On September 19, 2026, you are invited to join us in celebrating the 200th anniversary of the formal opening of Ontario’s first college, located at the Bishop’s House in St Raphaels.

The decision to establish the “College of Iona” was driven by missionary priest Alexander Macdonell, who had a driving interest in education for all. He was convinced that a “Canada-centred education” was needed to safeguard against the infiltration of republican sentiments from the US after the War of 1812.

We are celebrating the significant contributions to education in Canada made by Alexander Macdonell. He opened the College with the purpose of training teachers and priests to serve the people of Upper Canada. He offered a classical education to students whose careers took them into business, law, and government in Ontario and Québec.

View a sampling of Macdonell’s collection of archival letters and scholarly books as well as early mementos that represent daily life and education at the College some 200 years ago.

Learn about the first professors and students who attended and the type of education offered. Discover more about Macdonell’s legacy in building a future for those who came to Upper Canada.

While you are here, see the wonderful progress made in the ongoing restoration work of the original home, presbytery and office of Alexander Macdonell. He became a bishop in 1820 and lived in St Raphael’s from 1804 until the early 1830s when he relocated to Kingston.

With support from Canadian Heritage — Patrimoine canadien and the Township of South Glengarry, the Program will begin at 2:00 pm at the Bishop’s House in St. Raphaels, Ontario. There will be Exhibitions and Entertainment. On behalf of Glengarry Fencibles Trust, we look forward to welcoming you on September 19, 2026! We are a volunteer organization that owns the Bishop’s House and a Registered Charity incorporated through affiliation with The Ontario Historical Society.