Moses Michael Coady’s story began in North East Margaree, Cape Breton, on January 3, 1882. The second child and oldest son of a large family born to Michael J. and Sarah (Tompkins) Coady, he attended school at Margaree Forks and the Nova Scotia Normal College in Truro. Coady was a gifted teacher, and was said to have both the soul of a poet and the mind of a mathematician. In 1905 he graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish with a B.A., and on the advice of his older cousin and mentor, Fr. James John Tompkins (“Father Jimmy”) he went on for graduate study in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1910.

Rev. Dr. Coady became a teacher and then a school principal on his return to Antigonish, and soon was involved with Fr. Tompkins in a plan to take university education to the people. In 1921 the first “People’s School” brought 52 adults (one of whom was a  woman) to the Antigonish campus of St.FX for academic and practical classes. Coady also spearheaded a reorganization of the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union, and edited the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Bulletin. He was instrumental in the founding of the United Maritime Fishermen in 1930.

In 1928 St.F.X. decided to establish a university Extension Department, and Moses Coady became its first Director. From this platform he and his colleagues developed the unique blend of adult education and economic cooperation that became known throughout the world as the Antigonish Movement. The compelling story of their work is told in his book Masters of Their Own Destiny.

Coady, who has been called a “humble giant,” served as Director of the Extension Department until 1952. He was elevated to the rank of Monsignor, and his pioneering work was recognized by the award of several honourary degrees, in documentary films and a commemorative stamp. Most recently, in June 2009, he was inducted into the Canadian Co-operative Hall of Fame.

Moses Coady died on July 28, 1959, at the age of 77. Two fishermen, two farmers, a miner and a steelworker carried him to his final resting place in St Ninian’s Cemetery, Antigonish, Nova Scotia.