Silver Jubilee of Very Rev. David McDonald.

The Tablet 7th January 1882

Reproduced with permission from the publisher. www.thetablet.co.uk

Some old pupils and other clerical friends on the mission in Scotland have presented to the Very Rev. David McDonald, Rector of the Scots College, Valladolid, a complimentary address, with a sum of money, on the occasion of the silver jubilee of his priesthood. Mr. Valentine Chisholm was the treasurer, and the Rev. D. McIntosh, of Dalry, Ayrshire, the secretary of the fund. In his reply the Rector says:

"My Dear Mr. McIntosh,—Your letter with the accompanying address of congratulation on the occasion of my silver jubilee reached me on Christmas morning. I scarcely ever was more surprised in my life, as I had not the slightest inkling or suspicion of the handsome and generous Christmas gift that was in store for me.

"How can I sufficiently express my feelings of gratitude to my former pupils, who, casting a veil over my many defects and imperfections, remember only the kindly feelings which existed between us in our mutual relations in times gone by? How can I thank those kind clerical friends who have so generously united with my former pupils in sending me this address and the handsome presentation which accompanies it? I cannot, of course, pretend to merit the high and exaggerated encomiums which are lavished on me in the address, but they will at any rate serve to remind me of what I ought to aim at, and of what ought justly to be expected from one who has the difficult charge of teaching youth and training ecclesiastical students to the exalted and responsible duties which some day they shall have to discharge. In the address reference is also made to my endeavours to increase the usefulness of this college. Something has indeed been done, thanks to God, as also to the exertions of my predecessors in the rectorial office. You will be glad to hear that within less than two years since the new house in Madrid has been built, besides increasing the number of students I have been able to pay off £1,600 of the debt, leaving still £400 which I expect to clear off soon. But alas! a great deal remains still to be done. To complete the whole work of rebuilding some £23,000 would be required; and £12,000 would be necessary to complete the second house of the four into which, according to the general plan, the old Madrid property has been divided. But if I could carry out my designs the returns would he secure, and not only the number of students but also the staff of professors could be increased, and the college would thus gain both in material and educational efficiency. But I must conclude by requesting you to convey to all the subscribers to the address and presentation my most sincere and heartfelt thanks, assuring them that I shall not forget them in the sacrifice of the altar where alone I can make them some return for their kindness and generosity. And my particular thanks are due to my old friend, dear Chisholm, and yourself for the task you have imposed on yourselves in acting respectively as Treasurer and Secretary. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

"I remain, my dear Mr. McIntosh,

"Yours most gratefully,

"DAVID MCDONALD.

"The Rev. D. McIntosh, Dalry."