The Church of the Ascension

Founded 1844

23 North Court Street
Westminster, MD 21157

The Episcopal Church welcomes you!

The Rev. Ronald S. Fisher, Rector

In a loving response to God, we offer ourselves to Him and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, exist to do His work in order that we might come to know Him better and make our Lord Jesus Christ known to others.

About the Church of the Ascension

Although regular services began in 1842, the parish was not formally organized until 1844, and was admitted to union with the Diocese of Maryland (a Diocese of the Episcopal Church) in Ascensiontide of that year. The present church building, a beautiful Gothic Revival stone chapel built of local graystone, was consecrated on Ascension Day of 1846.

The home of Francis Scott Key -- a devoted Episcopal churchman as well as the composer of "The Star Spangled Banner" -- was within the present bounds of Ascension Parish, and here he gathered and taught the first Sunday school for what were then known as "colored" (African-American) children in America.

For more than 150 years, the Church of the Ascension, Episcopal, has served as a beacon of God's presence in the heart of the historic town of Westminster, Maryland. Through traditional and contemporary worship and community service according to the Book of Common Prayer 1979, we seek to follow our Lord Jesus Christ's commandment to love God and serve our neighbors.

With God's grace, long may the Church of the Ascension continue to witness to our Lord and serve His people here in this place!

Sunday and Daily Services

Sunday Services

8:00	Holy Eucharist in Church: Rite I (traditional language), no music
9:15	Holy Eucharist in Great Hall: Rite II (contemporary language), family-oriented, music
11:15	Holy Eucharist in Church: Rite II, music

Sunday Soup Kitchen

The Church of the Ascension offers a Sunday soup kitchen for disadvantaged members of the Westminster community at 1:30 p.m. (1:00 in the summer). Volunteers are always welcome! Call the Church Office for details: (410) 848-3252 or (410) 876-0736

Daily Morning Prayer

9:10 Monday-Friday (Church)

Wednesday Eucharist

10:00 (Chapel, in Parish House)

Rector, Parish Staff, and Contact Info

The Rev. Ronald S. Fisher, Rector

The Rev. Samuel W. Edleman, Assisting Priest

Parish Staff

Dr. David Kreider, Organist and Choirmaster
Ms Freda Dohoney, Lay Assistant
Anne Murdoch, Secretary
Shirley Brenton, Secretary
Kenneth Taylor, Sexton
Thomas H. Harbold, WMC Campus Liason

Contact Information

Office Phones (410) 848-3251 or (410) 876-0736
Office Hours 9:30-2:30 Monday-Friday
Rectory Phone (410) 876-7672