The parish church of Ashton-in-Makerfield is St. Thomas, Warrington Road.

The ancient parish of Ashton which still exists to the present was under the jurisdiction of the Rector of Ashton, the Incumbent of Holy Trinity, 'Garswood' (Downalll Green, in present geographical name). The Rector of 'Garswood' is Patron to the Parish of Ashton (St. Thomas). It is a question of patronage which needs to be understood. A 'patron' has the right to appoint a memeber of the clergy to a benefice; to appoint someone as vicar of the parish. ( a benefice is a parish that allows the priest to live their until they die). In Ashton's case, this is the Rector of Holy Trinity, Downall Green (North Ashton). However, he or she is not the vicar of Ashton.
Hope this is useful.
Bill

Town: Old Ashtonian