Worship Spaces at CHS
The grounds at the Church of the Holy Spirit are specifically designed for the glorification of God and the enjoyment of our parishioners and visitors. We carefully maintain our property to ensure a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. Our buildings and designated special areas each have a history and purpose of their own. We sincerely hope that every visitor enjoys our grounds and finds peace, solace and purpose while here.
Main Sanctuary
Congregational growth prompted construction of a new church sanctuary, and the "Big Church" was consecrated by Bishop John W. Howe in 1990. The big church replicates the feel and atmosphere that parishioners love about the original church, but accommodates a much larger number of people. High ceilings create spaciousness while the wood and stained glass add to the warm feel of the interior.
Both churches display Carpenter Gothic architecture and reflect the Gospel Story of Jesus Christ in stained-glass windows.
Chapel
Our Chapel, affectionately known as the “Little Church,” was designated a Florida Heritage Site in 2016. It is currently the second oldest building in the City of Apopka.
This little church began as a simple rectangular board and batten structure built in 1886 by the First Congregational Church on Main Street in Apopka. It was located in the center of town on the corner of Main Street and Park Avenue. Services were held in the church for ten years until the Great Freeze of 1895 forced the congregation to disband. The building housed various businesses during subsequent years, and eventually fell into neglect.
In 1902, two Orange County educators, sisters Elizabeth Emma and Mary E. Dart, prevailed upon Saint Luke's Cathedral in Orlando to purchase the building for $75 to start an Episcopal Mission. The Dart sisters, alongside other Episcopalians, restored and re-consecrated the church. Bishop William Crane Gray held the first service November 16, 1902, in the renamed Church of the Holy Spirit.
Parking issues and traffic noise forced the congregation to relocate the church to its current location on Highland Avenue in 1970. It serves as Holy Spirit's Memorial Garden Chapel. It is used throughout the year for weddings, funerals, and special services. It is also used for youth activities, VBS, and after-school programs. Several times a year it is opened for tours that include its history and background of the exquisite stained-glass windows. It represents a valuable historical treasure to Apopka City, Orange County, and Florida state history.
Memorial Garden
Nestled between the Chapel and the Parish Hall is the Holy Spirit Memorial Garden. Ashes of deceased members of the church may be interred in the Memorial Garden. Bronze markers on the pillars note the names of those buried, while a grid provides a specific location for those in the future to determine where their loved one was buried. A comfortable bench by the fountain featuring a statue of St. Francis of Assisi provides a quiet spot for peaceful meditation. Bricks may also be purchased for the walkway either in memory of or in thanksgiving for individuals and families.
