February 26, 2001
JJ MACDONALD AWARDED THE GELDERT MEDAL

The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada has awarded the Geldert Medal to Dr. JJ MacDonald of Halifax. The Geldert Medal is given annually for the best article published in The Canadian Philatelist, journal of the society, the previous year.

MacDonald merited the award for 2000 with his two-part feature on "Charles Connell and His Stamp - The Stamp's Survival" which ran in the September-October and November-December issues. MacDonald is recognized as the Connell stamp expert because of his extensive research on the stamp. His article recounts the stamp's history since 1860 when then postmaster general Charles Connell of New Brunswick placed his image on a the five-cent domestic rate stamp.

In making the announcement, Geldert committee chairman Harry Sutherland, QC, RDP, said "the honour is well deserved because JJ is an outstanding philatelic writer and researcher."

The Geldert Medal was established by Phyllis Geldert in memory of her husband Dr. George M. "Mac" Geldert, the longest serving president (1958-1967) of The RPSC. Mrs. Geldert put up the medal in 1967 shortly after Dr. Geldert's death. A notable stamp collector herself, Mrs. Geldert was prominent in many facets of RPSC work, including a directorship from 1967 to 1978. She also served as executive director for three years. She was elected as a Fellow (FRPSC) of the Royal in 1968. Mrs. Geldert died on August 23, 2000.

The Geldert Medal is a significant reward for outstanding writing and research in the society's journal. Dr. MacDonald is a past editor of the journal, a past director of the Society, and a Fellow of The RPSC. His article on the Connell stamp reveals some new information as well as verifies the Connell as one of the world's most famous stamps.

The Geldert Medal selection committee is made up of James Kramer, Harry Sutherland, and Cimon Morin. Mr. Morin replaces Mrs. Geldert who served on the committee since the medal was first awarded.

With many new contributors to The Canadian Philatelist, Charles Verge "expects greater competition" for the medal in the future. "It is a healthy sign for the Society that The Canadian Philatelist is getting new writers and presenting new perspectives for the of members of RPSC."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Michael O. Nowlan 506-357-2698
Carol S. Law 416-979-8874