored on the Mis
sions of Scotland for three years. Came to P. E. Island
with the immigrants of 1772 and remained with them till
his death in 1885. His remains lie in an unmarked grave,
in the old French cemetery at Scotchfort.
RIGHT REVEREND ANGUS BERNARD MACEACHERN
First Bishop of Charlottetown. Born in Scotland.
Studied with Bishop Hugh Macdonald, Vicar Apostolic of
the Highland District. Finished his studies at Valladolid
in Spain, where he was ordained priest in the year 1787. A
missionary in Scotland for three years. Came to P. E.
Island with immigrants in the year 1790. Became Auxiliary
Bishop in 1819. Consecrated Bishop at Quebec in 1821.
Became Bishop of Charlottetown in 1829. Died at Savage
Harbor in the year 1835.
RIGHT REVEREND BERNARD DONALD MACDONALD
Second Bishop of Charlottetown. First native of
Prince Edward Island raised to the priesthood. Born at
Allisary, near Mount Stewart. Made principal studies at
the Seminary of Quebec. Ordained there in 1822. Labored
en the missions of the Diocese of Charlottetown for about
thirty seven years. Succeeded Bishop MacEachern in 1836.
Consecrated Bishop in St. Patrick s Church Quebec, in
October 1837. Died at Saint Dunstan s College, on the
30th of December in year 1859. His remains lie under the
sanctuary of St. Dunstan s Cathedral, Charlottetown.
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SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
REVEREND AUGUSTINE MACDONALD
Brother of Capt. John McDonald of Glenaladale.
Born in Scotland. Ordained priest in Rome. Spent over
thirty years on the missions in Scotland. Came to Prince
Edward Island in his old age, and went to live with his
brother at Tracadie, where he remained till his death.
REVEREND JOHN MACDONALD
t
Son of Captain John Macdonald of Glenaladale. Born
at Tracadie. Made his primary studies at his home. Later,
studied in England, and finally went to Paris for the study
of Theology, and there he was ordained priest in the year
1825. Spent five years on the Missions of the Diocese of
Glasgow in Scotland. Returned to P. E. Island, in the year
1830, bringing with him the original settlers of Fort Aug
ustus. Spent eight years on the missions of King s County.
Afterwards went to England, and lived at Brighton near
London, where he died in the year 1874.
REVEREND FRANCIS JOHN MACDONALD
First student of St. Andrew s College raised to the
priesthood. Born at East Point. Made his early studies in
the district school. Entered Saint Andrew s College soon
after it opened. Went to St. Hyacinthe College in the
Province of Quebec, and later to the Seminary of Quebec,
where he was ordained Priest in the year 1840. In the fall
of that year came to Launching and for the next sixty
years had charge of many of the missions of King s County.
Died at Saint George s in the Month of August 1900.
VERY REVEREND JAMES MACDONALD
Born at Saint Andrew s. One of the first students to
enter Saint Andrew s College. Completed his studies at the
Seminary of Quebec, where he was ordained priest in the
Cathedral, on the 26th of June 1842. Spent a short time
110
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
in Quebec, to gain some insight into the work of the
ministry. Returned to Prince Edward Island, and was ap
pointed to the missions of eastern Prince County. Was
rector of St. Dunstan s College for many years. Became
Pastor of Saint Andrew s and Morell in the autumn of the
year 1880. Named Domestic Prelate by his Holiness Pope
Leo XIII in August 1887. Died at Charlottetown in the
year 1905, and was buried in the cemetery of St. Andrews
Parish.
REVEREND JAMES AENEAS MACINTYRE
Born at East Point. Made primary studies at Saint
Andrew s College. Went to Rome, and was there ordained
priest in the year 1842. Received the title Doctor of Divin
ity at the Propaganda at the close of his studies. Returned
home in the following summer and forthwith became
assistant to Father Brady, at Vernon River and Saint An
drew s. Later, he became pastor of Saint Andrew s and
Morell. Built the original church at Baldwin s Road. Left
the Diocese of Charlottetown at the close of the year 1848,
and repaired to Upper Canada. Thence he passed to the
United States, where he remained till his death.
