Parish History

 

 

If Passionists wrote ballads, a popular request at social gatherings would be "The Legend of Father Egbert Albert", "that man of God who went 'a-preaching' on the railroad" to to dispel anti-Catholic ignorance in North Carolina. The train chugged into the coastal town of Morehead City on a winter's day, and was met by a mob of bigoted whites who threatened to harm Father Egbert if he didn't leave town. So he left, only to return a few days later . But the mob was back again, ready to beat him up and shout him down. As the train departed, the missionary quoted Jesus' words to His disciples:

 

If any one does not receive you or listen to what you have to say, leave that house or town, and once outside it, shake the dust from your feet. I assure you, it will go easier for the region of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than it will for that town.

(Matthew 10:14-15.)

 

Less than a day later, a disastrous fire struck the town. Attributing their misfortune to the "curse of God" pronounced by Father Egbert, the people sent an executive committee to appeal for his return. So the chapel car came once again to Morehead City, and this time the good priest was unmolested.

 

But alas, there would be no more missions for Father Egbert Albert. He was called home from Morehead City by news of an impending death in the family. Winters are milder in North Carolina than in upstate New York, and though the Passionist was strong in spirit, he was not robust in health. Before he could reach his journeys end, he caught pneumonia and died. So his parents built a little church in Morehead City and donated the main crucifix over the altar. They named the church St. Egbert's in honor of the missionary's patron saint. So the memory of Father Egbert Albert lives on - in North Carolina, and in the hearts of Passionist who knew him.

 

 

Read Fr. Egberts accounts of his mission in North Carolina.

 

Priests of St. Egbert Catholic Community