Farewell to prison chaplaincy stalwart Arthur McDonald

An Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy stalwart who dedicated himself to supporting prisoners over four decades has been remembered as a “man who loved God and loved people”.

Arthur McDonald, who served as a volunteer prison chaplain at the Palen Creek Correctional Centre for 35 years, passed away on June 14 at the age of 90.

Arthur began visiting inmates in 1980 and also organised weekly chapel services and Bible study groups.

“In this time, Arthur hardly missed a week of attendance and continued to attend even as his health deteriorated,” Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy Coordinator Myles Waldron says.

“He was always adamant that his job is ‘just to be faithful, and it was God’s job to transform people’, and as a result he saw some amazing results. Arthur’s passing will be profoundly felt by all he came in contact with.”

Such was his dedication, Arthur delayed his retirement from prison chaplaincy – aged in his 80s – until a prisoner he had supported was released on parole.

Arthur’s former Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy colleague Jesse Caulfield says he was an incredibly diligent chaplain and “a man of great faithfulness” who “loved God and loved people”.

“He had an affinity for the work and the right temperament for the role. Nothing seemed to faze him and his ability to remain level-headed and objective in many situations was remarkable,” Jesse says.

“He was incredibly well respected by all fellow chaplains, Correctional Services staff and prisoners alike. He had a natural and easygoing character and easily drew people to himself.

“I think he was so well trusted that he would’ve been given the keys to the prison if he asked!  His many years of faithful service leave a standing testament and legacy.”

In an interview with The Inside Story in 2015, Arthur said he found prison to be “a supportive environment to work in”.

“I have found being a chaplain you are quite well received in the prison. You’d be surprised at the number of times I’ve heard inmates thank God for coming to prison,” Arthur explained.

“For me being a prison chaplain has been the greatest blessing – and it’s the one place you have a captive audience.”