2025 Newsletter

Front row: Pierre Roy & Bill Bresee of Legion Branch 544, Noella Cotnam (designer), Brett MacDonald (Glengarry Light Infantry Lance Corporal). Back row: Kenzie McDonald (Guest speaker, Class of ’64), Allan Macdonell, Mackie Robertson, Tish Humphries, Brenda Baxter, Bruce McPherson, Lynne MacDonald and Donald J. MacDonald

On October 29 an audience, including senior students from Iona Academy, gathered to unveil an elegant plaque commemorating the Glengarry Fencibles 1812 Parade Ground. Designed by Noella Cotnam and funded ($4,000) by the Lancaster Legion, the bilingual plaque now sits on the corner of Bishop Macdonell’s laneway, with the Ruins as a backdrop.

Afterwards, people gathered on the front veranda for a brief ceremony. Brenda Baxter thanked the Legion’s Pierre Roy for facilitating the plaque’s acquisition, and then introduced guest speaker, Kenzie McDonald. An Iona graduate from Alexandria who spent 29 years in the Airforce, he was struck that Macdonell had been concerned for his people’s wellbeing long before 1812. Unrest south of the border so worried him that he chose to train men secretly a few years before the Fencibles were formally recognized, near the Blue Chapel then located across the road.

Later, Mackie Robertson gave a blessing that also deeply resonated with listeners. He first cited the Old Testament’s Deuteronomy 26, “the land of milk and honey” promised to the Hebrews as they fled from Egypt. He subsequently drew a parallel to the 1812 Fencibles infantrymen, and later servicemen, who vowed to protect their new country, their new land of milk and honey: “For more than 200 years, people have been willing to stand up for Canada.”

To the young crowd in particular he beckoned, “Be a light to the nations. Honour the people here before you, including the First Nations. Today, we dedicate this marker for all of those who strive to make Canada the most honoured country in the world.”

The Big Bishop would undoubtedly be pleased that his House later provided both warmth and hospitality to guests.

Our First Wedding Reception

On May 19, one of the longest days of the year, we hosted a delightful event involving 40-50 guests.

Married in the Ruins beforehand, the wedding party arrived at 5:00. (Earlier, the bride had meticulously adhered to all the guidelines laid out in our new Rental Agreement, so we volunteers sensed that we would likely enjoy the evening too!)

They hired locals, the owners of Fraser Creek Pizza Farm, who created their own discreet “kitchen” in the shade by the west end of the stone wall. The guests, who were all from out of the area, raved about the wood-fired gourmet pizza, and then danced on the front lawn (pictured) until the sun went down.

Summer Sunday Concerts

Because of 2025’s lingering heat wave, most musicians chose to perform inside this year, where guests appreciated the cool air and the extra mingling space provided by the new back veranda (pictured). The lift will be fully operational for next summer, as the accessible landscaping is to be completed this spring.

Whether it was Lucy McCartney’s Heart String Ensemble (first photo below) or Alistair Love and Brittany Boots (second photo below), all the performers agreed that the acoustics in the House are exceptional, possibly due to the old wood in the floor and the rounded curves of the ceiling. Regardless of the reasons, we are deeply touched that Iona’s former music room is able to enhance the sound of today’s performances too.

Vintage Doll Display

On August 10 in the generous spirit of Dane Lanken, a founding member and treasurer of Glengarry Fencibles Trust, the Lanken-McGarrigle family shared their vintage doll collection with the public. Dane’s son, Sylvan, refreshed the wiring of a multi- storey doll house, displayed in the adjacent dining room room, while Anna and daughter Lily (pictured) hosted the public with carefully researched details at the ready.

Two recent furniture additions can also be viewed here: one is a circular inlaid games table, donated by Bruce McPherson; the other is the 19th century arm chair (centre) given by Diane Lalonde, originally owned by Miss Betty Carroll of Brockville.

On August 24 we were honoured to have the Morris Family perform (below). They grew up singing on the Fourth of Kenyon just north of Alexandria, and still gather with a repertoire of moving songs and stories, meant for “many a descendant of Scottish, Irish, French or other ancestry”.

Presbyterian church members from the Lancaster/Bainsville area donated beautifully-crafted folding choir chairs, attached in sets of two and three (note last row above). Mackie Robertson had been storing them, but knowing the House could use more seating, he kindly canvassed the generous donors.

A few tunes were especially evocative as they echoed within the Bishop’s own home. Most people in the audience knew he was born only a generation after Culloden, and knew of his deep involvement in 1812’s War, so songs like “Bonnie Charlie” and “Macdonell on the Heights” were especially moving.

Meanwhile, people continued to listen from whatever vantage point they found comfortable. Some used the occasion to bring their Book Club together informally (first photo below). While others chose to bring relatives, and watch the performers in the shade of the back veranda (second photo below) where they had “orchestra seats” through the music room’s open window.

Almost ten years ago, we were vividly reminded that Bishop Macdonell’s legacy is far-reaching and enduring.

At the time, we were scrambling to raise $100,000 to qualify for a Parks Canada matching grant, due the day we were to sign ownership papers, March 31, 2016. (Our goal was to replace the roof.)

One possible source of funding was the McLean Foundation in Toronto, a charity that disburses two million dollars a year. But beforehand, their Board chose to assess our risk — assigning a member of their Board with a keen interest in history. (By then, we had raised about $67,000…)

After that call, Mr.Stewart not only made a donation himself, but he recommended the Foundation contribute as well. He also insisted we show others the letter he wrote subsequently: