From the Archives

With the passing of Father Gerard MacAulay on Nov. 6, an era of Oklahoma Church history officially concluded. He was the last connection to the Prince Edward Island priests who came to serve in Oklahoma –initially due to the influence of Bishop Francis Kelley, himself a native of the Canadian province.

Father MacAulay was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, on Nov. 30, 1928. One of 11 children, two of his brothers also answered the call to serve as priests. Stephen was ordained in 1951 for the Diocese of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Several young men from the province had gone before him to Oklahoma, due to the great respect and esteem they held for their countryman – Bishop Kelley. Father MacAulay always quipped that it was expected that he would follow in Stephen’s footsteps and come to Oklahoma. He had other ideas. In an interview from 2019 he stated: “Everyone thought I was going to become a priest when I graduated from college. I decided I needed to live a normal life and work. So, I went to work in a bank for five years and that experience would aid in my future priesthood as I understood a little better what my parishioners went through to make ends meet and the challenges they faced.” He was ordained 1959.

Gracious and even tempered, Jerry (as he was known by his brother priests) was a highly effective pastor who genuinely cared for the people he served. Exceptionally bright, he never lost his humility and his typically Canadian self-deprecating wit. He was associate pastor in many parishes but is probably best remembered for his tenure as pastor of Saint Eugene Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. 

Due to his many talents and gifts, he was asked to be a part of numerous boards and committees. A true champion of social justice issues, he was active in the work of Catholic Charities for many years. As a Defender of the Bond in the Tribunal, his insight into the human condition was treasured by the judges. A champion of Catholic education, he was a board member for Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. His discernment skills were utilized on the Seminarian Board helping to decide which applicants for the seminary should be accepted.

A hard worker, his constant “full speed ahead” approach would come to a screeching halt after suffering a massive heart attack. He decided that an earlier than anticipated retirement might be in the not-so-distant future. He moved to Florida with two of his brothers and enjoyed a more relaxed lifestyle. A true Canadian, his love of hockey was revitalized with his transfer of allegiance from his childhood team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was also always proud of a nephew that played in the Montreal Canadians organization.

He eventually returned to Oklahoma to live the rest of his days helping in any way possible, including filling in at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Okarche as administrator at age 89. This remarkably holy and good man lived a long and fruitful life and truly understood his role as one of service. As Father Bill Pruett so accurately stated in the funeral homily, “Father McAuley was a priest’s priest.” No higher praise can be given.