RIGHT REVEREND PETER MACINTYRE
Third Bishop of Charlottetown. Born at Cable Head,
in King s County. Studied at Saint Andrew s College, and
afterwards at the Seminary of Quebec, where he was or
dained in the Cathedral on the 26th of February 1843.
Appointed to the western missions of Prince County and
went to live at Tignish, where he resided till he was con
secrated Bishop in the Month of August, i860. He ruled
the diocese of Charlottetown for upwards of thirty years
with consummate skill and prudence. He died suddenly at
Antigonish, April 30, 1891, and is buried under the Church
of St. Peter s in his native parish.
Ill
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
REVEREND PIUS MACPHEE
Born at St. Margaret s. One of the earlier students
at St. Andrew s College. Continued his studies at the
Seminary of Quebec. Ordained at Rustico by Bishop Mac-
donald in August 1843. Served on the missions of King s
County, particularly at St. Andrew s and St. Peter s. He
died suddenly at Tracadie on the 2nd of July 1889, and was
buried in the parish cemetery of Saint Bonaventure s
Tracadie.
REVEREND DANIEL MACDONALD
A native of Saint Andrew s Parish, where he com
menced his studies. When the College was closed in 1844,
he set out for Rome, entered the Propaganda College, and
was raised to the priesthood, on the 5th of April 1851. On
his return to Prince Edward Island he was appointed assist
ant to the Bishop in the Parish of Rustico, and Hope River.
Later he had charge of the most eastern missions of King s
County. Was parish priest in Charlottetown for some
years. Afterwards professor at Saint Dunstan s College,
and finally pastor at Georgetown, where he died in the be
ginning of the year 1886. He lies at rest, in the cemetery
of the Parish of St. James, Georgetown.
REVEREND ANGUS MACDONALD
Born in the Parish of St. Columba s, East Point. Made
early studies at the Central Academy in Charlottetown.
Entered the Seminary at Quebec, but after one year was
obliged to return home on account of bad health. Made
private studies with Bishop Macdonald at Rustico, and was
there ordained priest on November 21st, 1855. First Rec
tor of St. Dunstan s College, a position he held for almost
fifteen years. Pastor at Fort Augustus, Baldwin s Road
and Cardigan Bridge. Spent some time as assistant at
Rustico. Died in Charlottetown April 29th 1889, and was
buried in the cemetery of St. Dunstan s, Charlottetown .
112
RIGHT REVEREND DANIEL JEROME GILLIS
Born at Miscouche Dec. 4th, 1842. Made his studies at St. Dunstan s
College and Montreal Seminary. Ordained prhst in Montreal
May 1st, 1870. Curate for some months at St. Patrick s, Montreal.
Pastor at St. Andrew s, St. Peter s, Esst Point and Indian River.
Named Roman Prelate by Pope Leo XIII.
Monument Fund.
Special benefactor to
REVEREND LAUGHLIN MACDONALD
Founder of the Catholic Orphanage (Charlottetown)
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
REVEREND DUGALD STANISLAUS MACDONALD
Born in Invernesshire, Scotland. Came to Prince
Edward Island about the close of the year 1858. Ap
pointed assistant to Bishop Macdonald at Rustico. Later
served at Kinkora and Kelly s Cross and Tignish. Went to
Miramichi early in the year 1861, where a few years later,
he met his death by drowning.
REVEREND DUGALD M. MACDONALD
Born at Pisquid in the Parish of St. Andrew s. Made
his earliest studies in the district school. Entered St. Dun-
stan s College soon after it opened. The first student of
St. Dunstan s to be raised to the priesthood. Studied
Theology at the Grand Seminary of Quebec. Ordained in
Charlottetown by Bishop Maclntyre on November 21st,
1861. He immediately took up work in the Parish of Tig
nish. Later was appointed to the missions in eastern
King s County. Some years afterwards he returned to
Tignish, where he continues his ministerial labors, despite
the infirmities of old age. In the month of November
1886, he celebrated the silver jubilee of his ordination, and
was raised to the dignity of Domestic Prelate, in recognition
of his long service to the Diocese. Twenty five years later
he had the rare privilege of celebrating his golden jubilee.
