Our History
We praise God for his work in us since 1843.
The Church of the Ascension began its journey on November 28, 1843, when a small group of concerned local Episcopalians met for the purpose of organizing a congregation in Westminster, which at the time was a small village with a population of approximately 500. In May 1844, the Diocesan Convention, held in Baltimore, voted to grant the formal organization of the “Parish of Ascension.” Fundraising began and in August 1844 ground was broken on our Stone Church. In May 1846, on Ascension Day, Church of the Ascension was consecrated.
Stone Church "Then"
This original building, now affectionately referred to as the Stone Church, exemplifies the Neo-Gothic architectural style advocated by the Ecclesiological Society in the 19th century. The Stone Church has been modified only slightly in the past 170-plus years, and is recognized as an historic property by the Maryland Historical Trust.
Children's Chapel
'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.'
Luke 18:16
Children's Chapel Services
Children’s Chapel is a special worship experience designed for children and youth of all ages. The service follows the basic pattern of our adult worship service, helping children learn what it means to worship God with reverence, joy, and respect.
Children's Chapel will meet once a month during the 10:15 am worship service. Children and youth will return to the 10:15 am service no later than Holy Communion, so families can worship and share in Communion together.
September 20
October 18
November 1
December: Date T. B.A.
A Worship Service for Children and Youth
Children follow the 10:15 am service procession to Chapel, where they take part in their own age-appropriate worship service. Children participate by taking turns carrying the cross, lighting the candles and joining together in prayer and song.
Each service includes a Bible story (often from the NIV Adventure Bible) and a short teaching that helps children understand the day’s Scripture and how it connects to their lives. Object lessons and other hands-on activities help make these lessons meaningful and memorable.
Through prayer, song, and Bible stories, children learn that prayer is a conversation with God and that worship is a time to listen, respond, and grow closer to Him.
Growing in Faith
Children’s Chapel helps children discover how God wants them to live and treat one another. Our hope is that they will fall in love with Jesus, grow in their relationship with Him, and learn how to put their faith into practice throughout the week.
Children also learn that worship is a sacred time—one in which we show reverence and respect for God and kindness and respect for one another.