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.
Our Clergy and Staff
The Rev. F. Allan Weatherholt, Jr.
Interim Rector
The Rev’d F. Allan Weatherholt, Jr., has served as Ascension’s Interim Rector since August, 2021. Fr. Allan is a lifelong Episcopalian and Marylander and grew up at historic Emmanuel Parish, Cumberland. Fr. Weatherholt is a 1972 graduate of Frostburg State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Communications. He graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, in 1975 with the degree of Master in Divinity. In January 1980, he became Rector of St. Thomas’ Parish, Hancock, a position he held for over 41 years, until his retirement in June 2021.
In addition to his duties as a Parish Priest, Fr. Allan’s ministry focused on outreach to those in need in western Washington County through the Interfaith Service Coalition. At St. Thomas’, he supervised close to 10 men and women in the Ordination process of our Diocese. He also served for 24 years as a volunteer Chaplain for the Maryland State Police and two other police agencies.
Fr. Weatherholt is married to The Rev’d Anne O. Weatherholt, who retired after 24 years as Rector of St. Mark’s Church, Lappans, (near Hagerstown) in June 2019. Both Fr. Allan and Rev’d Anne have considerable experience in Parish ministry, and, though semi-retired, still both serve as Interim Rectors where needed.
Ann Fariss
Parish Administrator
Originally from Philadelphia, Ann is recently retired from Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she worked as a Registered Nurse and Clinical Systems Analyst. After living in the south for 20 years, she and husband, Jim, have been very happy in Carroll County
for the past 15 years.
Donna Parker
Praise Ensemble Director
After serving in the U.S. Army and completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Donna served church communities for over 30 years as a Director of Music and Liturgy as well as serving on pastoral care teams. As a multi-instrumentalist, choral conductor, and vocalist, she has had the great pleasure of working with devoted and energetic music ministers who were focused on engaging parishes in worship and encouraging full and active participation of all members. As a retired licensed pastoral counselor and musician, Donna is especially focused on the continuing spiritual and musical growth of parish music volunteers. Donna has a bachelor’s equivalency in general music with a focus on conducting and an MS/Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University in MD.
Lynn Lyon-Vaiden
Communications Associate & Handbell Choir Director
Lynn's communications skills were honed while employed in offices at Glyndon United Methodist Church and Garrison Forest School and in her current job as Executive Assistant for the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling.
Lynn began ringing handbells in 1979 when her church purchased five octaves of handbells. She has directed handbell choirs at schools and churches since 1983 and has attended many national and regional handbell festivals and directors’ seminars. Lynn has directed the Ascension Handbell Choir since 1997 and previously directed the Handbell Choir at St. Timothy’s School. (Stevenson, MD).
Lynn has a bachelor's degree as well as a Certificate in Office Technology.
Mary Butler
Organist and Choir Director
Mary Butler has been a church musician since she was a child. She plays piano and organ and loves playing all types of music: classical and contemporary. She feels called to use music to help people come closer to God in worship.
She is a graduate of Loyola College and earned a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland. She is a retired teacher and enjoys living on a horse farm in Lineboro with ponies, horses and many cats.
Reagan Dunn
Digital Ministry Associate
Reagan Dunn is a lifelong resident of Westminster, MD. She is a student at Towson University studying mass communications and film.
Reagan also has three dogs and will be happy to share pictures if asked.
Suzanne Walter
Nursery Attendant
Suzanne has more than 30 years of working with children in Maryland and Iowa. She holds a Certificate in Childcare from Howard Community College. She will attend to the children’s needs (ages 0-4) during the 10:15 am service and other times as needed.
Donald Chepko
Sexton
Donald Chepko is the part-time sexton, helping us to keep our campus beautiful for all who worship with us or visit our church.
Our Vestry
The Rev. F. Allan Weatherholt, Interim Rector
Donna Hansen, Sr. Warden
Joe Parker, Jr. Warden
Nancy Starner, Treasurer
Jackie Weschler , Registrar
Jill Horn
Katie Corbin
Luke Gore
Jennie Grabill
Deb Howard
Liz Lowe
Carrie Goff
Roberta Wilhelm
Beverly Baker