While still in the active discharge of his duties as parish
priest, it was his great distinction to celebrate his diamond
anniversary in November 1921.
REVEREND DUGALD J. MACISAAC
A native of Vernon River Parish. Amongst the earl
iest students at Saint Dunstan s College. Studied Theology
at the Grand Seminary of Quebec. Ordained Priest by
Bishop Maclntyre on the 20th of August 1863. His first
charge was at Tignish, where he spent about four years.
Left the Diocese, and went to the United States. He never
again returned to Prince Edward Island.
113
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PKINCE EDWARD ISLAND
REVEREND DONALD FRANCIS MACDONALD
Native of Saint Andrew s. Studied at Saint Dunstan s
College. Afterwards at the Grand Seminary of Quebec.
Ordained in Charlottetown by Bishop Maclntyre November
23rd, 1864. Spent the first months of his priestly career
with his uncle Very Reverend James Macdonald, Pastor at
Indian River. Took charge of the Missions of Souris, Rollo
Bay and Little Pond, in King s County, and died at Souris
on the 17th of April 1902, and was buried in the Parish
cemetery.
REVEREND RONALD BERNARD MACDONALD
Born at Bedeque. Attended the district school for some
time. Entered St. Dunstan s College at an early age. Fin
ished his studies at the Seminary of Quebec. Ordained
priest by Bishop Maclntyre on September 14th, 1866. Pro
fessor at St. Dunstan s College for some time. Pastor at
Miscouche, Wellington and Grand River. Joined the Jes
uits in the United States, with whom he remained some
years. Returned to his native Diocese, and having spent
some time as Pastor at Rustico and afterwards at Souris, he
retired from the active ministry, and took up his quarters at
the Charlottetown Hospital where he remained till his
death in the month of November 1922.
REVEREND RODOLPHUS PETER MACPHEE
A native of the Parish of St. George s. Attended the
district school. Studied privately for a time under the
direction of his pastor Rev. Francis J. Macdonald, Made
his theological course in France. Ordained Priest, by the
Bishop of Evreux, on June 29th, 1867. Had charge of St.
Andrew s and St. Peter s for a time. Had charge of Rus
tico, till the year 1888, when ill-health forced him to re
tire. Spent some time in Colorado, whence he returned and
took up his residence in Charlottetown, and later at George
town, where he died in the month of November 1900. His
remains lie in the Cemetery of his native parish of St.
George s.
114
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
REVEREND JAMES ^SNEAS MACDONALD
Born at Pisquid in the Parish of St. Andrew s. Made
his classical course at St. Dunstan s College. Took up the
study of Theology in the Grand Seminary of Montreal. Or
dained priest in the Cathedral of Charlottetown by Bishop
Maclnyre on December 22nd in the year 1867. Had charge
of various missions throughout the Diocese, notably at
Cascumpec, Brae, Lot 11, Kelly s Cross and Hope River.
Died at the Charlottetown Hospital, August 9th, 1913, and
was buried in the cemetery at St. Andrew s.
REVEREND JAMES LAMONT
Born in Scotland. Came to Prince Edward Island
in the fall of the year 1868. Professor at St. Dunstan s
College, and afterwards Pastor at St. Andrew s, Morell and
St. Peter s. Went abroad to the Province of Ontario, where
he labored till his death.
RIGHT REVEREND DANIEL JEROME GILLIS
Born at Miscouche. Made his classical studies at St
Dunstan s College. Went to the Grand Seminary of Mon
treal for the study of Theology. Ordained in the Cathedral
of Montreal on May 1st, 1870. Has been Pastor at St.
