Holy Ghost
Basingstoke, Hampshire
Holy Ghost church was built in the early English style by Canon Alexander Scholes, who is buried in the church grounds and his memorial headstone is on the north side of the church.
It was opened on August 25th 1801 under the pastorate of the Revd Joseph Jefferson. The building has seen many changes over the years. It was enlarged in 1854 and a new front which included the imposing pillars was added in in 1860.
In 1882 the interior was completely renovated and a new gallery installed. Other rooms were built and many alterations made in ensuing years. There were two side aisles and a central pulpit until in 1962 the pulpit was moved to the side and the apse opened up following the installation of a new organ, In later years the removal of the front two rows of the choir pews at each side enlarged the dais area.
During the most recent changes between 1994 and 1996, the rooms behind the sanctuary were demolished and rebuilt. The sanctuary was renovated making the floor level with one central aisle. Chairs replaced the pews on the ground floor. New lighting and heating was installed, the roof replaced and a new custom designed organ was installed. The foyer was enlarged. To facilitate this, the memorial window, originally inside the main doors was removed and installed in the memorial room and library.
The garden at the side of the church was incorporated into the premises and forms the present concourse, which with its glass roof provides a light and airy meeting place for coffee after morning service and for the Oasis Cafe.