Former PC Member of Parliament David MacDonald, who was minister of communication in the Joe Clark government in 1979-80, is the interim minister at Leaside United Church from Nov. 1 until Apr. 30 while the congregation searches for a permanent replacement for John Smith, who left at the end of October. “I have been an active member of the Leaside congregation for the past few years,” says MacDonald, “so this is like getting up from the pew, stepping up behind the pulpit and just taking over. At least for a few months.” MacDonald, who lives in the Beaches, was first elected to the House of Commons representing his native Prince Edward Island 50 years ago. He had been a church minister there too.
