Bloomfield College's Westminster Arts Center, previously a Presbyterian Church, is notorious for being the location of multiple theatrical performances and the home to a mysterious ghost girl.
Julia Comstock Stout, the said Westminster phantom, was the daughter of one of the founders of the early church, but her cause of death remains unknown. The most famous tale tells that she committed suicide in the bell tower because she was pregnant out of wedlock, but the most reasonable belief is that she died from Scarlet Fever. Her relevance in Bloomfield falls on the shoulders of many theatrical organizations associated with the facility, especially Bloomfield High School's fall play cast.
The fall production is annually produced in the Westminster Arts Center Theater, but surprisingly not many are familiar with the myth. Actor Mark Mabalatan, a junior who was also unaware of the story, commented that he has never experienced anything paranormal or odd, but when asked about feeling uncomfortable at any point while in the building, his answer changed.
“Oh yeah, totally,” Mabalatan continued, “Being in that theater has kind of a creepy feeling, but it’s hard to tell if it’s from the architecture of the building or that a phantom is roaming its halls.” He also later stated that there was an inescapable eeriness when he had to walk around during rehearsals, especially in the dark.
The ghost of Westminster Arts Center remains a mystery to all. Her history, presence and purpose for inhabiting the theater will prevail as unknown, but don’t let her evasiveness fool you. She may just show up when you least expect it and give you all the answers.