Holy Ghost

Holy Ghost Church was established in 1875 to serve the German Catholic farming community in the Town of Gates, west of Rochester. The parish was part of the wave of German national parishes founded in the Diocese of Rochester during the late 19th century, allowing immigrants to worship in their native language and maintain their cultural traditions.

The early years saw frequent pastoral changes, with several priests serving brief terms as the small rural parish struggled to establish itself. Father Mathias J. Hargather provided stability during his tenure from 1880 to 1888. The present church building was constructed in 1906 under Father John M. Boppel, replacing the original wooden structure.

Father Peter A. Erras served the longest pastorate in the parish's history, leading the congregation from 1908 to 1936—a remarkable 28 years that spanned both World Wars. As Gates transformed from farmland to suburbs in the mid-20th century, Holy Ghost grew alongside the community. Father Albert J. Geiger continued this tradition of long service, shepherding the parish for 25 years from 1943 to 1968.

The parish remained active for nearly 145 years before closing in 2020. Holy Ghost was formerly part of the Holy Family parish cluster in Gates.