The Domesday Book of Queen's University (Volume 2) 1900-1924

SAPIENT ET DOCTRINA TABILITAS [image-university crest] 1923-1924.

graduated with honours in Chemistry in 1883. Three years later he took the degree of Master of Arts with honours in Natural Science. After two years teaching Guelph Collegiate Institute, he proceeded to Heidelberg, Germany, to pursue post-graduate study in Mineralogy. In 1891 he was appointed Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Queen's University, and in 1893, with the establishment of the School of Mining, was transferred to the chair of Mineralogy, which he held till his illness forced retirement from active service in 1916.

"His untiring energy, his unbounded enthusiasm, his love for his Alma Mater, and his unflagging interest in his students, did much to build up the School of Mining in its early years, and to establish a reputation for sound training in Mining and Geology.

"The development of a Mineralogical Museum and mineral collections for student instruction, most of which was the result of his personal efforts, togther with the magnificent gift of Nicol Hall to provide facilities for the study of Mining and Metallurgy, are evidences of his profound interest in the welfare of his Alma Mater."

Dr. George M. Macdonnell, K.C., a graduate of Queen's, and for many years a member of the Board, died suddenly in his office, Kingston, January 17th, 1924. Though at the time of his death he had no official connection with the University, yet because of his long and useful official connection with his Alma Mater,

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SAPIENT ET DOCTRINA TABILITAS [image-university crest] 1923-1924.

the following resolution was placed on the Minutes:

"The Board has learned, and with much regret, of the death of Dr. George M. Macdonnell, K.C., in the course of the year. Though far advanced in life, Mr. Madconnell was able to attend to his home and professional duties down to the very afternoon when the "Call" came to him, and a full, useful, happy life was closed. Mr. Macdonnell was a graduate of the 1860 class, and belonged to a family that, from the first, and in many helpful ways, had shown a close and sustained and practical interest in the Institution.

Immediately after graduation he took up the study of law, qualifying for that profession, he settled in Kingston, and, at a younger age than most, became well known in city and neighborhood as a skilful and successful counsel. Soon after taking up legal practice he was elected to the Trustee Board, and for many years rendered the University valuable service as Trustee and Counsel. An enthusiastic supporter of Queen's, he was unsparing of his time and substance in advancing her interests and efficiency. He was the constant friend of Staff and sudents, and ever alert to the best way of advancing the success and interests of both.

The coming of the years never dampened the youthful ardor of his spirit. when, in the course of the development of the University, it was found necessary to separate the Theological Faculty from the parent body, and place it [image-moroccan oil lamp] 554.

SAPIENT ET DOCTRINA TABILITAS [image-university crest] 1923-1924.

under a separate Charter, Mr. Madonnell, feeling that he had not then (1912) either the time or the strength required to serve both Institutions, identified himself with the Theological College, and from that date till his lamented death was Chairman of the Board. But to the last his attachment to his Alma Mater remained most friendly and responsive. Therefore, the Board, not unmindful of Mr. Macdonnell's long and fruitful services to the University, hereby declares its dutiful sense of their great value, and of his pleasant and inspiring fellowship, and conveys to Mrs. Macdonnell and the family its sincere sympathy in their bereavement."

1923-24. Queen's Theological College. (written by Dr. Dyde).

"It is hard to believe that Mr. Macdonnell, who was talking and laughing with his family at dinner time the day before yesterday, has passed away. Some symptoms of weakness had shown themselves during the past year, but Mr. Macdonnell, taking care of himself, continued to do his daily work, and on Thursday afternoon went to his office as usual. The climbing of the stairs overtaxed his heart and in a few minutes after entering his room he was found lying on the sofa as if asleep. He had slipped

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SAPIENT ET DOCTRINA TABILITAS [image-university crest] 1923-1924.

peacefully away. It is difficult to realise that we will see his face and hear his voice no more.

"Few of us can go back in memory to Mr. Macdonnell's earliest years in Kingston. He graduated in Arts from Queen's as B.A. in the same year as his brother, D. J. Macdonnell, graduated in Theology. Principal Grant, when he arrived at Queen's, found the two brothers a great support, and when D. J. Macdonnell passed away he leaned all the more heavily upon the surviving brother. Mr. C. M. Macdonnell's home was in Kingston, and his position as trustee and solicitor of the University brought him into almost continuous contact with College affairs. Principal Grant and Mr. Macdonnell walking about the campus arm in arm in earnest talk was a familiar sight to us all.

"My own recollections of Mr. Macdonnell date from my undergraduate days, when I was picked up by him and taken over Sunday afternoon to Barriefield to teach a class in the Mission School. I remember how much that little school at the top of the hill was in his thought.

"He had an unusually devout and reverent mind, and was greatly attached to his Church. During the War when the shortage of ministers became serious he volunteered to preach in any nearby-by charge requiring services. What a fine home guard

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SAPIENT ET DOCTRINA TABILITAS [image-university crest] 1923-1924.

he was! I recall the day when the Armistice was signed overtaking him as he made his way down town with that peculiar swaying motion which some of us at least had learned to love. One son had been in the horrors of St. Julian, and was in active service to the last; a second had been wounded in the arm and taken out of the line; a third had been dangerously wounded, taken prisoner and interned in Switzerland. These things were all passing through his mind as he said, taking me by the arm, that we had great cause for thankfulness that the War was over.

"Even his intimate friends were at times astonished at the extent of his interest in affairs, lively and keen to the very last. He had been connected with the Children's Aid Society, Sabbath Day Observance and Prison Reform. He had been through stirring political times in Kingston, coming into close personal contact with such men as Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir Oliver Mowat and others. He must surely be a rare man on whom such men as Sir John A. Macdonald and Principal Grant wished to depend. His mind was a rich storehouse of anecdotes, which he told with wonderful relish. Indeed I sometimes think that there are a few pages of Canadian history which will never now be written just because he has not recorded his reminiscences. His peacefulness

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