Andrew s, St. Peter s, Morell, East Point, Indian River and
Freetown. Raised to the Dignity of Domestic Prelate by
Pope Leo XIII. Gave a splendid contribution towards the
monument erected at Scotchfort. Continues to labor in
the vineyard of the Lord, with the energy and zeal of his
earlier years.
REV. JAMES JOSEPH ALEXANDER MACDONALD
Born at St. Andrew s. Studied at St. Dunstan s College
and afterwards in the Seminary of Montreal. Ordained in
the church of his native parish, by Bishop Maclntyre on
115
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
the 23rd of October 1870. His health was, for his friends
a constant source of anxiety, and in fact he was never able
to take up the work of the holy ministry. He continued to
live at the home of his father at St. Andrew s, and there
he died on the llth of August 1872, leaving behind him
a wonderful reputation for personal sanctity. His remains
lie under the sanctuary of St. Andrew s Church, close to
the tomb of the illustrious and saintly Bishop MacEachern.
REVEREND DONALD JAMES GREGORY MACDONALD
A native of St. Andrew s Parish. When quite young
he entered St. Dunstan s College, and later went to Rome
to continue his studies. Failing health obliged him to re
turn home, and after a period of forced repose, he entered
the Seminary of Montreal, where he was raised to the holy
priesthood on the 8th of October of the year 1871. His
first employment in the Diocese was that of assistant to
Reverend Peter MacPhee at Rustico. Later he was in
charge of East Point and St. Margaret s, and from there
he moved to St. George s. Finding the infirmities of old
age coming fast upon him, he retired from the active min
istry, and is spending his declining days, in his private
home at Morell.
RIGHT REVEREND JAMES CHARLES MACDONALD
The fourth Bishop of Charlottetown. Born at Allisary
in the Parish of St. Andrew s. Studied at the Central
Academy in Charlottetown, from which he graduated with
a teacher s license. He afterwards entered St. Dunstan s
College, and having finished his Classical course, he went
to the Grand Seminary of Montreal for the study of theol
ogy. Ordained to the priesthood, in the Cathedral of Char
lottetown, by Bishop Maclntyre on the 4th of July 1873.
He was for a time Professor at St. Dunstan s College, and
somewhat later Pastor of Cardigan Bridge, Georgetown, and
Baldwin s Road. Became Rector of St. Dunstan s College
116
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
and whilst holding that position was appointed Coadjutor
to the Bishop of Charlottetown, to whom he succeeded on
the death of the latter on the 30th of April, 1891. Ruled
the Diocese, for upwards of twenty years, and died at the
episcopal residence in the Month of December 1912. His re
mains lie under the sanctuary of St. Dunstan s Cathedral,
Charlottetown.
REVEREND MICHAEL J. MACMILLAN
A native of the Parish of Indian River. Spent several
years at St. Dunstan s College. Made his theological
studies at the Grand Seminary of Montreal. Ordained in
Charlottetown by Bishop Maclntyre, on July 4th, 1873.
Spent a short time at the Cathedral of Charlottetown. Af
terwards had charge of the Missions of Grand River West,
and adjacent Missions. Transferred to St. Theresa s, where
he died July 12, 1898, and was buried in the Parish
cemetery.
REVEREND ALLAN J. MACDONALD
A native of St. Andrew s, where he received the rudi
ments of his education. Entered St. Dunstan s College,
and on the completion of his classical course, went to Mon
treal to the Grand Seminary for the study of theology.
Returned home and was ordained priest by Bishop Mac
lntyre, in the Parish church of Indian River, on the 5th of
July 1874. A few years professor at St. Dunstan s College,
and later was appointed to the Parish of Fort Augustus,
where he is still engaged in the work of the ministry, after
a period of forty five years.
