Trafalgar School - Echoes Yearbook (Montreal, Quebec Canada)

Page 19 text:

3n fli emonam THE LATE REVEREND JAMES BARCLAY D.D., LL.D. BY Rev. George Duncan, M.A., D.D., President The death of Dr. Barclay comes with a sense of loss as wide as Canada and wider. To Trafalgar his loss is intimate and personal. To me, his successor as President of this school so dear to him, words seem futile in trying to express all that Trafalgar owes to him. In formal yet sincere words the Board of Governors has placed on record its indebtedness to Dr. Barclay acknowledging that to his personal initiative and characteristic energy is due, in an exceptional degree, the organization of the institute on its pre- sent lines; recalling with warm appreciation that largely owing to his skill and administration, as President for more than a quarter of a century, the institute had attained its increasing efficiency and usefulness. Devoted as he was to education in all its branches, Trafalgar was the pet of Dr. Barclay and many generations of Trafalgar girls have cause to bless his name. Not only, however, in matters educational, but in all that tended to the well-being of his fellows. Dr. Barclay took a leading part. Everything human had a vital interest for him. His powers in athletics made his name a household word from East to West of the Dominion. In all that he did for clean sport, he never lost sight of the ideal that the highest result of training, physical, mental, moral, and religious, is char- acter. One recalls that manly figure, dominant in public life, tender to the smallest child; that healthy mind in a healthy body; that tireless energy in all good causes; that robust common sense; that big hearted friendliness; that unfailing cheerfulness that radiated from his personality. As a man. Dr. Barclay won widespread re- spect and affection; as an Administrator in educational matters, there were few his equal ; as a Preacher, Trafalgar girls will testify, he was in the foremost rank; as a Pastor, he was the guide, counsellor and friend of all, young or old, rich or poor. His rare power of put- ting joy into human life can never be forgotten. Strong and gentle, kindly but firm, healthy, wholesome, big-hearted, open-handed, broad-minded, high-souled, a man of afifairs, a champion of educa- tion, a Prince of the Church, Dr. Barclay is a figure that will live in the admiration and affection of all who knew him best and in the heartfelt reverence of generations yet to come. Laid to rest in his beloved native land, the wreathes that be- spoke a bright and fragrant memory told how Scotland loved Dr. Barclay of Montreal. — G.D. 17

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Hi : Reverend James Barclay, D.D., LL.D. President Board of Trustees, Trafalgar, 1884:-1917 Trustee 1883-1920

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Pen in hand at my desk I sit, Before me a paper white, But not one stroke has stained that sheet. For I don ' t know what to write. The worthy editor of this scroll Gives me a sleepless night. When she asks for an Effort for our Magazine, Since I don ' t know what to write. As I rack my brain, I hear a song, And I listen with all my might. For, though faint and far, the refrain I hear Is, don ' t know what to write. Letters and cards in heaps have I — I am in a woeful plight, For to answer these reams is difficult When I don ' t know what to write. A zealous friend my autograph wants. With some sentences sweet and polite. But all I can mutter, in hopeless despair. Is, I don ' t know what to write. The morn for exams has dawned at last. The sun o ' er the world shines bright. But none of its brilliance has entered my brain. For I don ' t know what to write. The song dies away, and I ' m left alone With that paper so spotlessly white, And the last thing I moan, as I tumble to bed. Is, I don ' t know what to write. C.R. VI. 18