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Father Donald MacPherson
1914 - 1918



Credits:
Chestico Museum
John Gillies, Port Hood

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Roman Catholic Chaplains
1914-1918



Credits:
Library and Archives Canada

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Father Donald MacPherson in uniform--Eastern Front
ca. 1915



Credits:
Chestico Museum
Father Charles Cameron

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Fr. MacPherson with Australian soldiers, Island of Lemnos, Gallipoli campaign 1915
ca. 1915
Gallipoli campaign


Credits:
John Gillies

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Father Donald MacPherson with his Portable Altar
1914 - 1918



Credits:
Chestico Museum
Mary Trenholm

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Father Donald MacPherson was the first chaplain from the Diocese of Antigonish to enlist in World War I. A man of firm principles and strict discipline, he adapted well to military life. Shortly after arriving in England, he was sent to the Eastern Front to the Gallipoli campaign where he served as a hospital chaplain to Austalian and New Zealand troops. He was anxious, however to get back to Europe where he wanted to be re-united with his Cape Breton compatriots. By 1917, he was serving on the Western Front bringing spiritual comfort to dying and wounded soldiers wherever he was needed. Although a vigorous man in his forties, he was stricken several times by "trench fever", a common complaint among the soldiers in the trenches who had to live in wet, mud and dreadful conditions. He was much admired by the men who knew him--a reputation that preceded him to Port Hood. The following exerpt is from a letter from John MacMaster of Port Hood who encountered Fr. MacPherson overseas:

France, September 11, 1918

Dear Mother,

"I wrote last from hospital where I was "laid up" for a few days with my old complaint, trench fever. I was sick only for about four days, so didn't make "down the line" as I did last year. I am back to work again and feeling as good as ever. I am not in the line, having missed this trip, and may not be in for some time.

Last Sunday evening, after I had gone into the chapel of our hospital, and was kneeling near the door, I heard somebody from behind asking me if I wanted confession. At the sound of the voice, without turning around, I knew who it was at once; sure enough when I looked it was he, all right ---Father Donald MacPherson--he didn't know me at all until I told him, when he jumped up and pulled me outside. He was the same as ever, only his hair turned pretty white, and he looked awfully tired and sick, in fact he had just come from down the line with trench fever and dysentery and was about all in. Although there was a French priest stationed there, he was waiting, as I said, to hear any chance confessions --and he hadn't eaten a morsel for nearly two days. As he was taking me across to his room, he called out something in Gaelic to a man on the opposite side of the yard--this man turned out to be a MacDonald from Sydney. Father Dan (Donald) had never seen him before --just guessed by his look. Then there was a stretcher case going out in an ambulance, and he had to find out all about him, took his name and address and promised to do a number of things the patient asked for ---all of which was absolutely none of his business. Then he got in a bunch of doctors from the hospital and found out one was an old friend he had made the trip to Egypt with, and the Colonel in charge of the hospital turned out to be an old pal of his too, so he was right in luck. When we got to his room at last, he was so exhausted he got right into bed in his clothes but made me stay for over an hour, while he told me of his experiences, etc. I never saw a uniform look so well on anybody as on him; and I don't believe you could see in all the world a more handsome and lovable face. His hair is grey but he has big jet black eyebrows and indescribable grey eyes. He made me promise to come back in the morning, but unfortunately, I was "evacuated" from hospital next morning and didn't get a chance to see him any more.

I guess its needless to say anything about the war news. You no doubt near more of it than I do; all I know is that it's the best ever. Father MacPherson says he thinks the war will be ended by next month.
Please write as soon as you can and tell me about your great trip.

Your loving son, John