REVEREND LAUGHLIN J. MACDONALD
Born in the Parish of Morell. Educated at St. Dun
stan s College. Continued his studies at the Seminary of
Quebec, where he was ordained priest on the 24th of Feb
ruary 1878. After his ordination he spent some time at
117
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Sillery Quebec, and on his return home was appointed as
sistant at the Cathedral of Charlottetown. Some time
later was placed in charge of the Missions of Grand River
West and Lot II, and Brae and continued in that locality
till his health failed and he was obliged to retire from the
active ministry and take up his residence at the City Hos
pital, Charlottetown. During the time of his retirement, he
founded the Orphanage of St. Vincent de Paul, near Char
lottetown. He died at the Hospital on the 4th of March
1916, and was buried amongst his kindred in the cemetery
at St. Andrew s.
REVEREND EDWARD WALKER, D. D.
A native of Launching in the Parish of St. George s.
Studied in the district school, where he won a scholarship
at Prince of Wales College, and later spent several years
at St. Dunstan s College. Made his theological studies at
the Grand Seminary of Quebec. Ordained Priest by Bishop
Maclntyre in the Cathedral of Charlottetown, July 9th,
1877. Professor at St. Dunstan s College. Appointed Pas
tor at Rollo Bay and Little Pond, where he s-tfll carries on
the work of the ministry.
REVEREND ALEXANDER MACGILLIVRAY
A native of the Diocese of Antigonish. Came to the
Diocese of Charlottetown in the fall of the year 1879, and
was appointed to the Cathedral in Charlottetown. ^ He
founded there a branch of the St. Vincent de Paul Society,
which continues till this day its charitable work amongst
the poor of Charlottetown. He died at the Bishop s Palace
on the 4th of July 1883, and was buried in the Cathedral
cemetery, where his friends raised a fitting monument to
his memory.
REVEREND RODERICK MACDONALD
Another priest of the Diocese of Antigonish, who
labored in the Diocese of Charlottetown, was Rev. Roderick
118
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Macdonald. He came to Prince Edward Island in the
autumn of the year 1876, and was placed in charge of the
Parish of St. Peter s. He remained here almost two years,
and returned to his native Diocese where he still lives. He
has been for some time in retirement and lives in a private
residence in the town of Antigonish.
REVEREND ANGUS J. MACINTYRE
A nephew of Bishop Maclntyre, was born in the Parish
of St. Margaret s. Studied at St. Dunstan s College, and
later at the Propaganda College in Rome, where he was
raised to the priesthood on February 8th 1883. Was for a
time at the Cathedral in Charlottetown, and again served
the missions of Tracadie, Corran Ban, Covehead, East
Point and Morell. Resides at the present at the City Hos
pital in Charlottetown.
REVEREND JOHN A. MACDONALD
Born at Pisquid in the Parish of St. Andrew s. Made
his studies at St. Dunstan s College and at the Seminary
of Quebec, where he was ordained priest, on the 4th of
January 1885. Professor at St. Dunstan s College, and
later appointed pastor at Miscouche and Wellington and
finally at Grand River and Lennox Island, where he still
carries on the work of the ministry. Appointed by the
Government Indian Commissioner for all the Micmac In
dians residing in the Province.
REVEREND RONALD J. GILLIS
Born in the Parish of St. Andrew s. Made his studies
at St. Dunstan s College and at the Propaganda College in
Rome. Ordained priest in Rome on the 24th of April 1886.
Assistant to Bishop Maclntyre at St. Peter s Bay, and
afterwards Pastor of the Parish. Died in the Charlotte-
town Hospital on the 12th of December 1912, and was
buried under the sanctuary of the Church of St. Peter s
beside the tomb of Bishop Maclntyre.
119
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
VERY REVEREND JOSEPH C. MACLEAN
Born at De Gros Marsh in the Parish of St. George s.
Made his early studies under the direction of Reverend
Francis J. Macdonald. Spent some years at St. Dunstan s
College. Finished his preparation for the priesthood at
the Seminary of Quebec, and received ordination there on
the 13th of June 1886. Assistant in his native Parish, and
again for some time at the Cathedral of Charlottetown.
