Memory Is My Diary, Vol. 2

Les Harding is Reference Librarian at the University of Waterloo.

This two-volume autobiography is by one of Canada’s most distinguished
churchmen. From a humble beginning in Cape Breton Island, Angus James
MacQueen rose to become moderator of the United Church of Canada and
chancellor of Mount Allison University. Awards and honors came his way
but I think MacQueen is proudest of his four-decade career as a parish
minister, during which he served in all parts of Canada. In these pages
we meet a wide range of human types and human concerns—proof, as if
any were needed, that a parish minister does not live in any ivory
tower.

More care could have been taken with the proofreading, and, at times, I
felt overwhelmed by the lists of former parishioners and colleagues. But
these are minor criticisms. MacQueen’s autobiography is a good
read—entertaining, thought-provoking, and often absorbing. He is not
shy about speaking his mind on the issues facing his church. Obviously a
well-read man and a master of apt quotation, MacQueen also has a sharp
ear for a good one-liner and a funny story. He has vowed to write no
more, but I hope he changes his mind.