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Christ Church was built in 1891-99 to replace a much humbler building by something more in keeping with the increasing prosperity
of this rapidly growing suburb of Liverpool. Its majestic tower of pink sandstone became a landmark for sailors, and still
dominates the neighbourhood. The church was disused for many years, and World War II bombing and later vandalism wreaked some
damage, but the architecture is hauntingly romantic. It is a huge and impressive building with wonderful stained glass and
a strong sense of Victorian confidence and civic pride.
The fittings and furnishings have gone but the interior remains striking. Soaring timber vaults form the roofs and graceful
arches lead your eye to the great east window. Here, in vibrantly colourful stained glass, are depicted Christ with angels,
saints and Old Testament figures. The west window is similarly gorgeous, and depicts the twelve Apostles. The glass is by
Shrigley and Hunt, among the leading manufacturers of their period.
The present church was built in 1891-99 to designs by Austin & Paley of Preston and replaced the earlier church built
in 1840. The firm was the leading architectural practice in the north-west and, at the time the church was built, it was at
the height of its prolific and creative output, specialising in fine churches.
By about 1980 the congregation had dwindled and in 1982 the church was declared redundant and fell into disrepair. In
1993 the church was in a very sorry state so a demolition scheme was published. As a result of objections a non-statutory
public inquiry was held and resulted in the church being vested in the Churches Conservation Trust. With the help of grants
the roofs were repaired, dry rot was dealt with and later the windows and the interior were repaired.
The church is built in Bootle sandstone with roofs of Westmorland slate. The style is typical of the architects' town
churches of the period, being a freely-treated Perpendicular but with innovative elements including details that can almost
be described as Art Nouveau.
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