Christ Church Wellington Road North Heaton Norris

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF “CHRIST CHURCH,” HEATON NORRIS This ceremony took place on Monday last on the site of the intended erection, opposite the Heaton Norris railway station. The site was given and the church endowed with £1,000 by William Egerton Esq., and the funds for building raised by voluntary contribution, aided by a grant of £2,000 from the Manchester and Eccles Church Building Society; £400 from the Incorporated Society for Building Churches; £500 from her majesty’s commissioners; and £500 from the Chester Diocesan Society. [Manchester Guardian 31 July 1844 page 6]

The church was gutted by fire in 1977 and, all but the tower and spire were destroyed. The layout of the rest of the church can be seen in the foundations that remain. All the fittings, glass, furnishings appear to have been stolen or destroyed in the fire, including the five clock bells by Warner (1896) which were stolen in 1977.I t was acquired by The Churches Conservation Trust in May 1979.

Foundation    29 July 1844. Stone laid by Wilbraham Egerton

Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 27 January 1844 Page 1 Column 6
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 4 May 1844 Page 1(Contracts)
Reference    Manchester Guardian 31 July 1844 page 6 – foundation stone