Revd. Simon Renison
Rev Simon Renison moved to Warrington and founded Church Collective late 2021, a church comprising of different ‘Collectives’ or microchurches. Since 2021 over 10 Collectives have started with the aim of taking the good news of Jesus to people where they are, in schools, community centres, cafe’s, etc.
Since Easter 2025, Church Collective and Christ Church have embarked on an amalgamation, to join together as one church, under Rev Simon’s leadership.
Simon is married to his wife Hannah and they have 3 children. When he’s not at church he enjoys mountain biking, playing tennis and is also a dab hand at DIY.
Revd. Emma Stonier
Rev Emma was ordained in 2024 and joined Christ Church in July that year. Since ordination Emma has been priested and has enjoyed supporting people pastorally and prayerfully, encouraging people in their discipleship and giftings and the privilege of sharing Holy Communion with God’s people.
Emma is married to her husband Isaac and they have a dog called Benny. When she’s not at church she enjoys baking, crafting, and family walks.
Our history
Christ Church was founded by Horace Powys, the Rector of Warrington, on land donated by George Hatton. It was built in local brick and sandstone and was originally a simple rectangular shape with no chancel. The church was consecrated on 26th September 1838 by the Bishop of Chester. Powys, as founder, is commemorated on a stone in the chancel floor and by the old font, which is now located by the entrance.
The original benches were replaced by pews in 1881 and two years later the present chancel, vestry and organ chamber were added to the designs of William Owen. The previous tiny vestry then became the boiler house. The east and west windows were put in as memorials and in 1891, the reredos and the lectern were given in memory, respectively, of W.H. Williams (former incumbent) and William Beamont (former mayor of Warrington).
There were major refurbishments in the 1960s for which George Pace was architect. He introduced a central altar, and replaced the choir stalls, the nave glazing, the light fittings, the font and the pulpit. The aumbry and the three banner cases were added later.
In 1992 a new porch was constructed in sympathy with the rest of the building and at the same time a Meeting Room with Gallery above was formed at the west end. A new electronic organ was purchased and installed after completion of the porch extension which has a disabled-accessible toilet.
We have recently installed an efficient sound system, and lighting has been improved. We also installed a new heating system that actually keeps us warm!
Our school
Christ Church Primary is a Church of England Voluntary-Aided Primary School with Ian Williams as Head Teacher.
Please click here to visit their website.
The Church PCC nominates four governors to the governing body of Christ Church Primary School. Governors support the provision of high quality education through the context of Christian belief and practice. Governors serve a term of four years.