A historic statue of a late priest has been toppled in Memramcook, N.B. The statue was built in memory of Father Camille Lefebvre, who founded the former Catholic Acadian University of St. Joseph’s College in the village. The building on Centrale Street was later preserved as a memorial to Acadian culture and Lefebvre’s work. Monument Lefebvre was named a National Historic Site in 1994. Memramcook Mayor Maxime Bourgeois saw the statue had been torn down while he walking to the municipality on Wednesday morning. “I was quite shocked and it’s definitely upsetting,” he told CTV Atlantic’s Derek Haggett. Bourgeois noticed the gate was open and there were tire marks on the grass. “It’s very upsetting for the community,” he said. “Père Camille Lefebrve played a pivotal role in Acadian history. He was one of pillars that really brought higher education to the Acadian population.” Bourgeois said the RCMP is investigating the incident. The bronze sculpture was done by artist Philippe Hébert and erected near Monument Lefebvre in 1914 in memory of the 50th anniversary of the founding of St. Joseph’s College. Lefebvre was born in 1831 in Quebec and died in Memramcook in 1895. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
