To make the crumbs, combine flour, brown sugar, and shortening in a medium mixing bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, combine the ingredients until the dough forms fine crumbs. Place aside.

Preheat the oven to 375° F. (190 degrees C).

To make the filling, dissolve baking soda in boiling water in a medium bowl. Stir in the corn syrup, molasses, salt, and egg thoroughly. 1/3 of the mixture should be poured into the unbaked pie crust. 1/3 of the crumbs should be sprinkled over the mixture. Continue this process until the crumb and liquid mixtures are depleted.

Bake for 10 minutes in a preheated oven, then reduce to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake for another 30 minutes.