Holy Spirit Catholic Church began as a mission of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Warrington, Florida.

The first Mass at Holy Spirit Mission was celebrated in July 1955. A year later, a 12-acre tract was purchased on Gulf Beach Highway, where the church now stands.

In April of 1967, parishioners built a new mission church, known as the Church of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit became an independent parish less than a decade later.

In February 1997, a vandal set fire to the 30-year old church, destroying 80 percent of the building. Construction of the new church was completed and the first Mass celebrated in April 1998.

Holy Spirit Parish is a growing and thriving community of Catholic believers on the farthest western boundaries of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.

Written by Kimberly Savoia-McHugh and Sarah Speed, Students, Pensacola Catholic High School, 2011.

Copyright diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, 2011.