“Unknown,” someone wrote online about the Church of the Holy Spirit on University Avenue. They said they only visited the school or church for psalms on Sunday. They had passed it millions of times. They were a lifetime resident of the Morris Heights area.
The Church of the Holy Spirit has touched many lives. Some attended its school in the 1950s. They recall the aqueduct nearby. It served as a shortcut to school. Others remember Father Manning. One person served as an altar boy. Sister Margaret Joseph was a favorite teacher. They lived on Cedar Avenue. They walked to school each day. They remembered the convent. It was on the east side. They spent evenings there correcting homework.
In 2009 someone went to the school. They started in pre-K. They miss it very much. Now in fourth grade, they attend church at Holy Spirit. They remember Miss Miller and Mr. Dezone.
William Lyon McLaughlin and Anna Claire Vitali married at Holy Spirit. Their wedding was on September 2, 1926. Getting a marriage certificate through the parish office is routine. But do not call on Good Friday. The office staff will be busy. Call on Monday instead. The number is 718-583-0120. There may be a fee. Identification might be required.
Someone found their Certificate of Baptism. It was among their mother’s old records. They were baptized at Holy Spirit in 1956. Rev. Bernard McSherry performed the ceremony.
Monsignor Michael A Walsh was a pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit. He died in 1958. He rests in the Cemetery of Saint Raymond in the Bronx. Someone sought information and photos of him.
One person finds old parishes interesting. They want to know about the architects and builders.
The Church of the Holy Spirit clearly holds many memories for people. These memories span decades. People connect with the church through school. They connect through sacraments. Some connect through clergy. These connections create a rich history. This history binds people to the Church of the Holy Spirit.