John Patrick McDonald

John Patrick McDonald was born on 29th May 1926.  Son of Edward & Cecilia McDonald (nee Walton).  Educated at SFX.  After school was in Civil Service and R.A.F.  Stuidied for priesthood at Ushaw 1947-53.  Ordained by Bishop Murphy at St Alban's on 19th July 1952.  Curate: St Augustine's, Latchford 1953-59; St Joseph's, Birkenhead 1959-65; Our Lady's, Stockport 1965-67;  Heswall 1967 - he came here with a view to starting a new parish at Pensby to which he moved in 1968 and lived in 7 Langdale avenue.  Pioneering work did not seem to suit him and in 1970 he went as P.P. to Shifnal where he remained until 1976 when he moved to Oswestery and in 1986 moved to St Augustine's, Latchford in both places being P.P.  His career came full circle as it were. His first appointment brought much joy and it was fitting to end in Latchford.  He was a very quiet character and at clergy meetings was noted for fewness of words.  Died 8th January 1990 and is buried at Rake Lane, Wallasey.  He was related to David Austin Smith (qv), Eugene Pinnington and Peter Walton all priests of the Shrewsbury Diocese.

Information supplied by Miss Ann Walton; Abbott p85; SYB 1991 p 101; Ushaw Diary.