Bishop Alexander Macdonell 1762-1840
Text from the plaque
Born in Scotland and educated for the priesthood, MacDonell obtained land in Glengarry County and, in 1804, brought many soldiers from his disbanded Highland Regiment to join the Loyalists already in Upper Canada. Having helped raise a second regiment which he accompanied into action during the War of 1812, he launched an unsuccessful campaign for provincially supported Catholic Schools. Consecrated in 1826, he became the first Roman Catholic Bishop in Upper Canada. After serving as a Legislative Councillor (1831-9), he returned to Scotland to promote emigration to Canada. He died at Dumfries.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
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The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
The Township of South Glengarry
In St. Raphaels, on a stone cairn
in front of St. Raphael's Church Ruins
N 45 12.721 W 74 35.844
Recorded June 2009. Check current access before visiting.
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December 3, 2014
In search of my roots, I found baptism and marriage acts in the register of St-Raphael. Reading those acts, I see Alex Macdonell Bishop of Rhesina. My question is: Where was Rhesina located in 1820-1830, so I can extend my search in the vicinity of this area? Thanks, J M Paquette