Memramcook, New Brunswick — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)

Le Monument-Lefebvre

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2019

1. Le Monument-Lefebvre Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

[Français] Depuis sa construction, ce bâtiment a occupé une place toute spéciale dans le cœur des Acadiens, à titre de monument commémoratif, de maison d’enseignement et de foyer de rassemblement pour des activités culturels. Le théâtre au premier étage continue à jouer un rôle important dans la vie culturelle de la communauté acadienne. Érigé entre 1896 et 1897 à la demande d’anciens étudiants afin de rendre hommage au Père Camille Lefebvre, c.s.c. (1831-1895), le fondateur du Collège Saint-Joseph, le Monument-Lefebvre rappelle la contribution remarquable de ce religieux à la renaissance de la culture acadienne.

[English] Throughout its history, this building has occupied a special place in the hearts and minds of the Acadian people, as a memorial, as an educational centre, and as a focal point for cultural events. The second-floor theatre continues to play an important role in the cultural life of the Acadian community. The building was constructed in 1896-1897 to honour the memory of Father Camille Lefebvre, CSC (1831-1895), the founder of Saint Joseph’s College. Commissioned by the school’s alumni, the Monument-Lefebvre celebrates his remarkable contributions to the rebirth of Acadian culture.

Erected 1998

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Click or scan to see
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by Commission des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada/Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Acadian History, and the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 45° 58.754′ N, 64° 34.028′ W. Marker is in Memramcook, New Brunswick. It can be reached from Rue Centrale Street half a kilometer north of Saint Thomas Street (New Brunswick Route 925), on the left when traveling north. The marker is located at the Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site, near the northwest corner of the historic Monument Lefebvre building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 480 Rue Centrale Street, Memramcook NB E4K 3S6, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Moncton & Southeast.

It is also in the Maritimes

and in Atlantic Canada.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2019

2. Le Monument-Lefebvre Marker

This is the rightmost of two Monuments Board of Canada markers at this location.

Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

and Acadia.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: L'Odyssée acadienne / The Acadian Odyssey (here, next to this marker); Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site / Lieu historique national du Monument-Lefebvre (here, next to this marker); Combat of the Petitcodiac / Combat du Petitcodiac (approx. 8.7 kilometers away); Methodist Church (approx. 9 kilometers away); Freedom of the Village of Dorchester (approx. 9.7 kilometers away); 400th Anniversary of 1st Acadian Settlement (approx. 9.7 kilometers away); Sir Albert James Smith (approx. 9.7 kilometers away); Bell Inn / Auberge Bell (approx. 9.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memramcook.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site

Also see . . .
1. Monument–Lefebvre National Historic Site (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: Monument–Lefebvre
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2019

3. Monuments Board of Canada Markers - Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site
Looking southeast; the northwest corner of the historic Monument Lefebvre building is in the background.
National Historic Site is a rusticated sandstone building that was first designated as Survival of the Acadians National Historic Site in 1978. In 1994, it was redesignated as Monument Lefebvre National Historic Site, a memorial to Father Camille Lefebvre who established College Saint-Joseph in 1864. The college and this building came to symbolize a resurgence of Acadian culture that began in the 19th century, one that continues through ongoing programs and displays. The college, which ceased operation in the 1960s, eventually became part of the Université de Moncton, and the surrounding grounds are now part of a resort and conference center. The site has featured exhibits about Acadian history since 1978.

(Submitted on April 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site (Parks Canada).

Excerpt: For many years, the building housed the institution's science labs and its theatre. The theatre hosted events of importance to the Acadian community for a long time. From concerts by the famous and not so famous, to lectures, oratory contests, conferences, college graduation
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2019

4. Monument Lefebvre (east/front elevation)
ceremonies and more, the theatre, with its near-perfect acoustics, was a focus of Acadian pride.
From a questionable future in the late 1970s, and a decade or more of heroic struggle by interested citizens, Monument Lefebvre has emerged restored to its former glory with a bright future. The building is destined to become a cultural centre of great importance fueled by a strong community-based enthusiasm and dedication. The Monument Lefebvre was named a National Historic Site in 1994 at a special event integral to the World Acadian Congress.

(Submitted on April 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Camille Lefebvre (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: Camille Lefebvre, C.S.C. was a Holy Cross father and vicar general for the Acadian population of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (Maritime Canada). In the fall of 1864 Father Lefebvre founded St. Joseph's College in Memramcook, New Brunswick as a post-secondary centre of learning. It received a provincial charter in 1868 and became eligible for financial support from the government. However the funding only lasted until 1871 when New Brunswick passed
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its controversial Common Schools Act which attempted to secularize education in the province. In refusing to accept the requirements of the Act, Father Lefebvre forfeited future funding and as a result, the college remained in financial difficulties for the rest of its existence. Nonetheless, the college would make a significant impact within Acadian and English Catholic society by creating a necessary educated class.

(Submitted on April 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 158 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.