Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, William McElcheran had a career that early on was focused on architecture and design of churches and liturgical subjects and then on figural sculpture dedicated to "portraying these self-important men of trade in different settings and situations. He took a good natured poke at the 'rat race' and was continually fascinated by the dynamics of our ever-expanding population." (Kinsman)

McElcheran was based primarily in Toronto but did much traveling to other places.

He was a graduate of the Ontario College of Art in 1948 and held the top class position. He did religious subject wood carving and carving of church furniture and pews, and then he became chief desi...