The Quebec City Launch of In the Pressure of the Moment: Remembering Gerry McNeil

The Quebec launch of In the Pressure of the Moment: Remembering Gerry McNeil was held Wednesday evening (7-9 pm) at the Morrin Centre in the heart of the old city. Of all the "The Original-Six" Eastern events, this one was had a personal significance insofar as Gerry was born (Limoilou) and buried (St. Patrick's Cemetary) in Quebec. Having live in Quebec City for a good part of his youth (1961-72) David experienced an emotional home-coming as well. The day began with an early flight from Halifax and a quick taxi ride from the airport to the CBC studios on Rue. St. Jean where David claimed to have had the "dream" interview with Susan Campbell. "It was very clear to me that she knew the book well and liked it." As the cultural centre for the Anglo community in Quebec City, the Morrin Centre holds a special place in the hearts of expatriot Anglos. The Events Coordinator, Elizabeth Perreault, and the Centre's Director, Barry McCullough, were instrumental in making this event happen.

Before the reading, Barry took David and Louis Anctil (Midtown) down into the restored "prison" part of the building to show his guests what constituted "solitary confinement" in the nineteenth-century, a 4x6 damp and window-less box. After experiencing the unnerving sense of confinement, David was shown some of the punishment "tools," and this was enough to give him a keen desire to get back upstairs! The Library was neatly arranged for the event, including refreshments. Soon people starting filling the room.

Barry introduced David and continued to emphasize the appropriateness of setting and speaker. Dalhousie University, where David has taught since 1984, was founded by the Ninth Earl of Dalhousie, George Ramsay, who moved up to Lower Canada, as it was then known, and there established the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec. The LHSQ claims to be the oldest academic body in Canada, and its official address is the Morrin Centre. (The initial Halifax Launch was in The "Earl of Dalhousie's Pub," of course.) Barry also menioned that some of David's academic work is on subjects related to the battle for Quebec 1759-60.

When David came to the podium he was conscious of all the writers who had stood on that spot before him, including quite recently Lawrence Hill and Louise Penny. In his comments David took time to recognize the importance of a local photographer William (W.B.) Edwards for establishing our visual impression of twentieth-century Quebec. His photography business was continued by sons Austin and Maurice, and David acknowledged one of William's grandchildren (Brenda) and greatgrandchildren (Peter Edwards) in the audience.

One of the themes of the evening had to do with Gerry's origins--Limiolou, and how he had been cut from his high-school team (St. Pat's) only a year before he signed with the Canadiens in 1943. The coach of that team was present when Gerry played his first game as a Hab in an exhibition match that fall. In the audience was an old friend of uthor from his youth, David Booth. Also present was Eddie Conway, a cousin. Eddie remembered meeting Gerry when the latter was playing "Old Timers" hockey in Calgary. It seemed fitting that Eddie would end up winning the framed Kilpatrick photo. The audience had questions about an era that is largely remembered for the legendary exploits of stars like Howe and Maurice Richard. While David took time to sign books, people had drinks and chatted. Rare footage of the 1953 Stanley Cup win was shown. La Maison Angelaise was there to handle sales.

When the signing and chatting came to and end, a few people linger behind to help pack up. Eventually, Louis Anctil took David, Paul Bleau and Daniel Anctil to the Chateau Frontenac for a nightcap. The view of the river was, well, spectacular. The group sipped drinks, remarked on the city's history, and relaxed in the plush seats. April 20th, 2016 would be a day that David would not soon forget.

Click here for an mp4 (video) of the event.

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Last Updated: 26 January 2026.