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John Hugh MacDonald was born on April 3, 1881, in Maryvale, Nova Scotia to Ronald J. MacDonald and Elizabeth Grant. He attended Malignant Cove School in Antigonish, NS and then enrolled at St. Francis Xavier University from 1899-1903 where he earned a Bachelors of Arts. Between 1903 and 1906 he completed his Theological Studies at Urban College (Pontificio Collegio Urbano "De Propaganda Fide") in Rome, but returned home ill in 1906.

MacDonald was ordained to the priesthood on December 21, 1906. In the early years of his priesthood he held a number of positions including instructor at St. Francis Xavier University (1906), Vice-Rector at St. Francis Xavier University (1908), Assistant Pastor at St. Anne's Parish in Glace Bay (1909), first pastor of St. Agnes' Parish in New Waterford (1914), seventh pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Syndey (1924-1934).

He was appointed as Bishop of Victoria in 1934, and in 1936, he succeeded his long-time friend Henry Joseph O’Leary as Edmonton’s third Archbishop.

The Archbishop pioneered credit unions in Catholic parishes, encouraged youth to a more active participation and formation of Catholic Youth Groups, along with the opening of Catholic Charities.

During his time as Bishop the Diocese of St. Paul was established separating the north part of the Archdiocese of Edmonton into its own Diocese in 1948.

After 26 years as the leader of the Archdiocese, MacDonald retired in 1964 and died on January 17, 1965.

Msgr. Donald Gerard MacDonald was born at Heatherton, NS, on September 18, 1929. He attended St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton between1951 and 1955, and he was ordained June 4, 1955 at Antigonish, NS, by Bishop John R. MacDonald.

Over his career as a priest he served the following parishs, Assistant at St. Joseph’s Cathedral (1955); Assistant at Assumption Parish, Edmonton (1955-1957); Assistant at St. Andrew’s Parish, Edmonton (1957-1960); Pastor at Rimbey and missions (1960-1968); Champlain at the University Hospital, Cancer Institute & Veterans Home, Edmonton (1969-1972); Co-Pastor at St. Anthony’s Parish, Edmonton (1972-1973); Pastor at St. Anthony’s Parish, Edmonton (1973-1978); Rector at St. Joseph’s Seminary (1978-1981); on leave of study (1981-1982); Rector at St. Joseph’s Seminary (1982-1985); Pastor at St. Theresa Parish, Edmonton (1985-1990); Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Red Deer (1990-1993); Rector of St. Joseph’s Basilica (1993-1998); Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish and Administrator of Holy Spirit Parish, Edmonton (1998-2002).

In May 1991, Pope John Paul II granted him the honour of Prelate of Honour. He was appointed Vicar General in April 1998. He retired from active ministry in August 2002 and he died on January 10, 2005.