Alfred James Vale was born on October 17, 1876 in Waterloo, Ontario. He entered Wycliffe College, Toronto, in 1903 and graduated in 1906. He was ordained in 1906 and appointed assistant to Reverend C.H. Marsh, with charge of the parish of Cameron and Cambray. In 1907 he was ordained priest and appointed missionary in charge of Hay River, in the Diocese of Mackenzie River, North West Territories, and principal of the Indian and Eskimo residential school there. He served as a missionary from 1907 to 1927. In 1927, he was transferred to Chapleau, Ontario and continued his missionary work under more favourable conditions. On October 15, 1946, A.J. Vale retired from active work and came to Vancouver, B.C. to spend his remaining time in less strenuous occupations. Between 1947 and 1957, he served as honorary assistant to the Rector of St. Mary's Church, Southill. In 1952 Wycliffe College conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. In 1956, Vale was invited to spend a month at St. Peter's Mission, Hay River, N.W.T. and to be the Chaplain of the Bishop of the Arctic, Reverend D.B. Marsh at the dedication of the church there.