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The Scottish Catholics in Prince Edward Island 1772 - 1922
Chapter 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 cherished 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 be successfully carried out. At three o'clock Mr. D. B. McDonald, 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, Chairman 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 presiding 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 -loom and discouragement : but in course of time the clouds rolled by and ;d 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 its sky, and the main object for which this celebration v,-as conceived, may now be carried out in a 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 inspiration for the future. We all stand in need of this inspiration. These pioneer settlers came to Canada for freedom 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 Canadians. They did not come as a class, but to work together with the other citizens of the Colony; and that should be the spirit of every Scotchman. It is only by working 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 Religion: 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 generations 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 Monument 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:- 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 Iona 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 forefathers 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 emigrants 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 undergoing all the hardships incident to pioneer life in those remote 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, hallowed 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
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 immigration of 1772.

Ten years of his youthful life was spent in Rome, the centre of culture, learning and Christianity, where he completed his education and was ordained to the Priesthood. Then he returned to Scotland. When the project of emigration was set on foot he volunteered to accompany the emigrants 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 knowledge 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 himself 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 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 descendant 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, thirtyone of which were spent as a missionary priest, and the 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 established 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 tolerance, 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 permanent 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 generations 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 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 Government having been introduced by the Chairman, spoke on behalf of the Province.

He said:-"As Premier of the Province, it is my privilege 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 immigrants. In his native land the Highlander possesses certain characteristics and National virtues. These characteristics 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 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 cultivated 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 Highland 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. Before 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 important 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 McDonalds, and other Highland lads who never returned, who sleep 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 magnificient 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 neighbourliness 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 influence, he despises long distance 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 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 invitation. Speaking for the Benevolent Irish Society as its President, I am able to bear testimony to the cordial relations, which 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 forests, 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 converting 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 thirteen 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 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 experience, 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 enduring 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 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 conquering 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
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,
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. 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 he 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 defending the Throne and Crown of Great Britain.

Mr. James McIsaac 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, thanksgiving 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 described 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 Scotland 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 Statesmanship. It is a land of renowned heroes and intrepid warriors, a land of romance, of poetry and of chivalry.

Such was the birth-place of those, whose careers constitute 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. Ninian, 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 devote their talents, their lives and their energies to the extension of the Kingdom of God on earth, and the good of their fellow-men. Their choice of the ecclesiastical vocation, quite possibly, was strengthened and encouraged by what they saw around them. Here were, on one side or another, Iona, Melrose, Dryburg, Scone, Jedburg, Cambuskenneth, and many other centres of religion and piety, bearing 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 conditions in Scotland about this period-one hundred and fifty years ago.

This was one hundred and six years before the restoration 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 justice, 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 reference 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 should be fashioned by Scottish artisans. The Poet Horace, contemplating what he had written, and realizing the influence it was destined to exercise for all future time, exclaimed:

"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 apostolic 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 perpetual memorial of sacred duty well done; priceless service generously rendered and purest self-sacrifice nobly consummated."

The next speaker to address the audience was Honorable 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 number 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 unveiling of this beautiful monument, and I desire publicly to thank the Committee, for their kind and flattering invitation.

The celebration of this day, though organized by the Scottish Catholic citizens of the Province, is one that appeals to the sympathies of all classes and creeds. This is abundantly shown by the great numbers, who despite adverse conditions, have graced the occasion with their presence. I may say however, that it possesses a special interest for us Acadians, because, there has existed from early times, a strong bond of sympathy, between the Acadians 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 therefore, not surprising that it should have been transported across the ocean, and cherished in this new land by the immigrants of both races.

Mary Queen of Scots, whose meteoric career has tinged 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 between 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 immigrants. 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 priceless gift of Divine Faith. On their arrival in this country they were welcomed with open arms, by the remnants of 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 Scottish 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 regard for the fitness of things, they have placed its foundation 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 will thus prove a stimulant to the present and future generations, 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 best 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, representing the Inter-colonial 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 appearance. 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 pipeband 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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