Appointed to the spiritual charge of East Point and St.
Margaret s. Thence he returned to St. George s, where he
was pastor till the death of Reverend Francis J. Macdonald.
His next position in the Diocese was Pastor of Summer-
side, and later he was appointed to the Parish of Souris,
where he still labors for the honor and glory of the Divine
Master. Was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese by
His Lordship Bishop Henry J. O Leary, and confirmed in
that position by the present incumbent of the Diocese of
Charlottetown.
REVEREND JOHN JAMES MACDONALD
Born at Glenfinnan, in the Parish of Fort Augustus.
Studied at St. Dunstan s College, and afterwards at Mon
treal where he was ordained priest on the 22nd of Decem
ber 1888. Was for a time assistant at the Cathedral of
Charlottetown. Afterwards Pastor at Kinkora and Seven
Mile Bay, where he spent almost thirty years, when ho was
transferred to Summerside, where he still labors with zeal
and success for the salvation of souls.
REVEREND JOHN C. MACMILLAN
Born at Dundas in the Parish of St. George s. Studied
under the direction of his pastor Reverend Francis John
Macdonald, and afterwards at the Prince of Wales College.
Wert to the Seminary of Quebec, where he was raised to
the priesthood on the 22nd ov December 1888. Assistant
120
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
at St. George s for two years. In charge of the Parish of
Palmer Road till forced to retire from active labor owing to
ill-health. Pastor at Cardigan Bridge, for upwards of
twenty years. Is now in retirement, and lives at the Char-
lottetown Hospital.
REVEREND ALEXANDER P. MACLELLAN
Born at Grand River Lot 14. Studied at the Normal
School in Charlottetown. Taught school for years. Enter
ed St. Dunstan s College. Later he went to the Seminary of
Quebec, and at the completion of his studies was ordained
at Montreal on the 5th of June 1890. On two occasions he
was appointed Rector of St. Dunstan s College. Pastor at
St. Margaret s and at present Pastor of St. Andrew s, where
he carries on the work of the ministry in the interest of
the souls committed to his care.
REVEREND ALEXANDER MACAULAY
A native of the Parish of St. Peter s. Made his studies
at St. Dunstan s College, and afterwards at the Seminary of
Quebec. Ordained in Montreal on the 5th of June 1890.
Assistant at the Charlottetown Cathedral and Secretary to
the Bishop. Appointed Pastor at Morell. Later in charge
of the Mission of Hope River. At present Pastor at St.
Peter s, his native parish, where he labors successfully in
the interest of the people under his care.
RIGHT REVEREND JAMES MORRISON
Born in the Parish of St. Andrew s. Studied at the
Normal School, and graduated with a teacher s license.
Spent some time at St. Dunstan s College, whence he set
out for Rome and entered the Propaganda College. Ordain
ed priest in Rome on the first of November in the year
1889. On his return to Prince Edward Island, he spent
some time as Professor at St. Dunstan s College, and assist-
121
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
ant at the Cathedral, and afterwards he became Pastor of
Vernon River Parish, and while there, he was appointed
Bishop of Antigonish. In this sphere of action, he has
achieved a great measure of success, and continues the
good work to the joy and edification of his flock.
REVEREND IGNATIUS R. A. MACDONALD
Born at Charlottetown. Made his studies at St. Dun-
stan s College. Completed them at the Seminary of Que
bec. Ordained priest in Charlottetown on June 25th 1893.
For a time Professor at St. Dunstan s College. Appointed
Pastor of St. Theresa s Parish, in the year 1898, where he
still remains, laboring with success in that portion of the
Vineyard of the Lord.
