(8 Jan. 1899-5 Aug. 1978), clergyman. (R. J. MacDonald, Ranald J. MacDonald, Mgr MacDonald; widely known as “Father R. J.” ; spelling Ronald also found) Born in the 8th Concession of Lancaster Township, GC. Parents: Hugh (Piper) MacDonald and his wife Mary Jane MacDonald. He was educated at Iona Academy at St. Raphael’s, St. Alexander’s College at Ironside, Que., St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, and the Grand Seminary in Montreal. At St. Finnan’s Cathedral, Alexandria, on 25 July 1929, he was ordained to the priesthood. After being associate pastor at St. Columban’s, Cornwall, 1929 to 1932, he was administrator of the St. Lawrence Mission at Curry Hill and associate pastor at St. Andrew’s West. Later he was pastor of St. Catherine of Sienna Church, Greenfield, from 1940 to 1944, the rector of St. Finnan’s Cathedral, Alexandria, from Oct. 1944 to Dec. 1950 (he was also chancellor of the Diocese at this time), and pastor of St. Columban’s, Cornwall, from 1951 till his retirement as pastor emeritus in 1968. He was made a prelate of honour, 25 July 1954, with the title of Monsignor. He died at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Cornwall. To the remarkable historical collection published in 1990 under the title of Sinnsearchd, he contributed as transcriber and as one of the authors.

Glengarry News 9 Aug. 1978 (with portrait) * St. Catherine of Sienna Parish Greenfield, Ontario 1894-1994 (1994) (with portrait) * Macdonald, St. Finnan’s * Fobert (with portrait) * Villeneuve 64-65, 289 &c. * Sinnsearachd 24, 26 * obituaries of his sister, brother, and mother, Glengarry News,–Feb. 1970, 2 Jan. 1920, 21 Aug. 1925, repr. with geneal. table in Fraser Obits. 34-35, 159, 168-169