André-Thaddée Bourque

1854-1914

André-T. Bourque (born 27 July 1854 at Beaumont and died 28 June 1914 at Memramcook) was a Holy Cross Father, missionary, author, and Acadian composer. He was known for his musical compositions and his book Chez les anciens acadiens : causeries du grand-père Antoine (1911). André-T. attended the village school until the age of 11, when he entered the Saint-Joseph de Memramcook college, where he began his classical studies and music training. In 1874 he moved to Clare, Nova Scotia, to become a teacher. He was offered the position of organist and choir director at Sainte-Marie church in Church Point, NS. In 1880, Bourque entered the novitiate of the Holy Cross Fathers at Saint-Laurent, near Montreal. He returned to Memramcook in 1881, where he completed his theological studies and was ordained as a priest on June 3, 1884. He assumed the role of music teacher, directing the Saint-Joseph College band as well as acting as parish organist. Several years later Bourque decided to become a missionary in east India. He worked for six years (1891-1896) in the Bangladesh mission. Returning to Memramcook in the summer of 1897, Bourque taught a variety of subjects while also giving presentations on the customs of the Bengali people. In January 1901 at Tacoma, Washington, he was released from his religious order vows and became a secular priest. Upon his return to New Brunswick in 1909, he accepted a position at the diocese in Chatham. Bourque worked for several months in Campbellton. He wrote a series of Acadian nationalist songs: Plainte et Pardon, Évangéline, la Marseillaise acadienne, le Pêcheur acadien, et la Fleur du souvenir.  In August 1910, Bourque left Chatham parish to become vicar at Newcastle, and began publication of his book Chez les anciens acadiens : causeries du grand-père Antoine, which was the first compilation of Acadian folklore. Readmitted to the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1911 and installed at Saint-Joseph, Father André-T. Bourque returned to the musical work he had begun 30 years prior; even composing a new song, le Gondolier. Bourque died in the Saint-Joseph College infirmary on June 28, 1914.

Predominant New Brunswick Residences:

Memramcook, Chatham