This Is Your Life: Sydney MacEwan

Canon Sydney MACEWAN (1908-1991)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Canon Sydney MacEwan, the Catholic priest and singer, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews in a small country backwater!

Sydney was born and raised in Glasgow, where his early musical talent was nurtured by his mother, who despite the family’s poverty, paid for him to attend music lessons. He was a clear winner in an end-of-pier talent contest aged 12, and later while at Glasgow University he began a singing career on the advice of Sir Compton Mackenzie.

Following several recordings for Parlophone and two successful world tours, Sydney chose to abandon his fame and success to follow his vocation to become a priest. He was ordained in 1944 and eventually became parish priest at the Church of St Margaret’s in Lochgilphead, Argyll. He continued to utilise his vocal talent - recording and touring – raising funds for the Church.

programme details...

Edition No: 198
Subject No: 199
Broadcast date: Tue 16 Oct 1962
Broadcast time: 7.55-8.25pm
Recorded: Mon 17 Sep 1962 8.30pm
Venue: BBC Television Theatre
Series: 8
Edition: 3

on the guest list...

Eric Robinson
Harold MacEwan – brother
Roger MacDougall
Mrs Hector MacNeill
Mary Stewart
Mrs Francis Boyne
John MacPherson
Sergeant Michael O’Flynn
Peter Ciarella
Elizabeth Boyle
Robert Wilson
Jennie MacEwan – mother
Countess Lily McCormack

production team...

Director: Vere Lorrimer
Producer: T Leslie Jackson

related page...

Life's Vocation

celebrating the 'men of God'

Canon Sydney MacEwan on This Is Your Life

Series 8 subjects