About Our Lady of the Annunciation · Albemarle, North Carolina
Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle, North Carolina, was established in 1934 after years of visiting priests serving the area. The first Masses were held in a rectory living room, and the first church building was completed in September 1934 with funding from a $5,000 gift from a parish in New York. The current church, built in 1971 from the estate of Father Cowan, seats 380 and features stained glass, southern yellow pine arches, and a marble altar. The parish has grown from 9 families to several hundred and offers both English and Spanish Masses, along with active community ministries including Meals-on-Wheels, prison ministry, and youth outreach.
- Established
- 1934
- Patron
- Our Lady of the Annunciation
Why belong here
Join a parish that has grown from 9 families to several hundred, offering both English and Spanish Masses, and actively serving the community through programs like Meals-on-Wheels, prison ministry, and youth outreach. Participate in parish picnics, holiday events, and mission work, including supporting refugees, seminarians, and a mission church in Biscoe.
Mass times at Our Lady of the Annunciation
Weekly Mass schedule
History
Until 1934, visiting priests served the area. Father Edward Gross from Hamlet, NC, visited Albemarle once a year in the late 1920s. The parish was formally founded on July 1, 1934, with Masses held in the rectory’s living room by Father Cowan. A $5,000 gift from Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in New York enabled construction of the first church, completed in September 1934. The parish grew from 9 families to over 100. In 1971, a new church was built using a gift from the estate of Father Cowan and his mother; the old church was donated to the Albemarle Junior Women’s Club. The parish now includes a rectory, Olive Rooney Pastoral Center, and a Family Life Center. Over 75 years, the parish has expanded spiritually and communally, offering bilingual Masses and participating in community service.
Community & Ministries
The parish actively participates in community affairs including Meals-on-Wheels, the Community Christmas dinner, and prison ministry. The Daughters of Mary sponsor a room at a battered women’s shelter, the Knights of Columbus raise money for special needs children through their LAMB program, and youth visit Washington DC for the Right to Life march. Other shared activities include holiday programs, parish dinners, and the parish picnic.
Sacraments & Services
Baptism is by appointment only. Marriage requires contacting the pastor at least 6 months in advance. Masses are held on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. (Spanish).