REVEREND ALEXANDER J. MACDOUGALL
A native of the Parish of Grand River west. He spent
a term at the Normal School in Charlottetown. Taught
school for a time. Entered St. Dunstan s College. Con
tinued his higher studies in the Seminary of Quebec. Or
dained priest by Bishop Macdonald in the Cathedral of
Charlottetown on the 5th of June 1893. Remained for some
years as professor at St. Dunstan s College. Appointed
Pastor of the Missions of Brae and Lot II. Became assist
ant to Reverend Dugald Macdonald in Tignish, where he
continued till his death early in the year 1923. He lies
buried in the Cemetery of St. Simon and Judge, Tignish.
REVEREND DAMIEN J. A. MACDONALD
Born at Glenfinnan, in the Parish of Fort Augustus.
Entered St. Dunstan s College at an early age, and sub
sequently went to the Grand Seminary of Quebec, where he
was ordained. Served as assistant to Reverend Francis J.
Macdonald at St. George s for a few months. His health was
poor all the while, and at the beginning of November 1891,
122
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PEINCE EDWARD ISLAND
he was forced to take a complete rest. He retired to his
former home at Glenf innan, and there on the 23rd of Nov
ember 1891, he breathed his last. His remains lie buried
in the cemetery of his native Parish Fort Augustus.
REVEREND JOHN B. MACINTYRE
Born at Grand River West. Studied at the Normal
School in Charlottetown, and afterwards taught school.
Entered St. Dunstan s College for a time, and later pro
ceeded to Montreal, where he took up the study of Theol
ogy in the Grand Seminary. Ordained priest at Grand
River on the 24th of June 1905. Employed for a time as
professor at St. Dunstan s College, and later was appoint
ed Pastor at Lot Seven. At present he is in charge of the
Missions of Tracadie, Corran Ban and Covehead. Where he
carries on the work of the ministry to the joy and admir
ation of his flock. ,. _
REVEREND JAMES AUGUSTINE MACDONALD ?
A native of Orwell. Had studied at the Prince of Wales
College, whence he went forth with a teacher s license, and
spent some time as teacher in the public schools. He sub
sequently entered St. Dunstan s College, and later went to
the Seminary of Quebec for the study of theology. Here
he was ordained in the Month of June 1896. He spent one
year as a professor at St. Dunstan s College, and at the end
of that term, went west to the Diocese of Fargo, and thus
severed his connection with the Diocese of Charlottetown.
Some years later, whilst in failing health, he paid a visit
to his former home, and during his stay he died rather
suddenly, and was buried in the cemetery of his native par
ish of Vernon River.
REVEREND A. BERNARD MACDONALD
Born in the parish of St. Francis De Sales at Little
Pond, and began his studies in the district school. He
taught in the public schools for a time, and subsequently
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SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
entered the College of the Propaganda in Rome where he
continued his studies and was raised to the holy priesthood
in the year 1904. He returned to his native Diocese and
spent nine years as professor in St. Dunstan s College, and
at the end of that time he left Prince Edward Island, and
went abroad, settling down in the Diocese of Calgary, in
Alberta, where he is still employed in the work of the sacred
ministry.
REVEREND TERRENCE CAMPBELL
Born at Millcove near Tracadie and entered the district
school at an early age. He afterwards spent a term at the
Normal School in Charlottetown, and took up the profession
of teacher in the public schools of the Province. He enter
ed St. Dunstan s College, and at the completion of his
classics set out for Rome, where he took up Philosophy and
Theology at the College of the Propaganda. There he was
raised to the priesthood on the 15th of June 1898. On his
return home, he was named professor at St. Dunstan s Col
lege, and later became Rector. Was for a time Pastor of
Kelly s Cross and Lot 65, and later was transferred to
Alberton, where he still devotes himself to feed the flock of
Christ.
REVEREND GREGORY J. MACLELLAN, D. D.
A native of St. George s Parish, where he acquired the
rudiments of an education in the district school. He spent
some time at the Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown,
whence he came forth with a teacher s license, and spent
some time teaching in the public schools. Aiming higher,
he entered St. Dunstan s College, and at the close of his
classical course, he went to the Seminary of Quebec where
he studied Theology, and received the title Doctor of Div
inity. He was ordained priest in the Cathedral of Quebec
on the 17th of May, in year 1903. Professor at St. Dun
stan s College, and later Priest in charge at the Cathedral of
Charlottetown. Later appointed Rector at St. Dunstan s
College a position he still fills to the satisfaction of all.
