A recently opened bar in a former Maryland chapel is drawing criticism from some community members, particularly alumni of the former all-girls Catholic school housed there. The Wye Oak Tavern, located within the luxury Visitation Hotel in Frederick, has positioned its bar around the former high altar, a move that has sparked a petition and calls for change.

The petition, signed by over 3,000 people, urges the hotel owners to relocate the bar, arguing that its current placement disrespects the sacred heritage of the space. While the chapel was deconsecrated before the hotel's opening, petitioners argue that the presence of stained-glass windows, angel statues, and the altar itself creates an atmosphere inappropriate for a bar.

Wye Oak Tavern. (Lance Jaccard of OTJ Architects)

The hotel's developers maintain that they have taken steps to respect the chapel's history, including removing religious artifacts and donating them to local churches. They also emphasize that the bar is structurally separate from the altar. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that the bar's location remains offensive.

Father John Williamson of St. John Church in Frederick deconsecrating the chapel.  (Derrick Erwee, manager of the Visitation Hotel)

Alumni and community members have expressed their concerns to the hotel management, requesting a meeting to discuss potential solutions. Suggestions include relocating the bar or removing the altar entirely. The hotel developers have encouraged those with concerns to visit the property and see the renovations firsthand. They also highlighted the economic benefits the hotel brings to the city, including job creation and increased tourism.

Left to right: Sister Francis Therese Leary, V.H.M, Sister Mary Paula Leary, V.H.M., Mother Marguerite Therese Leary, V.H.M. and Sister Mary Joseph Sander, V.H.M. (Virginia Leary)

The Archdiocese of Baltimore, while acknowledging the concerns, expressed sympathy for those affected by the situation. The city of Frederick, meanwhile, has welcomed the hotel as a positive addition to the downtown area, praising the developers' investment in revitalizing the historic building.

Faithful walk through the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, after it was opened by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve, marking the start of the Catholic 2025 Jubilee. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)