He entered the Society of Jesus, September 24, 1907, and was or- dained a Priest on June 3, 1921.

He served as Rector at Guelph, 1925-29, and did parish work in Port Arthur from 1929 until 1933.

He taught at St. Paul’s High School, Winnipeg, from 1933 until 1942. He did parish work in Port Arthur from 1942 until 1946, and later taught at Loyola College, Montreal, from 1946 until 1968. He died there on August 5, 1968.

Very Reverend Joseph C. MacKenzie — 1882-1939

Very Reverend Joseph C. MacKenzie was the son of John G. Mac- Kenzie and Elizabeth Currie. He was born at Vernon River, St. J oachim’s

parish, in 1882.

His education began in the country school. Having reached twelve years of age he was of enough assistance on the farm to be kept home during the busy seasons. In consequence, his attendance at school was subse- quently very irregular. In fact for almost three years he practically quit school. In J anuary1900, he entered St. Dunstan’s College and at once began to study earnestly. He did his work thoroughly and during his course won many distinctions. In June, 1905, he graduated with honors. The fact that he was Valedictorian is evidence of his high standing at St. Dunstan’s.

In September of that year Father MacKenzie entered St. Bernard’s Seminary, New York, ,and studied there for two years. At this time his health failed and he was obliged to give up study for two years. Part of this time he spent at home. After his father’s death he went to Denver, Colorado, and there he worked in a dry goods store for another year. In September, 1909, he resumed the study of theology at St. Thomas Seminary, Denver, where he remained one year. Then followed a year of teaching during which he finished his preparation for the priesthood. Having decided that British Columbia would be his field in which to labor for the salvation of souls, he was ordained September 11, 1911, by Most Reverend Neil McNeill, D.D. This was the first time Holy Orders was conferred by Arch- bishop McNeill in his new diocese. Father MacKenzie said his first mass at New Westminister on the day following ordination. His health, yet being frail, he was granted leave of absence and went to his old home to

enjoy a needed vacation.

On Father MacKenzie’s return to BC. he was made Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Revelstoke. To reach his missions and stations he was obliged to travel over a territory two hundred miles long and sixty miles wide. Here he remained from 1911-1925, when he was appointed

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