Rev. Canon John Macpherson Almond

Rev. Canon John Macpherson Almond, rector of Trinity church, Montreal, is a man whose practical piety has been demonstrated in many ways, as a traveling missionary, on the field of battle, in the pulpit and in quiet work among his people. His name stands as a synonym for sincerity of purpose, upright living and breadth of mind, and his accomplishments have already been important enough to form a notable part of the history of the Anglican church in Canada. Canon Almond was born in Shigawake, Quebec province, July 27, 1872, and is a son of James and Mary Ann (Macpherson) Almond. He studied in the University of Bishop’s College at Lennoxville, from which he was graduated B. A. in 1894 and M. A. in 1901. He was ordained deacon in the Anglican church in 1896 and priest in the following year, being stationed first as a missionary in Labrador and becoming afterward traveling missionary for the Quebec diocese. In October, 1899, he was commissioned chaplain to the Royal Canadian Regiment and accompanied it to South Africa, where he was chaplain to the Nineteenth Brigade, composed of the Gordons, Cornwalls, Shropshires and Canadians. His conduct during the campaign received high praise, more particularly in connection with his attendance on the enteric fever patients at Bloemfontein, and he was given a medal for courageous and untiring work in all conditions of danger both from the enemy and from disease and discomfort.

Returning to Canada in December, 1900, Canon Almond was made assistant curate at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Quebec, and as such remained one year, after which he was appointed rector at Grand Mere. In 1904 he was transferred to Montreal, where he has since filled the position of rector of Trinity church, winning the love, respect and confidence of his parishioners and the high regard of all who have an opportunity of knowing his honorable and upright life. Canon Almond is a preacher of great power and forcefulness and has won a wide reputation as a speaker, delivering among others the oration at the decoration of the soldiers’ graves in Montreal on Victoria Day, 1905. He was elected president of the South African Veterans Association of Montreal in 1908 and of the Last Post Association two years later. Since March, 1911, he has held the office of chaplain, with the honorary rank of captain, in the Sixth Duke of Connaught’s Royal Canadian Hussars. In 1912 he was appointed chaplain of the Montreal jails. Archdeacon Ker has called him “a splendid preacher,” and the Toronto Globe speaks of him as “a man of zeal, practical piety and unselfishness, with a knack for executive work”—tributes which he has won by most able and untiring work in many fields. Canon Almond was married in October, 1901, to Nellie Estelle, daughter of H. G. Beemer of Quebec.