"It was a beautiful church," said 78-year-old Marie Maenner, whose father-in-law in 1894 helped transport the ascension painting from Georgetown to the church, which is still located in a rural Bowie area where horses roam on nearby farmland. The church had fire insurance, but as DiGregory said, "all the fire insurance in the world can't replace the sentiments there." "I was born (in Bowie) and baptized here. "It's a sentimental loss," said Mullikin as he watched the firemen water down the ashes. There are currently 460 families in the church, Mullikin said. The church's congregation had been declining in size in recent years as more churches moved into the Bowie area, some parishioners said. "People would come from all around just to look at that picture," said Mullikin's wife, Ida. A large painting of the ascension, displayed behind the altar, was considered "priceless," according to DiGregory, who has been studying the church's history. The church was noted for its paintings, statues and stained glass windows.
The church was established by Jesuit Fathers after many railroad employees began settling in Bowie during the late 19the century, according to parishioner Dorothy M. He said the church's steeple was a familar sight and could be seen for miles throughout the community. "It was a landmark," said Ned Mullikin, who said his father helped build the church in 1893. Four firemen were injured in the fire, the cause of which is still under investigation.Īs firemen kept an eye on the smoldering ruins yesterday, dozens of parishioners stood nearby gazing at the remains of the wood framed church. An early morning fire yesterday destroyed the 84-year-old Ascension Catholic Church, long a landmark in the old railroad community of Bowie.įire officials in Prince George's County said the blaze, reported shortly before 3 a.m., caused an estimated $400,000 damages to the church located at 12600 Lanham Severn Rd.
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