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SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
REVEREND KENNETH C. MACPHERSON
A native of the Parish of Vernon River. Having begun
his education in the primary schools, he graduated with a
teacher s license from the Normal School, and devoted him
self to teaching in the public schools. He again took up his
studies and went for a time to St. Dunstan s College, and
afterwards to the Seminary Quebec, and having finished his
studies, he returned home and was raised to the priesthood
in the Cathedral of Charlottetown the 25th of July 1903. He
has been for a time at the Cathedral of Charlottetown and
at St. Dunstan s College, and later was appointed to the
Pastoral care of the parish of St. Margaret s, where he
still continues to work efficiently in the interest of souls.
REVEREND PIUS A. MACDONALD
Born at Glencoe, in the Parish of Vernon River. He
studied in the district School, and entered the Prince of
Wales College, where he procured a teacher s license. He
taught school for a time and later entered St. Dunstan s
College, and at the close of his classical course, he went to
the Seminary of Montreal. Ordained priest by the Bishop
of Charlottetown on the 5th of January 1908. He next
was engaged at the Cathedral of Charlottetown, and from
there went to Morell, where he was named pastor. Soon
after this latter appointment, the Great World War broke
out, and Father Pius at once offered his services as chap
lain at the front. He was overseas till the close of the
war, and returned home and was named Parish priest at
St. George s. His health failed, whilst in the strength and
vigour of his early manhood, and he died at the Charlotte-
town Hospital in the month of November 1922.
125
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
REVEREND RONALD J. MACDONALD
Born in the parish of St. Theresa s. Student at St. Dun
stan s College, whence he went to the Seminary of Quebec,
where he was raised to the priesthood on June 14th, 1908.
In a short time became pastor of the Missions of the Brae
and Lot II, and somewhat later was appointed to the
spiritual care of the Parish of East Point. Here he con
tinues to carry on the good work of the Lord, amongst the
people committed to his spiritual care.
REVEREND JOHN ARCHIBALD MACDONALD
Born at Indian River. Made his classics at St. Dun-
s tan s College. Thence he went to the Seminary of Quebec.
Ordained priest at Souris on the 25th of October 1908.
Remained assistant at Souris for a number of years, and
was appointed Pastor at Lot Seven, where he still resides,
and carries on with great success, the spiritual ministration
of his parish.
REVEREND BERNARD GILLIS
A native of Saint John, New Brunswick. Studied at
St. Dunstan s College, Entered the Seminary of Quebec,
where he was ordained priest on the 21st of May 1910.
Assistant at East Point for a time, and afterwards pastor.
Appointed to the spiritual care of the Parish of All Saints,
Cardigan Bridge, where he is still building up the king
dom of Christ amongst souls.
REVEREND JOSEPH CHARLES MACDONALD, D, D.
Born at Orwell in the Parish of Vernon River. A
student of St. Dunstan s College, Finished his studies at
Quebec. Ordained at Vernon River, on June llth, 1916.
Professor at St. Dunstan s College. Lately appointed Pas
tor of St. George s, where he has taken up with determin
ation, the good work interrupted by the untimely death of
the late Father Pius.
126
SCOTTISH CATHOLICS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
REVEREND WILLIAM V. MACDONALD
A native of Corran Ban. Taught school for a time.
Studied later at St. Dunstan s College. Continued his higher
studies at Quebec. Ordained at Tracadie, June 10, 1917, at
the Cathedral in Charlottetown. Named pastor of Hope
River, where he still labors for Christ and for Mother
Church.
127
BX The Arrival of the first
1422 Scottish Catholic
P7A77 emigrants in Prince
Edward Island and after
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