The statue of Father Pedro Camps and his Minorcan followers is the centerpiece of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine’s west courtyard. The three-quarter-life size bronze sits on a four-foot coquina base. The realistic figures gather around a large cross. In the center, Father Pedro Camps raises his hand, blessing the group. At his feet, a mother cradles a baby. An old man looks over the mother’s shoulder. He is kneeling and extends his right hand as if asking for alms. You can almost touch it.

The man, woman, and child evoke images of the holy family. Above them, two figures stand on each side of the priest–a young boy and a girl, who rests her head on the cross. Wearing simple garments that form elaborate drapery folds, the weary people find comfort in their faith. Dedicated in 1975, the statue was created by sculptor Josef Viladomat of Barcelona, Spain.

Front plaque reads:

“In memory of Father Pedro Camps, the spiritual leader of the Minorcan Colony.
This statue presented to Most Reverend Paul F Tanner, Bishop of St. Augustine by Fernando A. Rubio of Minorca and Xavier L. Pellicer of St. Augustine
April 24, 1975
In commemoration of the Two hundredth Anniversary of the arrival of the Minorcan Colonists in St. Augustine.”

Side plaque reads:

“Erected on this site by the descendants of the Minorcan Colonists in recognition of the Bicentennial Celebration of the birth of the United States on July 4, 1776.

Sculptor: Josef Viladomat, Barcelona, Spain.”

The back plaque contains a list of family names of Minorcan Colonists whose descendants live in the St. Augustine area.

HISTORY

In 1768, more than 1,400 Greek, Italian, and Minorcan men, women, and children filled eight ships bound for Florida. They set sail from the island of Minorca off the coast of Spain chasing a dream for a better life in the New World. When Spanish Florida became a British colony through the Paris Treaty in 1763, a Scottish physician named Dr. Andrew Turnbull secured 100,000 acres on Florida’s east coast. There, in New Smyrna, he would start an indigo plantation. He offered the Minorcan workers a share in the harvest and a land grant to each man after 10 years of indentured service.

Since most of the travelers were Roman Catholic, two Minorcan priests joined the voyage — Father Pedro Camps, vicar of St. Martin Parish in Mercadal, and an assistant, Father Bartolome. He was later deported for insubordination to Turnbull, leaving Father Camps to serve the entire population.

Plantation life was not easy. The climate was harsh. The land was rugged. Food was scarce and supplies were lacking. Conflicts with Turnbull’s overseers led to discontent among the workers within weeks of their arrival. In 1777, after years of persecution, the workers revolted.

Head carpenter Francis Pellicer sought asylum for the Minorcan colony in St. Augustine. British Governor Patrick Tonyn gave them permission to re-settle near the City Gate. More than 600 downtrodden Minorcans walked 70 miles north from New Smyrna. When they arrived, the Governor allowed them the use of a dilapidated building for religious services. After 13-years of Protestant rule in St. Augustine, the celebration of the Catholic Mass returned.

When Father Camps died in 1790, the Minorcans mourned the loss of their spiritual leader. His remains were buried in the Tolomato Cemetery and later transferred to a crypt under the altar of the church that is now the Cathedral Basilica.

Today, Minorcan descendants thrive in St. Augustine. They own businesses, hold public office, and serve as community leaders. Their traditions are celebrated at festivals and religious gatherings. For the thousands who pass by daily, the statue of Father Pedro Camps stands as a memorial to the Minorcan’s perseverance and an inspiration for all to remain hopeful in the face of hardship.