Canon Gallaucher was born in Gourock, Renfrewshire, on 1st October, 1884. He was educated at St. Ninian's School in his native town, and then at the age of fifteen entered St. Mary's College, Blairs, to study for the priesthood. In 1904 he was sent to complete his studies at Issy and St. Sulpice in Paris, where he was ordained by Archbishop Amette on 3rd July, 1909.
On his return to Scotland, Father Gallaucher was appointed curate at St. Augustine's, Langloan. Two years later he was transferred to St. Mary's, Saltcoats, where he remained till 1924. During the First World War his knowledge of French proved invaluable in dealing with the problems of refugees; Father Gallaucher also served on the Soldiers' and Sailors' Committee.
In 1929, after five years as chaplain to the Good Shepherd Sisters at Dalbeth, he was appointed parish priest of St. Mary's, Larkhall. Two years later he was transferred to St. James', Renfrew. It was here that he celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood. In 1938 he returned to Langloan where he had already served as a curate. In 1940 he became parish priest of St. Charles', Newton and, in April, 1945, he took up his appointment as parish priest of St. Joseph's, Tollcross, where he celebrated his Golden and Diamond Jubilees as a priest.
A simple enumeration of the various appointments held over the years by Canon Gallaucher tells us nothing of the priestly and human qualities which endeared him to all with whom he came into contact. The solid spiritual formation he received in the Sulpician tradition from the French seminaries clearly had a great influence on his life as a priest, and was the motivating factor behind the faithful discharge of his personal exercises of piety. He was proud to be a priest, and apostolic zeal, genuine piety, and personal concern for all his flock were characteristic of his priestly life. He had a deep understanding of human nature, and was always ready to show patient tolerance and fatherly understanding of human frailty. He was always deeply concerned about the welfare of others, and this concern was not confined to his parishioners, as was clearly shown by the great work he did in his younger days with the establishing of immigration chaplains in Canada, and improving working conditions for Irish immigrants in Ayrshire.
In November, 1967, despite his advanced age, he was appointed canon of the metropolitan cathedral chapter of Glasgow. His health, however, was deteriorating, and, sustained by a deep faith and the kindness of his friends, he died peacefully at Gourock on 11th August, 1970. Requiem Mass was celebrated by His Grace, the Archbishop of Glasgow, in St. Joseph's, Tollcross, in the presence of a very large representation of clergy and parishioners. He was afterwards laid to rest beside his fellow priests in St. Peter's Cemetery, Dalbeth. May he rest in peace. |
