Catholic priest found dead in rectory

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Archdiocese of Mobile announced the death of Rev. Ernest Hyndman, Jr., the pastor of St. Agatha Catholic Church in Bay Minette.  His body was found in the church rectory Tuesday morning.  No foul play is suspected.  Church officials say he apparently took his own life.

"Father Ernie", as he was known to friends, attended St. Dominic Catholic School, Mobile and McGill-Toolen High School. He graduated from McGill in 1982, and attended Spring Hill College, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in English in 1986.

After serving as editor of “The Catholic Week” newspaper, he entered Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans in 1992. In 1996, he was ordained a priest and served for 2 years as associate pastor at Holy Family Parish, Mobile, and then as pastor for 11 years.

While assigned to St. Dominic Church in Mobile in 2006, Hyndman shot himself in the arm.  Police reports at the time say Hyndman told officers he had been depressed. Fr. Hyndman left St. Dominic on medical leave granted by the Archdiocese.

Mobile Archbishop Thomas Rodi led benediction and the Rosary at St. Agatha Church in Bay Minette Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.