Alexander Macdonell

Alexander Macdonell (1 November 1833 - 30 May 1905) was the first Bishop of the newly formed Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, serving from 1890 until his death in 1905.

Life

Alexander Macdonell was born on 1 November 1833 in Lochiel, Ontario. He spoke English, French, and Gaelic, and went to the local school before attending the College of Bytown in 1857. He then continued his theological studies at Regiopolis College in Kingston.

Macdonnell ordained as a priest on 20 December 1862, aged 29. He was curate first at Gananoque, before becoming pastor of his home parish of St. Andrew's, Lochiel. After sixteen years, he was sent to St. Finnan's, Alexandria, where he rebuilt the parish church. In 1886 he was appointed vicar general for the Diocese of Kingston.

Death Eventually the stresses of the office began to take their toll. He died, aged 71, on 30 May 1905. He had been a priest for 42 years and a bishop for 14 years.