[5] During his Edinburgh ministry an attempt was made to introduce English preaching in the afternoon into the Gaelic congregation, to meet the wishes of hundreds who wished to benefit by Macdonald's ministry; but the more ardent Celts among the people resisted the change strenuously and successfully.

To meet the desire, however, Macdonald resolved to preach English at night,— thus undertaking three regular services each Lord's day.

In 1818 he was discussed by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland regarding his apparent unwanted preaching in the parishes of Aberlour and Strathbogie.

[7] In 1822 he made a mission voyage to the island of St Kilda, seeking to address its absence of church and minister.

[8] Besides these visits, so much valued by the people, he made strenuous efforts to secure the erection of a church and manse in the island, and on his last visit, in 1827, accompanied by the minister appointed by the Society which he represented, he found the buildings completed, and provision made for the regular maintenance of Christian worship.

His charge at Urquhart changed slightly and he served the new Free Church in nearby Ferintosh.