Exorcist experts keep SLU crowd on edge

By Jeff Small

KSDK -- A discussion in St. Louis had a crowd of hundreds on the edge of their seats Tuesday. The topic was the true story that led a book and a movie on "The Exorcist." Two men had just over an hour to give the highlights of their studies on the subject.

It's been more than 30 years since "The Exorcist" first left moviegoers frightened as well as intrigued. The story with a St Louis connection began with a book, and later turned into a cult classic.

"This is such an interesting topic and it's scary and we like to be scared," said Eileen Dreyer.

People of all ages came to St. Louis University to hear remarks from two archivists who studied the exorcist phenomenon. Their work uncovered what they believe are true accounts of bizarre and demonic like behavior of a 13-year-old.

"At root something very strange happened and some of the events were witnessed by reasonable, rational people, but what the cause I don't know," said archivist John Waide.

Rumors said an exorcism was performed in the grand hall of SLU's Dubourg Hall. It happened on a boy known as Robbie in 1949. SLU researchers confirmed an exorcism story was a reality, although the details change from story teller to story teller.

"John and I felt like maybe we should set the record straight, that an exorcism did not take place in this beautiful fourth floor of Dubourg Hall," said archivist Randy McGuire.

Archivists said the only campus building involved was the Francis Xavier Church. Stories of furniture including the boys' bed suddenly lifting off the floor are accurate.

The archivists said getting to the bottom of what really happened in 1949 involving the exorcism depends on who you believe. They did say it definitely included a local connection with SLU, a home in Bel Nor, and the old Alexian Brothers Hospital in St. Louis.