The exact date of Fr Mac Donnell's arrival is rather obscure. It was probably in 1831, which would mean that Fr Crosbie's twelve arduous years would include a period before the mission was officially established.

James Mac Donnell was, like Fr Crosbie, of Irish descent, being born in Co. Carlow in 1797. He studied at the College and appears to have taught there 1818 - 22, his uncle Andrew Fitzgerald being the president. By 1827 he had moved to the English mission at St John the Baptist, Norwich, and then, after a spell at All Saints, Glossop, in Derbyshire, came to the Central Area where he was appointed by Bishop Walsh as Rector of St Peter's.

When he arrived at the mission Fr Mac Donnell must have found life no easier than his predecessor. Although a chapel had been built, there was no accommodation for a priest, and he lived in a house on the corner of George Street and Russell Terrace. The mission was expanding rapidly and still in debt, so that he was constantly appealing for funds. Fortunately there were a number of generous parishioners whose contributions were gratefully acknowledged. One extremely generous gift of one thousand pounds sterling sent to Bishop Walsh for the mission because "having enquired of the Revd James McDonnell [sic] and finding that the clergyman here is totally unprovided for and left to await certain collection at the chapel door which I consider as derogatory to his sacred ministry" must have been most welcome. But whilst the town was growing in wealth and importance there was also desperate poverty, and it was amongst these most deprived of parishioners that Fr MacDonnell spent much of his ministry through teaching the faith, and caring for the sick and needy. As a result of his labours the mission developed on a sound and firm footing.

A contemporary portrait of Fr MacDonnell depicts a sensitive, gentle person, which is certainly how the parishioners regarded him. He died in 1839 aged 42 the youngest of the past Rectors. In grateful recognition of his ministry a commemorative plaque was erected in the chapel "by the congregation of Leamington to the memory of their late, venerated pastor, whose piety, charity, and other eminent virtues, distinguished talents and zealous and efficient discharge of the sacred ministry, rendered him universally beloved in life and deservedly regretted when dead."

He was buried in the cemetery by the side of George Street chapel.

For further information or comments please contact info@stpeterapostle.org