The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit will have a celebration of its 300th anniversary on Memorial Day weekend. The parish was founded as Christ Church in 1723. Following the 2006 merger of Christ Church and St. John by-the-Sea, the new parish adopted the name Church of the Holy Spirit.
As Christ Church, the parish is the second oldest Episcopalian congregation in the State of Connecticut after Christ Church, Stratford. It has been known as the “Mother Church of Central Connecticut,” having established many other parishes and missions, such as Good Shepherd, Orange, the aforementioned St. John by-the-Sea and the former St. Martins In-the-Field, West Haven just to name a few.
The celebration begins with an open house on Saturday, May 27 from 1- 5 p.m. During that time, tours of the 116-year-old church building and parish house will be given, as well as viewing of historical documents and materials, many dating back to the 1723 founding.
The celebration continues on May 28 with the Feast of Pentecost and a festive pontifical mass, celebrated the Rt. Rev. Laura Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan of Connecticut at 9, with a reception following.
For decades the parish has been known for its outreach ministries. It has a vegetable garden specifically for WHEAT and cooks and serves breakfast to the needy at Columbus House one Sunday a month. The Church has opened its doors for decades by hosting many Boy and Girl Scout troops, as well as numerous substance abuse recovery organizations. The parish house is also a voting precinct for the City of West Haven’s first district.
All celebratory activities are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Vestryman Steven R. Mullins at (203) 824-4262.