Regarding Mac, the fraudulent defrocked Episcopalian priest who absconded with our Intergroup funds, his talent as a con artist was so great that many in the area refused to believe that he was indeed a confidence man and had never been a priest. A check with the Episcopal Church confirmed that Edward K. McDonald had never been on their roster of priests.
In time, the Orlando AA community was able to put Mac behind them and go on to create a better AA environment with an Intergroup office that functioned according to AA Traditions. But that is not the last we heard of Mac.
Several years later, Clarence S., while on a visit to Massachusetts, was approached by a distinguished-looking individual. “How are tilings in Orlando?” he asked, giving Clarence a hardy handshake. Try as he might, Clarence could not place this person. There was something familiar in his voice, perhaps his eyes, but he could see no recognition through the individual’s neatly trimmed moustache and goatee. Sensing this, the individual said, “You know me as Mac, Ed McDonald!” After regaining his composure from this shock, Clarence asked, “Aren’t you afraid the Orlando people will come after you now that they know where to find you?” Mac retorted, “Can’t — seven-year statute of limitations!”
Later a friend from Massachusetts sent our Intergroup an article from the local paper which showed a picture of Mac (sporting a beard) announcing his appointment as drug and family counselor to a new project. The article listed his impressive credentials. Orlando experience was conspicuous by its omission.
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