Lady Agnes Macdonald
“One of the most exciting parts of the Sir John A. Macdonald story is the fact that Canada’s first Prime Minister and his second wife, Lady Macdonald, immigrated to the shores of Canada – one from Scotland, the other from Jamaica – just as so many thousands do today,” Commissioner Arthur Milnes said. “This is something Canadians should embrace and celebrate when considering the many contributions of Sir John A. Macdonald to Canada. It is therefore a real honour for the Commission to be invited to help unveil this plaque at St. Albans, the very church where Lady Macdonald and Sir John A. worshipped in Ottawa.”
Reconciliation Day in Ottawa is an annual event held during Black History Month in collaboration of the Dinqinesh Education Centre and Black History Ottawa.
Lady Agnes’ contributions to society were also recognized by The Hon. Senator Reverend Don Meredith in the Senate on Thursday, February 14th. Senator Meredith delivered the following statement:
The Hon. Senator Don Meredith
Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute today toLady Susan Agnes Bernard Macdonald, an outstanding Canadian and wife of the first Prime Minister of Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald.
I was fortunate to be present in Ottawa last Sunday when St. Alban’s parish in Ottawa unveiled a plaque in her honour. I am pleased to have some members of St. Alban’s Social Action Group, who were instrumental in orchestrating this commemoration, present here today.
Born south of Spanish Town, Jamaica, in 1836, Agnes was raised in both Jamaica and England. She immigrated to Canada with her mother in 1856 after the death of her father, Thomas James Bernard, a member of the Privy Council. Lady Agnes caught the eye of Sir John A. Macdonald and they were married on February 16, 1867, making this week the one hundred and forty-sixth anniversary of their union.
Despite struggling to conform to a life in Canada, raising a disabled child and tireless efforts to keep her family intact, Agnes still found time to give back to her community. This remarkable lady was attracted to the world of politics and the power of social action. As a Victorian woman, she had limited social influence on the upper class, but she was able to promote change through her church, St. Alban’s. Her parish was one of the few that did not divide its congregation into social classes, as was customary at that time. It was not uncommon to see Lady Agnes and Sir John A. Macdonald sitting amongst the poor in their congregation.
Inside the church walls, social classes were non-existent. Unlike other neighbourhood parishes, there were no pew fees. The rector of the church was determined that the church would sustain itself through the support of donations. The construction debt of the church, combined with its maintenance fees, was overwhelming for the rector; however, he was opposed to any fundraising efforts.
St. Alban’s Church, Ottawa
Lady Agnes witnessed the stress and burden the financial difficulties were having on the rector. She saw an opportunity to help. While the rector was away in 1873, she used her position and influence to spearhead a massive bazaar that raised $5,000. This was no small feat. That amount is the equivalent of over $96,000 today.
Upon his return, the rector was amazed at what was accomplished. He was astonished that the fundraising efforts of Lady Agnes were able to pay off the debts of the church.
Not only did she raise money to save the church, Lady Agnes helped orphans within the community of Ottawa by facilitating a project to house and educate them. When it became obvious that the needs of the orphans could not be met by the small facility, she formed a committee to raise funds for a larger residential home. Her vision that began in an old cow pasture became a larger home on Lisgar Street that accommodated more children almost 10 years later. Lady Agnes accepted the post of first directress and spent time instructing and reading to the children.
Lady Agnes Macdonald was a devoted social activist whose achievements deserve honour and recognition in Canadian history. Her story is an inspirational tale of recognizing communities in need and taking action to aid fellow Canadians despite differences in culture and social standing.
Dr. Martin Luther King declared, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Lady Agnes Macdonald recognized and addressed the needs in her community.
Honourable senators, I ask you to join me in my challenge to all Canadians. I ask that we engage in social work for the betterment of our communities and in so doing pay tribute to this great lady — Lady Agnes Bernard Macdonald.