Christ Church Memorials
Many of the stained glass windows and many of the pieces of furniture in churches have been given in memory of past worshippers.
The Font
The original font was given by John Elliott and it stood near the west door. When, in 1916, it was proposed to remove it and build a new Baptistery and have a new font, Mr Ellion presented the original font to the Chapel of Liverpool Royal Infirmary
The new font, together with the erection of a semi-enclosed Baptistery, was given by Mr and Mrs Fred Dobson in memory of their son who died in 1916, aged 6. In order to erect the Baptistry screen, one or two pews had to be removed from the back of the Nave.
During Rev Laurie Skipper's incumbency a new portable wooden font was purchased so that baptisms could take place during Sunday services at the Chance I Steps in view of the congregation.
The Reading Desk or Lectern
There is an inscription at the base of the brass lectern stating that it was presented in memory of Miss Elizabeth Hanison by her pupils. She died on May 15th 1880.
The Credence Table
This was given in memory of Annie C. Wolstenholme on July 16th 1922.
The Lord's Table
The original altar or Lord's Table was a narrow wooden table covered by hanging frontals which were changed according to the season of the Church's year. These frontals have been kept in church and are stored in a special large wooden box behind the organ. The present carved table in the chancel came from St Michael's Church. It had been given in memory of a parishioner a few years
before the church closed. When the Rev Laurie Skipper saw the handsome table he said it must come up to Christ Church.
The Pulpit
The original pulpit, according to the record books, was very high and at one time was on the north side of the church. During alterations last century, the pulpit was moved to the south side and lowered. We do not have a clear description of this pulpit.
The present pulpit was given by Mr and Mrs Wolstenholme in 1920 in memory of their two sons who died in the First World War. The Wolstenholmes, who were cotton merchants, had lived in Oxton for many years and had a long association with Christ Church.
A well-known West Country craftsman was commissioned to carve the pulpit. There is a lot of detail in the carvings and it is well worth a close look. Christ's Crucifixion, Ascension and Resurrection are depicted in different panels. Two soldiers are seen at the foot of the cross. The inscription reads "In loving memory of Captain Richard Francis Wolstenholme, 15th Battalion Cheshire Regiment, killed in action at Arras, November 28th 1916 aged 22 and of Lieutenant George Mellor Wolstenholme M.M.C. of the 9th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, killed in action at Beauvevoir, France 5th October 1918 aged 21."
The East Window
When a landmine landed in Bessborough Road during the Second World War, the East Window of the church was shattered and destroyed. After the war, in 1951, a lady artist, Mrs Everett, was commissioned to design a new East Window.
Since the church has 'Christ Church' for its dedication, the central feature of the window was bound to be a representation of the Exalted Christ. The details of the angelic figures on either side are drawn from the Book of Revelations. The seated triumphant Christ holds in his hands the Book of Destiny that controls and interprets the course of human history. His feet are depicted as resting upon the globe - Christ the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Beneath is an impression of the new Jerusalem 'coming down from God out of heaven' surrounded and lit by the seven lamps of fire which are the seven spirits of God. The face of Christ has a marked Hebrew likeness, but it is a strong face. The plain glass in the window has been successfully tinted so that there is no glare in strong sunlight. (Taken from the Parish Magazine, May 1959).
The Nave Windows
There are five windows on either side of the Nave. Those on the north side were shattered by bomb blasts during the Second World War and were replaced with clear glass to give more light. The stained glass windows on the south side of the Nave were given in memory of Canon Robson and prominent members of the congregation.
The window in memory of Canon Robson depicts a scene from Pilgrim's Progress, showing the Evangelist in the house of the Interpreter. The second window is in memory of Robed and Kate Thompson of Roland House. There are two windows in memory of the Ropers - one remembering James Roper and the other in memory of his wife Agnes. The window nearest the gallery is in memory of John Scott and his wife Elizabeth. James and Agnes Roper are also remembered by two plaques on the north wall of the Nave. James Roper lived at Rydall Mount, a large house in Shrewsbury Road and was a well-known philanthropist. Among the many projects he supported was the building of the Children's Hospital in Woodchurch Road.