The church of Saint-Esprit (Paris 12ème) was conceived in the 1920s and taken into use after it’s inauguration in 1933. Architect Paul Tournon draw inspiration from Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and it is one of the earliest churches built out of concrete in France. It’s interior was decorated by a large number of artists such as Maurice Denis, George Devallière & Jean Dupas, and is considered to be the most important assembly of art from the interwar period in France.

The church’s first organist was the prodigious Jeanne Demessieux (1921-1968) who worked there between 1933 and 1962.

The organ, which is the accompaniment organ, was built by Gloton-Debierre upon the conception by Albert Alain, and inaugurated by Jehan Alain in December 1934. It has 15 stops and 2 manuals & pedal. There was also plans for a big instrument, but it was never built.

Photo: Nils Boldt Christmas