Poplar Springs in Howard County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
St. Michael's Church
Celebrating 125 Years
| | 1879 - 2004 | |
Large numbers of Catholics continue to move into the four county area that St. Michael's parish serves. By the late 1970's, it was evident that the parish needed a new church to serve the people. Tom Miller, the building committee chairman, lead the pastoral council through many options before settling on a plan designed by architect Tony Whales. When Tom Miller's job took him to Brazil, John H. Foertschbeck became the building chairman.
Ground breaking took place on August 8, 1982, with the Most Rev. P. Francis Murphy present. The pastor was Monsignor Robert A. Bozel. A capital campaign was conducted by Kirby-Smith and Associates with a goal of $650,000. The church, seating 550 people, was dedicated on October 30, 1983.
Interesting Facts: The original bell from the historical church was electrified and installed in the new church.
The oak sanctuary furniture (altar, lecterns and chairs) were donated to the St. Michael's Solidarity of the Blesses Virgin Mary with money raised through their fundraisers. They also presented a check for $10,000 to the priest at the groundbreaking.
The altar crucifix, a unique image of the suffering Christ, was made by artist Jay Warren of Trenton, New Jersey. The design for the eight and one-half foot crucifix was chosen from over 50 submissions from artists all over the world, including one form Israel. Jim Onaitis was the coordinator of the artist search.
Stations of the Cross were purchased in 1991 after a parish community selection process was completed.
The organ was purchased by Frank and Betty Ann Hevey.
The grand piano was anonymously donated by a parishioner.
A burn the mortgage celebration took place on May 15, 1988.
Erected 2004
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1988.
Location. 39° 20.339′ N, 77° 6.351′ W. Marker is in Poplar Springs, Maryland, in Howard County. It is on Saint Michaels Road 0.1 miles north of Hardy Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1125 St Michaels Rd, Mount Airy MD 21771, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: St. Michael's Outdoor Grotto (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Michael's Religious Education Wing & Multipurpose Building
Other markers no longer nearby. Simpson & Mount Gregory United Methodist Churches (was approx. Ό mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Poplar Springs (was approx. half a mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
