Born May 25, 1854 at Fort Ellice, Hudson's Bay Company post where his father, William McKay, was chief factor. Ordained on June 22 1878, and served the First Nations and white settlers. Served as scout and interpreter during 1885 rebellion and was chaplain to North West Mounted Police. After 1885 he took charge of the Emmanuel College at St. Albert and was incumbent of St. Alban's Church. In 1900 he took up missionary work in South Dakota and in 1917 served in diocese of Wyoming.