The Holy Ghost Catholic Church is one that virtually anyone can look at and just KNOW that it's preservation was important to Denver. The reason for this is quite simple. The city of Denver grew up AROUND the Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Let me explain.
Long before the construction of the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was started in 1902, the Holy Ghost Catholic Church had her roots in the first Catholic church constructed in Denver. That church was St. Mary's Cathedral, and was built in 1860.
In 1905, the St. Mary's parish divided and the Holy Ghost Catholic Church began under the leadership of Father Frederick Bender. Father Bender built his church at what is today 20th and Curtis St. In 1923, then parish priest Father William Neenen purchased property for a new Holy Ghost Catholic Church at 19th and California St for a sum of $70,000. Denver architect J. B. Benedict designed the new Holy Ghost Catholic Church and construction began on February 24, 1924. On the day of it's dedication, less than 1/3 of the church was actually completed due to a lack of finances. 
Denver socialite and philanthropist, Helen Bonfils stepped up in October of 1940, and paid for the completion of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in memory of her parents.
300 tons of Colorado Travertine marble finished the walls and columns of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, making it the largest collection of this type of marble in the United States.
As Downtown Denver grew, the preservation of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church was so important, that new skyscrapers were designed and built around the church in order not to disturb any part of the structure.
During the 1970's & 1980's, the Holy Ghost Catholic Church became more and more involved in helping Denver's poor and homeless. Today the Holy Ghost Catholic Church opens her doors to the homeless, feeding, clothing and offering shelter.
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