John Duncan MacLeod was born in 1901 in Dunvegan, Glengarry. He was born and raised in an environment rich in Celtic culture and music. Later, he moved to Toronto where his love for the pipes and drums led him to join the Toronto Irish Regiment Pipes & Drums, as their bass drummer.
He frequently returned to Glengarry, often to participate in an assembled ‘pipe band’. At the fourth Gathering of Clan MacLeod Society of Glengarry, (July 1939), John D., then as the Past President of the Clan MacLeod Society of Glengarry, accepted a donated trophy from Farquhar MacLeod of New York, that was awarded at each annual Clan MacLeod Society of Glengarry Gathering, for Highland Dancing.
At a meeting of Glengarry Clan MacLeod on September 3, 1954, a decision was made to set aside $200 to pay for lessons for pipers and drummers. John D. led this project, and Miss Connie Kippen accepted teaching these young pipers.
The lack of drummers, however, was still a problem. A motion was moved by John D. at the 24th Annual Clan MacLeod Society of Glengarry Gathering, to present an offering to the: Glengarry Highland Games Committee, of $100 to be used for the instruction of young drummers. John D. and Gordon MacLeod met with the Highland Games Committee. The Clan MacLeod offer was accepted.
At this same Gathering, a motion moved by John D. and seconded by Gordon MacLeod, addressed the desire to formally form a pipe band and further, to support the ongoing development of Highland dancing. In early 1961 John D. called a meeting that was held in Maxville. Excerpts from the minutes of this meeting are as follows:
At a meeting held in the Community Hall, Maxville on Saturday, February 4, 1961, it was decided to start a Pipe Band in this district and that a committee be appointed for that purpose. ………
It was moved by Dr. Gamble and seconded by Osie Villeneuve that John D. MacLeod, Dunvegan, be President. Carried. ……….
It was moved by Osie Villeneuve and seconded by Gordon MacLeod that the official name of the Band be “The Glengarry Pipe Band”, but known as The Glengarry Highlanders. Carried.
The Glengarry Pipe Band was born.
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