*Excerpt from Reuban Butchart's "The Disciples of Christ in Canada Since 1830", Chapter 10*
This still-remembered man left few traceable records, though some effort was made to secure an autobiography of his but without avail. The pioneer and early leaders were not given to recording. In the Ontario Christian Banner and the Maritime Christian he is known as an active evangelist. He apparently was a very substantial man in his religious character and efforts. He was preceded in Hants Co. by Benj. Howard and John Doyle, who likely assisted him in establishing the cause at West Gore and Rawdon, where McDonald seems to have been local minister, by reference to phrases of W. W. Eaton. Men who were capable speakers were eagerly sought to leave their base and hold meetings leading to the opening up of new causes. Men of such abilities also were attracted to that type.
In the year 1853 John McDonald was considered important enough for Donald Crawford to mention that he had spent a night with him in St. Croix in September, but that owing to poor health he had not spoken since May. In July, 1856 there is record that John McDonald and Donald Crawford were the "laborers" for the year just closed. Each had been remunerated by the sum of sixty-eight pounds, one shilling, fourpence (which the evangelists had raised on the field.) In July, 1857 McDonald had served but little, but he occupied the chair at the Co-operation meeting at Newport, which indicates much. Here is more to the point, written by Geo. E. Barnaby, in Banner of the Faith, Sept.-Oct. 1860. It occurs in an account of the Co-operation meeting held at Douglas (W. Gore) in Hants Co. June, 1860. Among others present he referred to "elder John McDonald, who for many years has been and now is a well known, tried and faithful laborer among the brethren in Cornwallis, Newport, Rawdon, Douglas and elsewhere in Nova Scotia." Five were baptized at the meeting, won by Bro. McDonald.
M. B. Ryan, of West Gore said that McDonald was known as a good speaker, a companionable man and an earnest 'disciple'; that he ministered to the Cornwallis church for a time and probably spent his last pastoral laborers with the River John church. He also assisted Michael Wallace and his son, Hiram, at a notable meeting at West Gore. By reference to Milton, Queens Co., it will be noted that he was their preacher at one time.
We are now privileged to learn some intimate facts about McDonald from representatives entries in a diary of his movements kept by his wife whilst they were on tour for the cause of Christ. (This lady was one of the two grandmothers of E. M. MacDougall, of West Core who were among Howard's first converts in Hants Co.) But, preceding it, some few geographical hints may be useful. In Nova Scotia the counties of King's and Hants are central, the former bounded on one side by Bay of Fundy and at the end of that, the Minas Basin extends into Hants. Roughly in this region (which also includes the Grand Pré-Evangeline country) occur the earliest churches in the province, that is, Cornwallis (Port Williams), Falmouth, Windsor, Newport, Rawdon, Shubenacadie and West Gore. Northerly in Pictou county, on the north shore, lie Pictou and our famous (perhaps) oldest church, River John.
"May 26, 1874--Travelled to Nine Mile River to David McDonald's; made short visit there, then on to Shubenacadie; preached twice and visited four days with the brethren." [This all by horse and buggy, across hill and dale]. "Train from Shubenacadie to Truro, then on by way of Pictou to River John. Reached there in early June, remaining until August 2nd week, then shortly after returning home. People came to hear some new or strange thing, but nothing new or strange." [This first trip was spent getting acquainted with the district and preaching to good congregations.]
"May 23, 1875. Began summer trip; Nine Mile River, Shubenacadie. Preached at North Salem in the morning and visited among brethren. On to River John, arriving May 29 . . . Bro. Long drove us to the mountain to visit families and 15 miles to see the county.
"June 20, 1875. We had quite an assemblage of Adam's race to witness the death of the old man and the resurrection of the new man to walk in newness of life. The amazed crowd gazed with silence and listened with profound attention to the truth poured forth from the venerable preacher of the Ancient Gospel, and seemed to say "Thou bringest certain strange things to our ears." [Immersion was not common around there.]
"June 29. Mr. McDonald had to go 20 miles to the mountain to see and preach to a man who sent for him and who has been trying to wade out of the labyrinths of sectarianism. Oh that more might have their eyes annointed with eyesalve that they might see and their hearts opened that they might understand."
"July 2, 1875. Alone two days while Mr. McDonald is up the mountains preaching to the people who have never heard the primitive gospel as it is in truth."
"July 3, 1875. McDonald arrived home Saturday after a 40 mile trip and quite interesting interviews with some families to whom he presented the gospel of the kingdom."
"July 5. "Just arrived from the Brook section after preaching to an audience of ignoramuses."
"Just got home after three days calling on the brethren. Last Lord's day quite a large audience and they had to listen to the Ancient gospel. The text was 'Good Master, what shall I do that I may attain eternal life'. And in the evening, the Sower and the different kinds of soil . . . It rains and is lovely growing weather. Oh how much more the Lord can do for us than we can do for Him. 'He openeth His hand and satisfieth the desire of all living and sendeth his rain on the just and the unjust, the evil and the good. He doeth all things well, give thanks and sing'."
"July 22. We had a lovely trip to the Dalhousie mountains, hills and hollows. Visited five days and Mr. McDonald preached four times to the Highland mountaineers. They said they never heard such plain preaching before".
"We have to leave River John on 20 Sept. after four months visit, spent pleasantly and I trust profitably. Arrived home 26 September."
"September 28. This is [the day of Mr. Wallace's funeral. Dear old venerable elder. His sickness was nine days." Death of the pioneer leader, Michael Wallace, of West Gore.]
"October 25. just one month tomorrow since we arrived home from River John and the Lord has blessed us with health and every needful blessing thanks to his holy name. Last evening we had a very interesting prayer meeting; 7 or 8 of the young brethren spoke of the goodness of the Lord and their determination to serve him, and last Lord's day we had a splendid discourse by Mr. McDonald on the words 'The Spirit and Bride say come, and let him that heareth say Come."
"May 26, 1876. Arrived safely at River John in tolerable good health and have much to be thankful for. Found kind friends all along. Oh that they were all the friends of Jesus."
"Sept. 5, 1876. This forenoon five in our family came to obey their Lord and Saviour's last charge to be baptized for the remission of sins: a young man, his wife, and three sisters."
"Sept. 7. We leave River John tomorrow, the Lord willing, for East River to baptize and preach the gospel."
"Sept. 29, 1876. Kentville, here at Andrew Woods. We have had a fortnight in Kings Co. [Cornwallis--Pt. Williams section.] and a lovely time. Heard bro. Potter preach. He is splendid. He can read the scriptures in eight languages."
The diary of Mrs. McDonald is copiously woven with similar sentiments couched in Scripture language. It probably is a reflection of her husband's Christian culture and attitude; and they are both revealed here as intelligent and faithful servants, making all things converge in their lives toward the one desirable end, that of winning fresh converts to the Ancient Gospel. John McDonald passed into eternal keeping in 1881, in his 75th year of this life.